The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has predicted that the embargo on the appointment of teachers to Special Duties and Assistant Principal Posts will make school administration close to impossible.

These middle management posts were introduced 40 years ago to ease the growing administrative burden on the Principal and Deputy Principal of schools.

The union believes that once again, the most marginalised will suffer because of the cutback.

Speaking today, TUI General Secretary Peter MacMenamin said:

“Our education system has already been asset stripped by a range of savage cutbacks that will result in the reduction of subject choice, larger class sizes and even prevent some students from having school books next September.

Schools were already facing unprecedentedly challenging times in September. Now the long established support framework that ensures the efficient running of our schools has been mercilessly targeted.

The embargo on appointment of teachers to posts of responsibility throws the administration of schools into absolute chaos. These vital positions, such as Year Heads, Class Tutors or Examination Secretaries offer essential educational and pastoral support to the student body.

At a time when subject choice has already been severely diminished, it is ludicrous that posts such as curricular and subject co-ordinator posts will also be affected.

Other specific posts of responsibility may also pertain to meeting with parents or tackling absenteeism or student disruption.   It goes without saying that this is a further attack on the most marginalised.

These positions greatly enhance the education service available to all students and their families.”