Tensions over class crowding directive

TENSIONS have started to rise between teachers, the Government and school managers after claims that a union has told members to walk out on overcrowded classes.

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has sent a reminder to its 8,000 second level members, returning to work next week, of a long-standing directive not to teach classes of more than 30 students. In the case of practical subjects, the most students allowed under the directive is 24, with just 20 for home economics classes.

But although the policy has been in place for many years, both Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe and the body representing most TUI members’ employers reacted angrily to the guidelines for implementing it.