Teachers welcome review of budget cuts

A GOVERNMENT review of cuts in teacher numbers to disadvantaged primary schools was seen as a “very significant development” the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation said in a statement.

Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn said on Wednesday he had asked his department to complete a review of the impact of cuts on teacher numbers in schools that had extra posts under the Deis (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) scheme for disadvantaged schools.

He hoped all the Deis Band 1 and 2 schools “will be assured of our commitment to resolve the current issues”, he told the Dáil.

The Irish Primary Principals’ Network raised concerns about the review being on a “school-by-school basis”.

This was “going back to old politics” and “systematic operations” were needed, Gerry Murphy, president of the network, said.

He referred to backbench Labour TDs engaging with principals in their own constituencies. Mr Quinn had come under pressure on cuts to disadvantaged schools from some members of his party, including Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte.

Director of the principals’ network Seán Cottrell raised concerns about which criteria would be used to decide the allocation.

In the past decisions have been made by the department on “a piecemeal rather than an evidence-based systematic basis”, he said.

Under measures outlined in December’s budget, 242 Deis primary teaching posts would be cut over the next three years, a Department of Education spokeswoman said yesterday.

The review will set out the “factual position in relation to the staffing in these schools for September 2012, taking into account the impact of demographic changes, etc”, she said.

“The Minister looks forward to receiving the report and continuing the process of engagement with schools on the impact of the measures,” she added. “The issue of alternative savings does not arise as no changes have been made,” the department said when asked what budget cuts would be made if Deis cuts were reversed.

Primary school parents were “reassured” by Mr Quinn’s comments. Áine Lynch, chief executive of the National Parents Council-Primary said yesterday.

“We accept there are going to be cuts but they need to have the least impact on children in the classroom,” she said.