The Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) has given its initial reaction to today's Budget.

Education Estimates Brief - Department of Education and Science document

Speaking this evening, TUI General Secretary Peter MacMenamin said:

“Effectively, the 2.7% increase in education spending is a seismic reduction in funding as it does not come near compensating for the current rate of inflation.

We are abhorred by the increase in the staffing schedule for teachers and the restrictions to be introduced to substitution cover and other teacher allocations including English language support.

At a time when we should be trying to kick-start economic recovery through our education system, the Government’s solution is to increase class sizes and slash vital services.
It is as unconscionable as it is foolhardy.

Inevitably, these cuts are a direct attack on those families already marginalised by society and will escalate the problems of educational disadvantage.

The reduction in funding for for teacher in-service education support and suspension of the early retirement scheme for teachers are also severe blows. We will be seeking further clarification on the grants being scaled back or abolished in schools.

Among OECD countries, just the Slovak Republic and Greece spend less than Ireland on education. We believe today’s annoucements show little commitment or political will to rectifying this situation. “

Mr MacMenamin continued:

“There is particular concern at the overall anti-disadvantaged flavour of the education aspect of the budget.  Cutting the language support cap back to two teachers just weeks after it has been lifted hits the language disadvantaged. 

Withdrawal of some 200 posts provided to non-DEIS designated schools also hits the disadvantaged as does the reduction in capitation funding for traveller education and the reduction by 100 of the places in traveller education, the reduction of 500 places in the Back To School Initiative. 

Meanwhile there is mere tinkering with the privileged whose fee paying schools still retain the full funding of teachers' salaries out of the same taxpayer's pocket.”