The latest data available on the number of pupils in the primary school system relate to 2011/2012. In 2011/2012 there were 516,460 pupils enrolled in primary level, including 7,420 pupils in Special Schools.
Data on the number of primary school pupils for 2012/2013 will not be available until 2013, after the Annual Census of Primary Schools 2012 is processed by my Department.
The latest projections of primary school enrolment by my Department were published in June 2012, and are available to view on my Department's website at http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Statistics/Projections-of-full-time-enrolment-Primary-and-Second-Level-2012-2030.pdf. Page 7 of the report outlines the latest projected figures for primary level.