Government must address large Westmeath class sizes - Clarke TD

Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath, Sorca Clarke has called on the government to take immediate action to address the issue of very large class sizes in Westmeath, after the latest figures showed that 38 primary school classes in the county have more than 30 pupils.

Speaking this week, Deputy Clarke says that the latest class size figures are "completely unacceptable".

“The information released to me shows that there were 38 primary school classes in Westmeath with more than 30 pupils in 2023/2024, the latest year figures are available for. It is a direct result of the government’s failure to adequately invest in our education system and to deliver on its commitments to reduce class sizes and improve the pupil-teacher ratio.

“Large class sizes have a significant impact on the quality of education our children receive. Teachers are overburdened and it's impossible for them to give pupils the individual attention they need to thrive. This is particularly concerning at primary level, where the foundations for future learning are laid.

“The government has repeatedly promised to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio and while the overall ratio across the state is now down to 23:1, this is largely due to demographics, and there are still far too many very large classes - 1,637 across the state and 38 in Westmeath. Families and educators are being let down.

“Sinn Féin has consistently called for increased investment in education, including hiring more teachers, building new schools, and expanding existing facilities to ensure that every child has access to a quality education in a supportive environment.

“I am urging the Minister for Education to take immediate action to address this issue. This includes delivering on the commitment to reduce class sizes, providing adequate funding for school infrastructure, and ensuring that Westmeath and other areas with growing populations have the resources they need to meet demand.

“It’s time for the government to step up and deliver the investment and support our schools and pupils urgently need.”