One in four primary school pupils are packed into 'supersize' classes of over 30 children.

The Independent reports the number has been growing steadily, with the most crowded classrooms being found in the Dublin commuter belt - Carlow, Meath, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Wicklow.

Despite promises over a decade ago to reduces the student-teacher ratio for under nines to 20:1, only 10 per cent of students are in a class with 20 or less.

The average class size is 25, the highest in the eurozone, and compares to an average of 21 in the developed world. 

Pat Crowe is a teacher at North Kildare Educate Together in Celbridge - before working there he taught in a class with over 40 children:

The news coincides with the start of the annual conference held by three of the teachers' trade unions.

Over 850 delegates will gather for the three day event hosted by the Irish National Teachers Organisation in county Clare.

Members will also vote on a commitment to reduce class sizes as 125,000 primary school pupils are currently squeezed into classes of 30 or more.

The issue of resources for special needs students being discussed at the conference.

Rosena Jordan is a special needs teacher in Cavan. Speaking to Shona Murray on Newstalk Lunchtime this afternoon, she said special needs pupils have been hit hard, and need extra help and support from the mainstream teachers:

INTO President, Sean McMahon, says pay and pay cuts will also be discussed at the conference:

Originally posted at 7.56am