Report shows Ireland investing significantly less in students’ education than comparable countries
Ireland is investing significantly less in second-level students’ education than countries with comparable economies, according to the OECD report Education at a Glance 2026 (published today).
Education at a Glance 2026 shows that Government expenditure per second-level student in Ireland in 2023 was $12,731 compared to an average of $16,802 per student spent by eight comparable countries.
Countries such as Austria ($19,935 per student), Belgium ($19,665 per student) and Iceland ($17,720 per student) invested significantly more in 2023 than Ireland.
Ireland’s spend per student is also below the average spend of the 38 OECD countries’ featured in Education at a Glance 2026, as well as the 25 EU countries featured.
The report also finds Ireland in last place out of 38 OECD countries for investment in second-level education as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP). In 2023, Ireland invested .9% of GDP in second-level education compared to the OECD and EU averages of 1.7%.
ASTI President Richie Bell said: “The publication today of Education at a Glance 2026 confirms that second-level schools in Ireland continue to be under-resourced. How does this manifest in our schools? Too large classes, insufficient staffing, inadequate buildings and equipment are just some of the consequences.”
ASTI General Secretary Linda Kelly said: “When compared with countries with equivalent economies, and even taking into account the impact multinational companies have on Ireland’s income from GDP, the Irish Government’s actual expenditure is significantly lower. The Government must commit to more, not less, investment in each individual student in Budget 2027.”
ENDS
