ASTI: Commitment to cut class sizes is long overdue

The Association of Secondary School Teachers says the commitment to have smaller classes is welcome but long overdue.

The Taoiseach promised to reduce class sizes if Fianna Fáil gets back into power in his speech at the party's Ard Fheis last night.

Bertie Ahern said he would bring in at least 4,000 new primary school teachers, and lessen class size at second level for the core subjects of Irish, English and maths.

ASTI General Secretary John White said he wants clarification of the Government's plans from the Minister for Education.

"It's a very important announcement by the Taoiseach, because we do have class sizes of lively, vibrant adolescents of 30 and over, and the matter needs to be addressed," he said.