August 3, 2021
It is now time to tackle large class sizes – Eoin Ó Broin TD and Mark Ward TD

Sinn Féin TDs for Dublin Mid-West, Eoin Ó Broin and Mark Ward have called on the Minister for Education to urgently tackle large class sizes.

The call comes as figures released to Sinn Féin show there are over 2,500 classes across the country with over 30 kids.

Teachta O’Broin said:

“The pandemic has shone a light on the fact that our education system is underfunded, understaffed and overcrowded. It is clear that overcrowding in classrooms is a huge problem.

“Figures provided to Sinn Féin via a recent Parliamentary Question show that there were over 2,500 classes across the country with over 30 kids last year, with 169 of those classes in South Dublin. This is the second-highest in the country.

“The average class size in the area in 2020 was 24.1, well above the EU average of 20.”

Teachta Ward said:

“The reality is, that keeping school buildings open in the last year was made much more difficult because we have some of the highest class sizes in Europe.

“There are countless classes that are far too big, in buildings too small, and not fit for purpose. In Dublin Mid-West, for example, there was a shocking 35 kids sharing one classroom last year.

“The first step in ensuring that educational standards and safety protocols are maintained, is by drastically reducing class sizes down to the EU average of 20.

“If there ever was a time to tackle this issue, surely it is now.

“The government must immediately undertake an audit of class sizes across the country, and work to address this issue sooner rather than later, so that schools can remain open in a safe and sustainable way in the coming months.”

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

Sinn Féin launched our health plan for local health services. We want people to have the very best access to local healthcare services. You can read our plan here 👉 https://vote.sinnfein.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Caring-for-Communities.pdf
@davidcullinane

Tackling the crisis in Lough Neagh is a priority.

Today I visited the Lough and heard first hand about the issues it faces, and I am glad that coordinated efforts are underway to protect its stunning beauty and essential roles in the environment, tourism, fishing, and water…

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/childcaresurvey2024

Sinn Féin is working to make childcare affordable and accessible for all parents.

We have launched a survey to listen to your personal experiences of childcare, and to help us address issues facing families.

Please take a moment to fill in our survey.

Irish intervention in ICJ genocide case must be meaningful – Matt Carthy TD

“The intervention must be a meaningful one that sets out clearly the position of the Irish people that Israel is engaged in a genocide against the people of Gaza”

@mattcarthy

Load More