More than 5,000 children were enrolled in private primary schools last year.

Data released under the Freedom of Information Act show there are 40 private primaries in the country, with fees ranging from about 3,000 to 11,000 euro a year.

The schools do not receive State funding and are not subject to Department of Education inspections or rules.

Niamh O'Dowd, a teacher at Croí na Coille in Croom, Co Limerick, says private primary schools offer greater flexibility...