Large classroom numbers in Cork a concern

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Figures show over 200 classrooms across the county have over 30 students.

Sinn Féin TD for Cork East, Pat Buckley has called on the government to take immediate action to address the issue of very large class sizes in Cork , after the latest figures showed that 219 primary school classes in the county have more than 30 pupils.

In 2013 classroom sizes in primary schools were among the largest in the EU, with an average of around 25–26 pupils per class. The government introduced measures to reduce this figure by increasing the number of teachers, As of 2023, the government has set a target to bring the average primary classroom size closer to the EU average (around 20 pupils per class).

Deputy Buckley said:

“The information released shows that there were 219 primary school classes in Cork with more than 30 pupils in 2023/2024, the latest year figures are available for. This is completely unacceptable.

It is a direct result of the government’s failure to adequately invest in our education system and to deliver on its commitments toreduce class sizes and improve the pupil-teacher ratio.  All classes of over 30 kids should be abolished, and never allowed to return.

“It is clear that overcrowding in classrooms is a huge problem. Large class sizes have a significant impact on the quality of education our children receive. Teachers are overburdened and it's impossible for them to give pupils the individual attention they need to thrive. This is particularly concerning at primary level, where the foundations for future learning are laid.

“The government has repeatedly promised to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio and while the overall ratio across the state is now down to 23:1, this is largely due to demographics, and there are still far too many very large classes - 1,637 across the state and 219 in Cork. Families and educators are being let down.

“Sinn Féin has consistently called for increased investment in education, including hiring more teachers, building new schools, and expanding existing facilities to ensure that every child has access to a quality education in a supportive environment.

“I am urging the Minister for Education to take immediate action to address this issue. If there ever was a time to tackle this issue, surely it is now. This includes delivering on the commitment to reduce class sizes, providing adequate funding for school infrastructure, and ensuring that Cork and other areas with growing populations have the resources they need to meet demand.

“It’s time for the government to step up and deliver the investment and support our schools and pupils urgently need.”