Substandard conditions in some primary schools and acute pressure on accommodation are highlighted in the latest batch of reports from Department of Education inspectors published yesterday.
Last night, John Carr, general secretary of the INTO, said many of the reports demonstrated how teachers and children are being asked to work in areas such as converted cloakrooms.
He also criticised the inspectors who in some reports praise the standard of accommodation but proceed to highlight glaring deficiencies.
In one report, Scoil Iosagáin, Thurles, Co Tipperary, is described as being in "very good state of repair structurally".
But the inspectors recommend that the school seek funding under the summer-works scheme to replace the existing windows, some of the light fittings and the existing flooring.
Other extracts from the reports include:
u Kealkil National School (NS), Bantry, Cork: "The staff room accommodates the learning support teacher and resource teacher.
"Some tutors also use this room in the absence of any other available space in the building.
"A number of computers have also been installed in the staff room. The provision of another classroom and, in particular, a learning support room is urgently required."
u Park NS, Youghal, Cork: "The staff room is used as a principal's office and is also used for the shared learning support service."
u Holy Rosary NS, Rathcoole: "The school accommodation is inadequate for the present enrolment.
"While the board has made valiant efforts to ensure that a suitable learning environment is available for all pupils, the accommodation lacks basic facilities such as an assembly or general purpose area, suitable rooms for special education, a library, a parents' room, a reasonably sized staffroom and staff toilets.
"It is essential that the building project presently at planning stage be completed as soon as possible and that the accommodation meets all the needs of the school community."
u Stradbally NS, Co Laois: "The main issue of concern . . . is the inadequacy of the school building.
"They [the board of management] claim the dearth of space and facilities prohibits the establishment of a pleasant working ambience for staff and militates against the provision of an educationally stimulating environment for the pupils."
u Croagh NS, Limerick: "A converted cloakroom serves the needs of the learning support teacher and the utility area is used by the resource teacher."
Mr Carr said stating that a school is in a very good state of repair structurally but that it needs new windows, light fittings and flooring is like hearing from a used car salesperson that the car is excellent but it will soon need a new engine, a new clutch and a new set of tyres.
