Petition to support gaelscoileanna
March 1, 2012
Gaelscoileanna Teoranta are asking people to show their support for small gaelscoileanna by signing an online petition against the proposed cuts in the pupil teacher ratio.
The petition was set up as a result of the cuts put forward by the Government in the 2011 Budget.
The cuts proposed in last December’s Budget will result in the number of pupils required for a four-teacher school increasing from 81 to 83 students.
For Gaeltacht schools, the number would raise from 76 to 86 by 2014, a hike that will require 10 extra pupils for each Gaeltacht school to preserve their four-teacher status.
It is argued as part of the petition that up to 31 gaelscoileanna will lose one teacher if the proposed increase in the pupil teacher ratio is put in place.
The online petition has been set up by a parent and it is another step in the intense campaign currently being undertaken by parents, staff and schoolchildren against the cuts.
Protests took place around the country at the weekend and the crowds in attendance made sure that their opposition to the proposals was heard. The protests were organised by the Save Our Small Schools Campaign and the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation, and more action opposing the cuts is expected over the next few months.
To sign the petition go to http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/gaelscoileanna-cuts-protest/
