David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Irish National Teachers Organisation released figures yesterday which show that one quarter of all primary school students in Waterford - the Leader's county - are in so-called super size classrooms. The union is right to raise this issue. It is organising public meetings across all cities and counties in the State, including in Waterford. The union points to the problems for pupils created by super size classes. It has been proven that larger class sizes have an impact on the education of children and on educational outcomes, not only for children from disadvantaged backgrounds and children who are challenged but also for some of the better students. The Government needs to consider this issue in the budget. We are not hearing good news from the Minister for Education and Skills who is talking about increasing class sizes from 28 to 30. There needs to be a debate in advance of the budget. We should listen to the parents, students and teachers at those public meetings and take those concerns directly to the Minister by way of organising a debate in the House during which we can challenge the Minister on spending in the education sector and in the primary level sector. There is no doubt that if the Minister goes ahead to increase class sizes again, it will have an impact on the education of children and will have a negative impact on many teachers who are already under pressure. I appeal to the Leader to arrange a debate with the Minister for Education and Skills as quickly as possible so that we can discuss all these issues in advance of the budget.