Primary school principals are at "breaking point" due to inadequate resources, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has claimed.
She told the Dáil that seven out of ten schools are running a deficit, with electricity costs after increasing by 35% and insurance by 19%,.
The Cork South West deputy said the financial situation was negatively affecting students as, due to a shortage of teachers, they were being taught by trainees who are filling gaps.
She said funding for Special Needs Assistants had been frozen or reduced and additional supports are nearly impossible to access, even though the demand has increased.
In reply, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said the narrative of "unrelenting misery" outlined by Ms Cairns did not reflect the fact that Ireland's education system is "one of the best in Europe".
He said there were challenges, and they would be dealt with, but it had to be recognised that Ireland is "very high up there" when comparing literacy and numeracy skills with other EU member states.
The Tánaiste said the number of teachers has grown enormously over the past four years; the teacher-pupil ratio had been reduced; the hot meals programme had been expanded; the DEIS programme had been increased; the number of Special Needs Assistants had risen dramatically; and the free book school was a significant development.
He said that huge resources - both capital and current - had been invested in the education system, but added the government would respond to the concerns of the primary school principals.
Protest highlights lack of services for schools in west Dublin
It comes as a protest was held outside Leinster House by the Schools for All group calling to demand improved services for their children.
Fifteen parents involved with the group said despite repeated promises, schools in west Dublin are being left without appropriate services.
According to them, it means their children are being left without adequate support - and sometimes school places - for years.
The protest was organised by People Before Profit Solidarity councillor Ruth Coppinger and follows a meeting between families and Minister for Special Education and Inclusion Hildegarde Naughton yesterday.
Minister Naughton today promised protesters places would be made available for their children by September, but admitted it may not be what parents want.
The protest is one of two special and additional needs meetings taking place at Leinster House today.
Teenager Cara Carmody and her father Mark will meet Taoiseach Simon Harris over their calls for improved school services.
It is understood that the Carmodys will call on Mr Harris to fully implement the assessment of needs legislation - which campaigners have said will ensure families are given the supports that they require.
Additional reporting Fiachra Ó Cionnaith
