People Before Profit Councillor Brid Smith is calling on the Minister of Education to guarantee the full reversal of cuts to DEIS Schools outline in this years Budget.
Minister Quinn last week order a review on the impact of cuts to DEIS schools after reports from his own inspectorate and from the Education Research Centre detailed the real positive impact DEIS is having on the attainment levels of pupils in these schools.
The cuts – which involve changes to the pupil-teacher ratio, the withdrawal of extra resources such as Support Teachers and changes to the way in which Learning Support and Language Support services are allocated – could result in all DEIS schools losing at least 1 – 2 frontline teachers, with some losing up to 8 teachers over the next three years.
Minister Quinn must now, having admitted his terrible mistake, ensure there is a full and immediate reversal of all DEIS cuts. However, Minister Quinn has said that if he is to reverse anything he will have to make cuts elsewhere in education. This is not good enough and there are alternatives to cutting vital budgets in areas such as Education. A small increase in tax on the wealth in this country would cover the needs of the Education sector.
Councillor Brid Smith said “Parents, teachers and children have to keep up their campaign and keep the pressure on Minister Quinn and this FG/ Labour government because this backtracking in recent weeks regarding the cuts to disability and cuts on Education has shown people power can force the government’s hand. There should be no question of any other cuts in Education. We have to insist that this government puts our children and our future first and not the dictats of the Troika. Therefore I would urge all parents, teachers and pupils to join this protest and show your support”.
Show your Support!!!