According to the OECD, Ireland has an average class size of 24 - the second highest in Europe. The countries with the smallest classes average about 15 pupils per class, while the UK is highest with 26 pupils per class. However, many Irish students are in much bigger classes.

What does the INTO want?

The INTO wants to see average class size drop to 20. In 2002 the Government made a commitment to do this for children under nine. It was then decided to prioritise the provision of teachers for special needs and English as a second language. This improved teacher-pupil ratio on paper, but had no impact on class size.

How can class sizes be reduced?

A school can, in general, appoint one teacher for every 28 students. In September, that will fall to one teacher for every 27. This means a school of between 263 and 290 pupils will be entitled to 10 classroom teachers. That's fine unless a school of 263 pupils loses a pupil. Then the school would lose a teacher, and the extra 26 pupils would have to be split among the other nine teachers.

What's the INTO's solution?

The INTO wants all classes reduced to 20 pupils or less. The union recognises this must be done on a phased basis.

Where will we put all the extra children? Isn't there a problem with school places at the moment?

Yes there is and this is not just a numbers and teachers issue. In tandem with a commitment to reduce class sizes, there needs to be a commitment to provide extra room.

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