The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) today welcomed the announcement of a major new school building initiative but warned that similar investment must be made in at least maintaining current pupil teacher ratios.
Speaking this morning, TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann said:
“This programme is absolutely necessary to provide the brick and mortar facilities that the country’s growing school-going population will require in the coming years. However, it is equally essential that these children be afforded at least the same level of service as those currently in the education system if they are to be allowed every chance to reach their full potential.
A range of cutbacks have attacked various programmes that benefited the most disadvantaged students over the last three years. At a very minimum, the Government needs to commit to maintaining the current pupil teacher ratio as we enter into a most crucial period of our history. Demographic changes cannot be used as an excuse to further asset-strip the education system. Our growing school-going population is our greatest asset and demands investment.
The consequences of cutbacks are transparently clear. At second level, a further worsening of the pupil teacher ratio means larger class groups and less subject choice. We must be vigilant in defending against any further moves towards a system that discriminates against cohorts of students based on their year of birth.
We urge the Government to commit to this vital investment in our young people. ”