The Government has confirmed that, as a result of decisions taken in Budget 2021, the pupil teacher ratio in primary schools will be reduced to 25 – 1.
The decision has been welcomed by Fine Gael Galway West TD, and the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton. "As a former teacher, I know the stress that is brought to bear on teachers trying to cope with large numbers of students,” she said.
Additional education measures in this year’s budget include 307 primary teacher posts; more than 400 additional teaching posts to support those with special education needs; a further 267 teacher posts across primary and post primary to cater for growing enrolments; an additional 990 special needs assistants; and an additional 80 occupational, speech and language, and behavioural therapists.
“The children of today are gearing up to become adult citizens of tomorrow," she said. "It is vital the education sector is helped to provide the best educational setting. This is why I am particularly pleased with today’s announcement."
