IPPN

Published: 04 November 2008

Following the serious budgetary announcements concerning Primary Education, IPPN facilitated the coming together of all the Primary Education Partners to form a National Alliance for Primary Education. As such an alliance has not happened previously it is in itself an historical initiative. It is noteworthy that Principals, who are key to the effective running of schools, were central to the establishment of this National Alliance. The main aim of this Alliance is to enable all partners involved with Primary Education to speak with one clear voice at a time of crucial importance for the future of children. The Alliance held a well attended Press Conference in Dublin on Tuesday the 28th October. In response, the Minister for Education, Mr Batt O'Keeffe stated, that he would engage in discussions with the Education Partners. The Alliance has written to Minister O'Keeffe seeking a meeting and has also issued a Press Release yesterday welcoming this development.

It is obvious to everyone that there is both a National and International Financial Crisis. One certainty is that there will be serious cut backs in Education and in other critical services. Having made every professional argument as to why Education should be protected from cuts, the time has come to adopt a different strategy. IPPN, as part of the National Alliance for Primary Education, is now focusing on identifying ways in which money can be saved without affecting the running of schools and the core business of teaching and learning.

So much public comment on this topic comes from people who do not and maybe have never managed a school on a day to day basis. That is why we are asking you now as someone who is grounded in reality, to assist us in formulating our proposals to the Minister. We would ask you to reflect on areas within the wider Education System where money is obviously being wasted or spent on activities of a lower priority than the critical resources needed to run your school every day.

Please send your ideas to info@ippn.ie, providing your name and telephone contact details, should we need to call you in relation to your suggestions.

The topics below have already been suggested as ideas to present to the Minister

• That high cost glossy reports and publications be made available to schools online and not through the costly postal service.
  
• That parents be paid a mileage allowance to transport children with SEN to school reducing the need to employ escorts.
  
• That a reduction be sought on professional fees for building projects
  

We look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas on possible cost cutting in education.

Is sinne le meas,

Seán Cottrell & Larry Fleming