Plans to raise the pupil-teacher ratio in primary and secondary schools have been dropped from the first instalment of the Budget.

The Irish Times reports the move, which would have seen the ratio rise from September 2012, has been put on hold and will now be up for consideration in 2013.

It was one of the measures leaked to the media ahead of the delivery of the budget by Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin today (December 5th).

The alterations, which also include reductions in child benefit for third and any subsequent children, come following the economic management committee meeting on Friday.

This followed the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and high-spending departments, including education, meeting to agree on revisions to cuts that are being made in a bid to reduce Ireland's debt.

General secretary of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland Pat King recently criticised the plan to increase the pupil-teacher ratio, saying it could have a detrimental effect on the quality of teaching in subjects such as German and chemistry.

Written by Donal Walsh

Comments