Class size increase another Fine Gael/Labour U-turn – Crowe

  Sinn Féin education spokesperson Seán Crowe TD has described the
  government decision to increase class sizes as another U-turn from Fine
  Gael and the Labour Party which is based on meeting EU/IMF targets
  regardless of the social consequences for children.

  Speaking today Deputy Crowe said:

  “This cut represents another U-turn from Fine Gael and Labour who when
  in opposition argued correctly that larger class sizes not only affect
  the quality of teaching but make it more difficult to concentrate on
  children with special needs.

  “This proposal comes at a time when the government is slashing special
  needs assistants.  We already have some of largest class sizes in Europe
  with 100,000 in classes of more than 30 pupils.

  “Large class sizes have, in the past, resulted in pupils leaving school
  without basic skills like being able to read or write.  They also
  increase the disadvantage already felt by children of lower socio
  economic backgrounds.

  “This is a bad decision which is based on meeting EU/IMF targets
  regardless of the social consequences for our children who deserve so
  much better.”