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30/01/2009
Educational Cuts Slammed
Cuts in the educational budgets have been labelled as 'appalling' by a leading campaigner.
Sister Stanislaus Kennedy has warned that swingeing spending cuts in primary schools will have serious repercussions for the most vulnerable children.
She said the cuts imposed last October's Budget could mean that children will pay a severe and disproportionate price for the current downturn.
She criticised budget cuts like those imposed on schoolbook grants for the very poorest children as "appalling", claiming they were "an indication that Government thinking about education is badly skewed".
Addressing a primary school principals' conference in Killarney, Sr Stan acknowledged the Government's severe budgetary constraints and agreed that tough decisions must be made.
She warned they would sadly result in a less literate and less capable emerging workforce and in a reduced commitment to equality of opportunity.
She forecast that rising unemployment would lead to a jump in the pre-recession figure of 11% of our children living in dire poverty.
This in turn would heighten the risk of more of them not reaching their potential.
Sr Stan said the most vulnerable children, including those from poor, Traveller and immigrant families, need access to books, special support, and small classes whether or not they live in officially designated disadvantaged areas.
(BMcC/JM)
Sister Stanislaus Kennedy has warned that swingeing spending cuts in primary schools will have serious repercussions for the most vulnerable children.
She said the cuts imposed last October's Budget could mean that children will pay a severe and disproportionate price for the current downturn.
She criticised budget cuts like those imposed on schoolbook grants for the very poorest children as "appalling", claiming they were "an indication that Government thinking about education is badly skewed".
Addressing a primary school principals' conference in Killarney, Sr Stan acknowledged the Government's severe budgetary constraints and agreed that tough decisions must be made.
She warned they would sadly result in a less literate and less capable emerging workforce and in a reduced commitment to equality of opportunity.
She forecast that rising unemployment would lead to a jump in the pre-recession figure of 11% of our children living in dire poverty.
This in turn would heighten the risk of more of them not reaching their potential.
Sr Stan said the most vulnerable children, including those from poor, Traveller and immigrant families, need access to books, special support, and small classes whether or not they live in officially designated disadvantaged areas.
(BMcC/JM)
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30 April 2012
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12 January 2010
Many Schools Remain Closed Despite Thaw
Hundreds of primary and second-level schools are still closed today despite the majority reopening this morning as the cold snap eases. Reports this morning say the majority of schools in the greater Dublin area have reopened. However, many schools in Munster will stay closed until tomorrow at the earliest as roads and footpaths remain treacherous.
Many Schools Remain Closed Despite Thaw
Hundreds of primary and second-level schools are still closed today despite the majority reopening this morning as the cold snap eases. Reports this morning say the majority of schools in the greater Dublin area have reopened. However, many schools in Munster will stay closed until tomorrow at the earliest as roads and footpaths remain treacherous.
29 May 2008
Gilmore Says "Get it sorted out" On Cowen’s Health Service
The Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has lambasted the Taoiseach's "immovable stance" on the job losses at a Dublin children's hospital. The Mr Gilmore claimed in the Daíl on Wednesday that the loss of 100 jobs at Our Lady’s Hospital in Crumlin would affect patient care and sick children would be denied the treatment they need.
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The Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has lambasted the Taoiseach's "immovable stance" on the job losses at a Dublin children's hospital. The Mr Gilmore claimed in the Daíl on Wednesday that the loss of 100 jobs at Our Lady’s Hospital in Crumlin would affect patient care and sick children would be denied the treatment they need.
07 November 2011
Union Slams Teacher Cuts
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27 June 2011
Up To 40 New Schools To Be Established In Six Years
Twenty new primary schools and twenty new post-primary schools are to be established in the next six years. Announcing the new schools, the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn said: "My Department is forecasting an increase of over 45,050 primary pupils and 24,900 post-primary pupils by the start of the 2017/18 school year.
Up To 40 New Schools To Be Established In Six Years
Twenty new primary schools and twenty new post-primary schools are to be established in the next six years. Announcing the new schools, the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn said: "My Department is forecasting an increase of over 45,050 primary pupils and 24,900 post-primary pupils by the start of the 2017/18 school year.
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Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
