A chara, – The Minister for Education’s assertion that the Irish education system is far from perfect is probably not too far off the mark. With his own background in private education, he knows the investment required of a system which can best cultivate the reasoning and learning skills required by this State and economy (Home News, September 6th).
A report released by the OECD in June 2013 highlights the dramatic decline in government spending on education in Ireland due to the continued policy of austerity. 9.4 per cent of government spending in Ireland in 2011 was allocated to education compared to 13.7 per cent in 2000.
Mr Quinn should be the first to recognise that a high-quality education system requires substantial investment, particularly in human capital. He can start by addressing the “staffing issue” which has seen this country’s classrooms remain the second most crowded in the EU at 24 pupils per class compared to an EU average of 20 per class. More than one quarter of primary school children in Co Meath are taught in classes of 30 or more pupils.
The Minister will get an opportunity to address this problem in next month’s budget. – Is mise,
COLIN QUIGLEY,
Steeple Manor,
Trim,
Co Meath.