FG call on minister to explain rising class sizes

Figures released today by Fine Gael reveal the primary school class sizes are increasing despite Government promises to address the problem.

The figures show that over 73,000 primary school children are in classes of more than 30 and more than 5,000 students are in classes of over 35.

The overall maximum class size guideline currently stands at 29 and figures for Irish class sizes are consistently higher than most of our European neighbours.

Fine Gael spokesperson on Education, Olwyn Enright, has called on the Minister for Education, Mary Hanifin, for an explanation for these figures and for Government inaction on the promises it made in this regard before the last General Election.