Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

Like other speakers, I want to address the issue and perhaps my colleague, to whom I listened, could listen to what I have to say.

I commend the Irish National Teachers Organisation, INTO, for the initiative shown in this campaign. I attended an INTO conference some years ago when Deputy Noel Dempsey was the relevant Government Minister and the General Secretary of the union, Mr. John Carr, outlined to him that class size was the major issue. That is still the issue facing the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, as it has not yet been addressed.

The issue relates to what is best for children. Smaller class sizes are best for them, although funding is required. As other speakers pointed out, the Government made a commitment to reduce class sizes, although the Minister admits she has not achieved that goal. She claims this is because investments were made in the areas of special needs education and tackling disadvantage but this should not be an either or scenario. We should be able to reduce class sizes, while helping children with special needs. Funding should be set aside with this in mind.

In recent years the Minister introduced multi-annual funding, which is fine within a certain system, but it depends upon the whim of certain Ministers. A specific proportion of gross domestic product, GDP, must be set aside for education. We recommend a figure of 6%. People question where the money would come from for improvements in the education system. This is our answer.

Last year the Education at a Glance report showed that, on average, there were four more pupils in Irish primary schools than in other EU countries. The education policy of Sinn Féin — educate that you may be free — pledged to reduce class sizes to 15 pupils per teacher. I attended the same meeting in the Clarion Hotel and it was overcrowded, which was ironic in the circumstances. Speakers articulated the view that large class sizes were wrong and affecting their children. Parents of children with autism spoke of the difficulties their children faced.

The Government continues to under-invest in primary education, spending a mere 70% of the EU average. It is no wonder that classrooms are overcrowded, as we are spending only 6% of GDP on education, while other countries which are supposed to be poor such as Cuba spend up to 11%. This issue demands commitment, change and what is best for children. Smaller classes are best for them, as they can have a positive effect on discipline in schools. The resources are available. As a child's early years are vitally important, this matter must be addressed. I commend the Labour Party for tabling the motion.

See this speech in context