Minister criticised over class size hikes
- Published: 24 October 2008
Source : Irish Examiner
By Niall Murray, Education Correspondent
ANOTHER minister was slammed over planned class size increases after claiming the Government will help maintain the country's reputation as a science leader.
Dr Jimmy Devins, Junior Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, was speaking at the opening of two Advanced Research Enhancement centres at Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) yesterday. "The Government stands willing, ready and able to foster and support centres like these to push Ireland to leader status in research and development globally," he said. Click Here
Dr Devins told the Irish Examiner it is unfortunate that class sizes would increase, but he has faith in the education system's ability to maintain standards of students taking up science, engineering and technology at third level. "It is a challenge we have to meet head on and once we improve the general economic situation, which we expect to take up to 18 months, we hope to continue reducing class sizes," he said.
But the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) said it was another example of one government minister unaware of what his colleagues are doing, as Dr Devins promotes science and technology while minister Batt O'Keeffe delivers the most callous cuts ever in primary schools.
"A recent report by Mr O'Keeffe's advisers showed how implementing the science curriculum was affected by over-crowded classes and a lack of resources, both of which he has made worse through his budget cuts," said INTO general secretary John Carr.
"Primary teachers can't implement the curriculum fully until numbers fall, it is impossible to conduct a hands-on practical lesson with more than 30 pairs of hands in the class," he said.
The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) warned numbers going to third level with Leaving Certificate science subjects could fall because of second-level school staff cuts. "All non-core subjects will be vulnerable next year because reduced staffing means some subjects might have to be dropped, which includes science subjects for Leaving Certificate," said ASTI general secretary John White.
He said the situation will be worsened by the abolition of a grant of €12.70 for every student taking physics or chemistry to Leaving Certificate level for equipment and labs. "The Government should be encouraging young people to study science at second-level, not stripping schools of science resources," said Mr White.
He has also written to GAA general secretary Paraic Duffy, asking him to convey the association's concerns to Mr O'Keeffe about the suspension of substitution cover for second-level teachers on school business from January, which may lead to the cancellation of games and competitions.
The GAA has asked to meet the minister about its fears the move will curtail the development of Gaelic games in schools.
