Ireland has been ranked as last out of 36 countries for investment in Education, according to a report published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
A study under the title 'Education At A Glance 2021' showed that Ireland spent 1.6% less than every other participating country on primary to tertiary educational institutions in 2018.
Aside from a lack of investment, the report says tuition fees charged by public institutions in Ireland are among the highest for a bachelor's programme compared to the other countries.
In response to the new data released today, Sinn Féin spokesperson for Education, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD, has called the results "dire" and said the government should urgently improve the level of funding in Irish schools, and ease the pressure on parents.
"Reports from OECD today, ranking Ireland last in terms of investment in Education, are a dire read – but they are not surprising," he said.
"Successive governments have slashed the capitation grant, leaving schools struggling to pay for essential services such as heat and light, and having to rely on fundraising and contributions from parents to make up the shortfall."
Ó Laoghaire said over the last few weeks, he has spoken with dozens of families who are being "crippled" by requests from their children’s schools of contributions up to €400 per child.
"These are enormous sums to expect families to pull together, on top of paying for uniforms, books, transport and everything else that comes with the costs of the return to school," he said.
"We know the reason that this is happening – the government has consistently underfunded our schools to the point that they have no choice but to ask parents for help to keep their school running. This cannot continue."
Next week, the Cork South Central TD will introduce legislation in the Dáil "that will regulate the practice of voluntary contributions, putting pressure on government to properly fund our schools and bring an end to the burden on families to make up the Government’s shortfalls.
"Sinn Féin is calling on the government to finally give our schools the funding and resources they need to give our children the education they deserve.
"The pressure on families each year must end."
