Figures reveal large class sizes

New figures show 35 primary school classes in Co Cavan are made up of more than 30 pupils.

The Minister for Education this week released figures detailing the number of class groups with more than 30 children.

The staffing schedule from the Department of Education outlines a ratio of 25 pupils to each teacher.

These figures relate to the 2020-2021 school year, the most recent year for which figures are available.

Leitrim was the county with the lowest number of large classes at 18.

While having 35 classes with over 30 students, Cavan fares better than some surrounding counties.

Monaghan has 44 such classes, with 65 in Westmeath, 157 in Meath and 89 in Louth. Longford recorded 20 classes of over 30 students.

The Department of Education said each single pupil reduction in class size would require 300 more teachers to be hired at a cost of €14.5m.

Budget 2021 provided funding to reduce overall class sizes by one student.

A total of 2,505 primary school students across the country are in classes of more than 30 people.