Minister criticised over class size hikes

ANOTHER minister was slammed over planned class size increases after claiming the Government will help maintain the country’s reputation as a science leader.

Dr Jimmy Devins, Junior Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, was speaking at the opening of two Advanced Research Enhancement centres at Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) yesterday. “The Government stands willing, ready and able to foster and support centres like these to push Ireland to leader status in research and development globally,” he said.

Dr Devins told the Irish Examiner it is unfortunate that class sizes would increase, but he has faith in the education system’s ability to maintain standards of students taking up science, engineering and technology at third level. “It is a challenge we have to meet head on and once we improve the general economic situation, which we expect to take up to 18 months, we hope to continue reducing class sizes,” he said.