5th October 2008 - Now is the time to increase spending on Primary Education
Economic downturn by its nature will have short-term impact in this country. It is for this very reason that Government must increase investment in Education to make sure that we are ready for the upturn in the economy when it comes. Over reacting to budgetary pressures by cutting essential investment in a key resource.
'Cutting back on the primary education budget will have disastrous consequences for the future - it's comparable to a farm selling his seed in times of hungry' said Larry Fleming, President of IPPN.
'The Government must devise creative solutions to financing investments in education. Introducing a specific state guaranteed pension plan for under 40's could provide substantial finance for capital investment in the School Building Programme. It would have the added bonus of stimulating the Construction Sector, reducing unemployment and eliminating the waste of scarce resources on renting prefabs.' Stated Seán Cottrell, Director of IPPN
The Government did the right thing in providing state guarantee to secure our financial and banking system last week. The Government must also do the right thing for Primary Education and invest for the long-term benefit of all.
ENDS
Full Submission to the Department of Finance
