Figures published today from the Department
of Education have revealed that public schools in Dublin have over 20,000 free
spaces. In Rathfarnham, 200 places remain unfilled in Colaiste Eanna and
250 places in Sancta Maria. Demand for places in private schools has increased
significantly.
Today, parents from middle class families are able to
afford the fees of private schools due to the
abolition of Third Level Fees. As more students enroll in private institutions,
the teacher student ratio in public schools continues to fall. The fall in
numbers can't be connected to standards since public schools are doing as well
and even better that those in private schools.(see article below)
The
main threat to the falling numbers in the public sector is that teachers will lose jobs and
the availability of different subjects
will decrease. The vicious circle will continue as parents will refuse to send
their children to schools that offer a restricted number of subjects.