The number of pupils in Ireland's primary and secondary schools are continuing to grow, it has been revealed.

Earlier this week, the Department of Education released figures which showed that the number of students in classes of more than 30 has reached 106,000 - an increase from 93,000 in 2009.

Teachers union Irish National Teachers' Organisation argued that this could affect the level of Irish education each school child is able to receive.

The union's general secretary Sheila Nunan said: "When class numbers are reasonable, modern teaching methods are possible and there is more teacher time for children."

Yesterday (September 2nd 2010), the group took their campaign to the government and asked it to prioritise the issue.

The Department of Education's budget expenditure plans also came under fire last month after Fine Gael deputy for Dublin South West Brian Hayes revealed that it might not spend all of the education finances available before the end of the year.

Mr Hayes added that this is a waste of the money that could have been used to improve educational facilities in the country.

Written by Donal Walsh

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