Pressure as 47% of Donegal primary school children learn in overcrowded classes

As the new school term begins in earnest in primary and special schools across the country, teachers and school leaders are growing increasingly concerned about the pressure facing our education system.

From the inadequate funding of our schools, overcrowding in our classrooms, the lack of support to maintain our cherished small schools and the need to scale up our support for the delivery of special education, we simply must do better.

In the general election late last year, which culminated in the publication of a detailed programme for government, the government has made strong commitments to tackle the chronic underinvestment in primary education. With the first budget of this new coalition taking place in a matter of weeks, we will soon see if they are prepared to honour the promises they made the electorate. The teachers of this country will be placing close attention to this budget in particular.

READ NEXT: Council seek to proceed with part of Ballybofey-Stranorlar Regeneration Strategy

Minister for Education, Helen McEntee, has insisted that her priority while in office is to take all necessary action to tackle educational disadvantage and deliver a world-class education system which breaks down barriers and ensures every child can achieve their full potential. Now is the time to deliver.

Our Children Our Future, the pre-budget submission produced by INTO, informed by the voices of our members and fully costed, sets out four key strategic priorities through which government support in the upcoming budget would have a transformative impact on the delivery of primary and special education nationwide.

Schools face serious financial pressures, with many struggling to meet rising operational costs. The current capitation grant, set at €224 per pupil, falls short of what many schools need to operate, forcing teachers and parents alike to strive to raise the funds to cover basic necessities like electricity, cleaning, and teaching resources. Ensuring our schools are adequately funded must be a core responsibility of the government and it is abundantly clear that greater support must be provided.

The INTO is calling for the government to increase the primary capitation grant by €75 per pupil, the chief source of funding for our schools, ensuring that all children can access a fully resourced and equitable education system.

Primary school class sizes in Ireland stand out as the largest in the European Union, averaging 22.5 children per class. Currently in Donegal, 8740 pupils, 46.87% of primary school children, learn in overcrowded classes of 25 pupils or more.

Reduced class sizes allow teachers to better respond to the needs of their classes, with pupils receiving more individual attention and allowing for more effective teaching and support to be provided.

The INTO is calling for the government to take decisive action on this issue in Budget 2026 and deliver on its commitment, as stated in the Programme for Government, to bring class sizes in line with the European Average of 19 pupils by ensuring a two-point reduction in class sizes is put in place from September 2026.

Fostering social connections among pupils, teachers and parents alike, small schools are often the cornerstones of strong, sustainable rural communities.

A long-running pilot, undertaken by the Department of Education and Youth has shown us how we can help. Providing access to shared administrative support allows small schools to access the support they need and needs to be rolled out nationwide.

The Programme for Government highlights a clear commitment to support students with special educational needs through all educational settings. The INTO is calling for the formal introduction of Special Educational Needs Coordinators, ring-fenced assistant principal leadership roles focused on supporting schools in providing the best possible standard of education for pupils with additional needs, ensuring that our education system is truly inclusive and accessible to all.

Budget 2026, set to be published in October 2025, presents an opportunity for the government to follow through on their commitments and deliver positive change and progress through considered, informed action. Teachers across the country will be watching.