A Clare Fine Gael TD admits the number of children in so-called supersized classes in Clare is completely unacceptable.
Joe Carey is commenting as a Clare FM investigation shows the numbers here being educated in classes of at least 30 pupils has soared by a quarter in the past five years.
It had already been known that 3260 children here were in classes of at least 30 kids, a figure which has actually fallen from 2015.
However, when compared with just five years ago, this figure has jumped by over 650, a surge of 25%.
Just under 400 students are in classes with at least 34 other classmates – the OECD says the average class size in most developed countries is around 21.
The data, available on a school-by-school level, shows at least 100 kids in super-sized classes in schools in Clonlara, Cratloe, Sixmilebridge, Parteen, Clarecastle, Knockanean, Tulla and Quin, as well as in some schools in Ennis and Shannon.
Deputy Joe Carey says the government is committed to investing in education.
A Clare primary teacher and county councillor says the level of classroom overcrowding is unfair on both pupils and teachers.
Meelick Councillor Cathal Crowe says the situation needs to be addressed urgently as children in large classes are in danger of not living up to their potential.
