Protest Against Education Cuts

The pensioners and the students have shown the way. Now teachers and parents are set to take on the government in response to education cuts announced in the Budget. The two Brians should get ready for another climbdown.

Amongst the Education Cuts contained in the budget are:

• Class sizes will be increased. This will mean that thousands of children will be in classes of over 30.
  
• A school will only be allowed two English as an Additional Language Teachers irrespective of the number of non English speaking students in the school.
  
• From 1 January 2009 there will be no substitute cover for teachers on uncertified sick leave. This will lead to serious disruption in schools as the class of the absent teacher will have to be divided.
• The free book grant for families with financial difficulties is abolished.
  
• Funding for special equipment and library books will not now be given to schools.
  
• The Plan for Students with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004 has been delayed. This will delay improvements for children with special needs in our school.
  

On Wednesday next, 29th October, the Labour Party has tabled a motion on class size in the Dáil which is scheduled to be debated between 7.00pm and 8.30pm. To coincide with this the Irish National Teachers Organisation has organised a protest outside the Dáil beginning at 6.30pm. It is most important that the impact of the education cuts on class size, funding and supports for schools are brought home to our elected representatives.

Get along to the protest. Keep the heat on the government