CUTS IN the number of special needs assistants (SNAs) in schools and an increase in the pupil-teacher ratio are being proposed as part of the budget discussions, the Department of Education confirmed yesterday.
Additional charges for school transport, cuts in the capitation or support grant for schools and a 5 per cent cut in higher education funding are also on the agenda, according to education sources.
Green Party spokesman on education, Paul Gogarty, told The Irish Timesthat an increase in class size was "not negotiable". But Government sources appear confident that average class sizes will increase from a ratio of 28:1 by at least one point. Each one-point ratio increase will yield savings of €21 million per year at primary level.
Overall, the department is seeking cuts of about €235 million in its €8.5 billion budget. Of this, 75 per cent is absorbed by pay and pensions, but these cannot be cut under the Croke Park deal on public service reform.
Other items under discussion include a new €500 charge for students taking a post-Leaving Cert course, cutbacks in the school building programme and cuts in language support services.
Several hundred of the 10,000 SNA posts are under threat, according to education sources.
In higher education, a cut of 5 per cent would offset the likely benefit of about €70 million, expected from the new €2,500 student contribution fee. In the past two years, staff numbers across higher education have been cut by six per cent – at a time when record numbers of students are entering colleges.
It is widely expected the Employment Control Framework, which has cut staff numbers by 3 per cent per year since January 2009, will continue next year.
At least 20,000 students are expected to take part in today’s protest march against college fees organised by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI). Special buses will depart from 30 locations across the country.
The protest march will begin on Parnell Square, Dublin at 12.30pm and students will march to Government Buildings.
The USI has made a policy decision not to invite politicians of any party to address the meeting.
Last night, USI president Gary Redmond said “thousands of students will take to the streets of the capital city to express their anger at being targeted by the Government in the impending budget”.
“These students are the future of our country and will be responsible for the country’s future growth and prosperity,” he said.
A survey published yesterday found that a majority of parents will not be able to afford the new colleges fees, while most will have to borrow. The survey for Irish Life says the living costs for students average €7,470 a year, based on the current €1,500 student registration charge.
