Sir, – Sheila Nunan, general secretary INTO states (December 19th) that "class sizes in primary schools with one to four teachers were increased in 2012 and 2013 and will increase again next year". Pamela Durcan ("Large class sizes a 'black mark' on Ireland's education record – INTO", September 5th) stated that "the average class size increased slightly from 24.4 in the 2011/12 school year to 24.7 in 2012/13". So on average, class sizes in primary schools in Ireland rose by 1.2 per cent from 2012 to 2013.
I am a parent of three children attending national school, with fantastic teachers working hard under more difficult circumstances than previously, so I understand why Ms Nunan would want to make her point. But I think it’s also relevant to state the percentage increase. In a country whose government finances are in such a diabolical state with huge economic issues still unresolved, a 1.2 per cent year on year increase in the average primary class size to me is actually a pretty good result. – Yours, etc,
PAUL DEVER,
Ridgewood Park,
Swords,
Co Dublin.