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10/04/2015
FF Warns 'Spiralling Class Sizes' Will Result In 'Major Deterioration'
Failure to act on spiralling class sizes will result in a "major deterioration of education standards", Fianna Fáil has warned.
TD for Laois – Offaly, Sean Fleming, has called on the government to "take action" to reduce class sizes.
Deputy Fleming said: "27% of pupils in Laois primary schools are in 'supersize' classes of more than 30 pupils, and the county also has one of the worst Pupil-Teacher Ratios in the country.
"It is completely unacceptable that a quarter of all classrooms across the country now breach the already too high pupil teacher ratio of 28-1.
"The problem is much worse in Laois as the county has one of the fastest growing populations in the country. 27% of pupils in Laois primary schools are already in oversized classes. These figures have got worse in recent years.
"The percentage of primary school pupils in class sizes of 30 or more has increased from 23% in 2011 to 27% today in county Laois. This deterioration is the fourth worst in the country with 22 other counties faring better than Laois since 2011.
"There is absolutely no doubt that children stuck in these supersized classrooms may suffer a lower standard of education despite the very best effort of teachers.
"Class sizes are getting larger and we need more teachers. The same schools in areas of growing population in Laois are being expected to take on more pupils every year without the additional resources they need.
"All of this is happening at a time when supports for children with special needs have suffered successive cuts, creating a ripple effect right across the primary school system.
"I am calling on the Government to take immediate action to reduce class sizes. This is an investment in our future. The Minister cannot stand by and allow class sizes to continue to spiral out of control."
(MH/CD)
TD for Laois – Offaly, Sean Fleming, has called on the government to "take action" to reduce class sizes.
Deputy Fleming said: "27% of pupils in Laois primary schools are in 'supersize' classes of more than 30 pupils, and the county also has one of the worst Pupil-Teacher Ratios in the country.
"It is completely unacceptable that a quarter of all classrooms across the country now breach the already too high pupil teacher ratio of 28-1.
"The problem is much worse in Laois as the county has one of the fastest growing populations in the country. 27% of pupils in Laois primary schools are already in oversized classes. These figures have got worse in recent years.
"The percentage of primary school pupils in class sizes of 30 or more has increased from 23% in 2011 to 27% today in county Laois. This deterioration is the fourth worst in the country with 22 other counties faring better than Laois since 2011.
"There is absolutely no doubt that children stuck in these supersized classrooms may suffer a lower standard of education despite the very best effort of teachers.
"Class sizes are getting larger and we need more teachers. The same schools in areas of growing population in Laois are being expected to take on more pupils every year without the additional resources they need.
"All of this is happening at a time when supports for children with special needs have suffered successive cuts, creating a ripple effect right across the primary school system.
"I am calling on the Government to take immediate action to reduce class sizes. This is an investment in our future. The Minister cannot stand by and allow class sizes to continue to spiral out of control."
(MH/CD)
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The government proposal to fund 1,000 extra teachers will "do nothing" to improve rising class sizes, Fianna Fáil’s spokesperson on Education Charlie McConalogue has said.
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The government proposal to fund 1,000 extra teachers will "do nothing" to improve rising class sizes, Fianna Fáil’s spokesperson on Education Charlie McConalogue has said.
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Students Given Chance To Create Wellbeing Logo
Senior cycle students have been given the chance to create a logo representing wellbeing in education through a new competition. The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD launched the art and design initiative on Wednesday 16 October to encourage students to make their mark.
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Senior cycle students have been given the chance to create a logo representing wellbeing in education through a new competition. The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD launched the art and design initiative on Wednesday 16 October to encourage students to make their mark.
04 June 2019
Status Yellow Rainfall Warning Issued Across 11 Counties
Met Éireann have issued a Status Yellow weather warning for rain across 11 counties. The warning, which came into effect at 7am this morning, is in place for Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan. The warning will remain in place until 6am tomorrow, when it will be reviewed.
Status Yellow Rainfall Warning Issued Across 11 Counties
Met Éireann have issued a Status Yellow weather warning for rain across 11 counties. The warning, which came into effect at 7am this morning, is in place for Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan. The warning will remain in place until 6am tomorrow, when it will be reviewed.
25 September 2018
Water Conservation Orders Lifted As Rainfall Increases
Irish Water has announced the water conservation orders have been lifted in the Southern, Eastern and Midlands regions. The areas that have had their order lifted include: Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny, Carlow, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow, Meath, Westmeath, Louth and Dublin.
Water Conservation Orders Lifted As Rainfall Increases
Irish Water has announced the water conservation orders have been lifted in the Southern, Eastern and Midlands regions. The areas that have had their order lifted include: Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny, Carlow, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow, Meath, Westmeath, Louth and Dublin.
08 September 2008
Irish Classrooms Most Crowded In Europe, Say Teachers
Irish children learn in some of the most heavily populated classrooms in Europe, according to a leading teachers group. The teachers have suggested Irish classrooms are the second most crowded in the EU. And according to primary school staff the government has failed in reducing class sizes, despite repeated promises.
Irish Classrooms Most Crowded In Europe, Say Teachers
Irish children learn in some of the most heavily populated classrooms in Europe, according to a leading teachers group. The teachers have suggested Irish classrooms are the second most crowded in the EU. And according to primary school staff the government has failed in reducing class sizes, despite repeated promises.
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Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy morning with scattered showers, some of these could be heavy in the afternoon. Becoming mostly dry by evening with increasing amounts of sunshine. Feeling rather warm. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:A bright end to the day with any showers quickly dying out. Dry overnight with long clear spells and light winds. Minimum temperature 11 °C.
