The INTO has long campaigned for smaller class sizes in Ireland. Primary class sizes here remain the largest in the European Union, with an average of 22.5 pupils per class compared to the EU average of 19. The Programme for Government commits to reducing primary class sizes to 19 pupils during its term.
The INTO is calling for this reduction to begin in earnest, with a two-point drop in class size from September 2026. Reducing class sizes would allow teachers to better respond to the wide and evolving range of pupil needs. Smaller classes mean more individual attention, more effective teaching, and stronger support for pupils with additional needs and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
With enrolment numbers projected to fall from 556,000 in 2024 to 533,000 by 2026, the government can use this demographic shift to reduce class sizes at little extra cost. This would also support the rollout of the new primary curriculum.
Cost: €45 million per year
