Ireland is home to a higher proportion of young children than any other EU state, it has been revealed.

Figures compiled by the Central Statistics Office show that in 2008, 7.4 per cent of the country's population was under the age of four, compared to the EU average of 5.2 per cent.

Ireland also has the highest proportion of children aged between five and nine, the Irish Times reports.

The report also indicated that the country has one of the highest student-to-teacher ratios in the EU.

"Changing youth demographics have also had an impact on the education system.

The number of students at primary level increased by 7.5 per cent between 1998/1999 and 2007/2008, but reduced by a similar proportion at second level over the same period," the newspaper noted.

In related news, John Carr of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation recently told the Irish Independent that more teachers, classrooms and schools will be needed to deal with Ireland's recent baby boom.

Comments