Question to the Minister for Education and Skills (Ms. Jan O’Sullivan, TD)
To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the savings accrued annually from the changes made to the pupil-teacher ratio of fee-paying schools; the number of staff positions annually that have been lost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. – Jerry Buttimer
For WRITTEN ANSWER on 9, June, 2015.
REPLY
As part of budget measures introduced since 2012 the pupil teacher ratio applicable to fee-charging schools was increased from 19.1 to 23.1. At present, the State pays the salaries of one teacher for every 23 pupils in these schools compared with one teacher for every 19 pupils in schools in the free education scheme. A ratio of 18.25 pupils to one teacher, applies in DEIS schools.
There are currently 52 fee charging schools. Fee-charging schools can, through fees charged, employ teachers privately, an option which is not available to schools in the free education scheme. The application of the 23.1 ratio for fee-paying schools has resulted in circa 220 less teaching posts in that sector with an estimated annual saving of circa €14m.