Reaction to Budget 2012
December 9, 2011
A chara, – The national average for the number of children learning in primary classrooms of more than 30 pupils currently stands at one in five. The average figure for Co Meath is one in four. This country now has the second highest class sizes in Europe.
The Budget has inflicted more hardship on the primary education system with the regressive introduction of an increased pupil-teacher ratio for every school with less than 100 students. This will result in the closing down of many rural schools and the subsequent loss of up to 100 teaching posts.
The shutting down of small country schools and Garda stations for economic expedience is a short-sighted act. There are many cultural, social and economic reasons to support these local services. Remote Gaeltacht communities in particular, will be worst affected by this measure. This is yet another slight upon ár dteanga dúchais agus chultúir. With hundreds of jobs in education already lost due to the economic crisis and with a projected figure of more than 25,000 new pupils expected to enrol in primary schools during the next three years, the outlook appears bleak.
Ireland will continue to be harmed economically and socially unless education is dramatically improved for all children in every corner of this island, in both rural and urban communities. Further meddling in the pupil-teacher ratio will cause more harm than good. – Is mise,
COLIN QUIGLEY,
Chairman,
INTO Athboy/Trim,
Steeple Manor,
Trim, Co
Meath.
The Irish Times – Litir chuig an Eagarthóir
