The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has sharply criticised the litany of Budget cutbacks to an education system ‘now truly hacked back to the bare bones’.
Speaking today, TUI General Secretary Peter MacMenamin said:
“The ferocious cuts outlined today must be considered with those already foisted on a skeletal education system now truly hacked back to the bare bones. Over the last two and a half years, this Government has laid waste to education provision at all levels, and once again the most vulnerable will suffer the worst.
Pupil teacher ratio changes to the Leaving Cert Vocational Programme (LCVP) are particularly vicious. This programme prevents early student drop-out through a variety of innovative learning experiences. It is in no way small scale, with a quarter of all Leaving Cert students taking the option.
Many schools are already struggling to remain operational due to staffing and middle management cuts and the future of the LCVP and other programmes already hangs by a thread. Effectively, schools are now being told to drop the programme, and student drop-out will spiral as a result.
A cut of over 15,000 training places for the unemployed also beggars belief at this moment in our history.
We are abhorred that students will be forced to pay a fee to gain a place on a Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course. Regardless of means testing, this is a kick in the face for those seeking to further their education, particularly the most marginalised.
Meanwhile, cuts in VEC programme grants are another direct attack on the most disenfranchised in our communities, with provision for adult literacy, Youthreach and Traveller training centres all attacked.
In sharp contrast, the State funded ratio for schools that charge tuition fees remains untouched as does the €100m subsidy given to these schools out of central funding. Once again, the Government is protecting privilege by taxing the most marginalised. This is unconscionable.
In a shameful fiscal sleight of hand, it has been clarified today that third level funding will be slashed by 7%, despite the four year plan indicating a 5% cut. Cash strapped students and their families will be expected to make up this shortfall by way of the increased €2,000 levy. Needless to say, this increased ‘back door’ fee will offer no improved service to students.
The salary and pension cut for new entrants to the public service act as a tax on those not even yet working in the system, with new teachers to be hit worse than any other profession. Cuts to pension for those who have already worked in the public service are a huge breach of trust.
In every way, this Budget fails to recognise that investment in education is investment in our future.”