ALMOST 3,600 Clare national school pupils are in classes of more than 30, according to official figures. Latest statistics from the Department of Education show 27% of national school pupils in the county are in classes of 30 or more. More than 90% of Clare pupils are in classes of 20 or more and 14% are in classes of under 20. The increase in overcrowded classrooms has been described as a “wake-up call” by INTO vice president Seán McMahon, who urged Education Minister Ruairí Quinn not to increase class sizes in the forthcoming Budget. His call coincides with a pre-emptive strike by the INTO against proposed cutbacks of up to €100 million by. A public meeting has been organised for all interested stakeholders, teachers, parents, Oireachtas members and public representatives at a venue to be decided on September 19. This is being supported by the establishment of a new National Alliance for Primary Education, comprising representatives from management, parents, teachers …
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