The government's plans to reduce funding for the education system in Ireland could result in many primary schools running out of money next year.

According to the Irish Primary Principals' Network (IPPN), if there are cuts to the capitation grant, many schools in the country could find themselves unable to pay their bills.

Deputy president of the group Gerry Murphy said that parents alone will "no longer be able to keep schools afloat".

"It is beyond belief that the government is now actively considering a reduction in the basic funding of schools," he commented.

Earlier this month, government ministers met to discuss whether 400 million euros should be taken out of the budget for primary and secondary schools in Ireland.

Mr Murphy's comments come after research carried out by international expert Jim Spinks from Melbourne University on behalf of IPPN revealed that 85 per cent of schools are dependent on fundraising and voluntary contributions in order to stay open.

It also showed that medium-sized schools spend 23,000 euros more a year than what they receive from the government.

Written by Donal Walsh



... click to read full post & comments

Irish budget cuts could result in special needs teachers axe next school year

Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 11/09/2010.
Tags: Education And Politics Teacher News

There could be a number of special needs assistants (SNAs) who lose their job helping pupils in primary and secondary schools as a result of budget cuts in Ireland.

Up to five per cent of the 10,000 SNAs in the Irish education system could be lost in an attempt to reduce the budget by 230 million euros, the Irish Independent reports.

Trade unions and disability groups have voiced their concerns that this move will affect the country's "most vulnerable" kids.

Chief executive of Barnados Fergus Finlay told the newspaper: "It's getting to the point where it's almost an interference with the constitutional rights of children because you can't provide a proper education without them."

Earlier this month, Ireland's cabinet ministers met to discuss proposals over cutting the education budget as part of December 2010's financial plan. 

Sources revealed that in order to save money, registration fees for third-level students could double from 1,500 euros to 3,000.

Written by Donal Walsh



... click to read full post & comments