10th September 2024
The latest OECD Education at a Glance report exposes the persistent issues of overcrowded classrooms and inadequate funding for primary education in Ireland, revealing that the country continues to fall behind its global peers.
Low Overall Investment
The report shows that education spending fell most significantly in Ireland between 2015 and 2021. In 2021, the average OECD expenditure per primary student was $11,902, while Ireland spent only $10,959 per student, placing it 8% below the OECD average. Moreover, Ireland allocates just 1.1% of its GDP to primary education, compared to the OECD average of 1.4%, positioning it in the lower third of OECD countries for investment in primary education. The report serves as a stark warning to the current government, as Ireland remains at the bottom of the league of 35 nations studied by the OECD in terms of overall education expenditure.
Overcrowded Classrooms
Education at a Glance 2024 confirms once again that class sizes in Ireland at the primary level exceed both the EU and OECD averages. Although average class sizes in Ireland decreased by two pupils in the decade before 2022, they still stood at an average of 23, three pupils higher than the EU average. The Department of Education recently confirmed that the average class size in Ireland was 22.5 in the last school year. With only one more budget left for the current government, it faces a final opportunity to provide equal opportunities for Ireland’s primary pupils.
Primary Teaching Hours Well Above Average
The report finds that the average teaching hours in the primary sector across the OECD is 773, while Ireland’s primary teachers work 17% longer, with 905 hours per year. It also highlights that teacher shortages can exacerbate educational inequalities, stressing that comprehensive support and recognition of the unique challenges faced by teachers in disadvantaged areas are essential to attract and retain motivated teachers. The INTO plans to intensify its teacher supply campaign in the run-up to the general election.
Reacting to the report, INTO General Secretary John Boyle emphasised the urgent need for the Irish Government to reduce class sizes and increase funding for primary and special education to meet the OECD average in Budget 2025.
Our classrooms are still seriously overcrowded. Class sizes must be reduced by two points on budget day. The Government must also reinstate the 1,700 assistant principalships that were cut from schools in 2009. Primary schools are operating under severe financial constraints, struggling to cover basic running costs. The Government’s continued underfunding not only places undue pressure on schools but also compromises the quality of education for our children,” Boyle stated.
“We are calling for a 20% increase in two of the core grants paid annually to primary and special schools—the capitation and minor works grants—and a higher ancillary services grant to alleviate this burden and ensure sustainable, adequate funding for primary education in Ireland. It is imperative that the Government steps up to deliver its constitutional obligation to provide truly free primary education for all.
The INTO has reiterated its demands as part of its pre-budget campaign, highlighting the need for smaller classes, replenished school leadership teams, increased capitation grants, and sustained financial support for primary schools to better align Ireland’s primary education system with OECD norms.