A report published three years ago by the Department of Education gives some clue about the contents of school inspection reports.

In an unusual move, the department released details of what they found in 50 primary schools. The schools in question were not named. The main findings included:

Crumbling buildings

Good performance overall by teachers but badly prepared lessons in a minority of schools

Tuition charges in schools that are supposed to be free

Lack of effective communication with parents

The report also highlighted the poor state of primary school buildings throughout the Republic.

Almost half the schools visited operated from buildings that were either too small or dilapidated. There was a severe lack of toilet facilities and general-purpose rooms in many.

The report also accused some schools of ignoring Department guidelines on class size. In some cases there were more than 30 pupils in one class.

In relation to parents, the report praises their work in schools and the supportive role they play, often working closely with the principal.

On specific subjects, the report is broadly positive, although it strongly urges schools to teach Irish in a more creative way. It says there is too much emphasis on written Irish and not enough on speaking the language.

It also questions whether pupils are achieving high enough standards in the subject, considering the amount of time allocated to the subject.