In its pre-Budget 2019 submission, the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has called for significant, increased investment in education.
The union has highlighted the continuing scandal of discriminatory pay rates, the effects of the housing crisis on students and the ongoing, damaging effects of a range of cutbacks on the education service.
The union has highlighted that there are options open to Government in terms of additional new sources of funding, again highlighting the potential of a small levy on corporate profits raising significant funding for higher education.
Speaking today, TUI President Seamus Lahart said that Budget 2019 should redress the imbalances in society inflicted by public spending cuts.
‘It is those from disadvantaged backgrounds who suffer most from cutbacks to public services. The failure of successive Irish governments to invest appropriately in Irish education is a sustained attack on the most vulnerable in communities across the country.
Investment in education pays significant dividends to society in terms of increased tax and social welfare contributions and to the individual in terms of better life prospects. There is also a strong link between educational attainment and good health.
Clearly, there are options open in terms of additional new sources of funding to ensure the provision of high quality services, including education.
Government must ensure access to a public education service of the highest quality for all.’
Click here for full details of TUI's pre-Budget submission