The Education Minister has told angry delegates at the INTO conference in Killarney that small schools can’t stand still or be immune from cuts.
A fifth of Clare’s national schools are set to lose teachers this September on foot of measures announced in the budget, while local teaching representative have warned that up to 60 Clare schools will be destabilized.
Ruairi Quinn who was heckled by some teachers during his address – said that the Government recognises that rural schools are an important part of society but added that it did not mean that their staffing levels can never change.
Speaking after his address, Minister Quinn said the angry response was just a normal reaction from a trade union conference – and he said parents in rural areas should not be worried about their children’s education
Meanwhile
Second and third level teachers are warning that any allowance cuts will be a breach of the Croke Park Agreement.
The issue is dominating the opening day of the Teachers Union of Ireland annual congress in Wexford.
The TUI says if the Government departs from the commitments not to cut pay or make teachers redundant – then all bets are off.
TUI President and Shannon teacher Bernie Ruane insists the allowances form an integral part of a teacher’s salary
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