"Government failure to tackle overcrowded classrooms undermines children's education."
That's according to Sinn Féin TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Pauline Tully who is calling on the Government to "act urgently" to reduce large class sizes.
New figures from the Department of Education, show that there were 190 primary school pupils in classes with 30 or more students in Cavan and 230 primary school pupils in classes with 30 or more students in Monaghan for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Deputy Tully described such figures as "clearly unacceptable."
She added that Government has "failed to plan and properly fund schools," which has resulted in unacceptably large class sizes including in Cavan-Monaghan.
Deputy Tully continued; "Starkly, the new figures highlighted that there are 420 students in classes of 30 or more spread across 13 different schools in Cavan-Monaghan. This is clearly unacceptable. High class sizes have a detrimental impact on the quality of education teachers can deliver. This undermines the teaching environment and children's ability to learn to the best of their ability.
"I am urging the Minister to urgently address this issue. There can be no more delays or excuses. All our children deserve the best chance in life,
through high quality education that should be a right and not subject to a postcode lottery.
"Sinn Féin wants to put an end to classes of over 30 pupils and ensure standards never slip to this stage again. We are committed to working
towards the EU average of 20 children per class which supports education and learning and allows for children who may need additional support or guidance to have that opportunity.
"Government need to get their act together and cut class sizes to fair and appropriate levels so children in Cavan-Monaghan get the education they deserve."
