Protest Against Education Cuts
- Published: 11 November 2008
Source : INTO P.R.
Statement by Irish National Teachers' Organisation ; Protest Against Education Cuts Galway 8th November 2008
More than 8,000 turn out to oppose education cuts.
More than 8,000 teachers, parents and members of boards of management turned out in Galway today to protest against the education cutbacks in last month's budget. The protest, organised by the Irish National Teachers' Organisation, drew protesters mainly from Galway, Clare, Mayo and Roscommon. Braving driving rain the protesters marched from Eyre Square to the Cathedral carpark for a rally.
Speaking to the crowd, Declan Kelleher, President of the INTO said the huge turnout showed the strength of the alliance between parents, teachers and management in primary schools. "We are united in our opposition to these totally unjustified attacks on an already under-funded primary education service," said Mr Kelleher. "Government must be persuaded to change its views on these cuts."
John Carr, General Secretary of the INTO called on the public to let every public representative know of their opposition to the budget cuts. He said every TD would have to get the message that they would not be re-elected at the next election if the cuts were not reversed.
Other speakers at the conference included representatives of management, parents and principals. The protest meeting was also addressed by representatives of political parties.
Mr Kelleher said the Green Party had allowed its education policy to be genetically modified by Fianna Fail. He told the crowd that hundreds of people in Ennis last year had heard the leader of the Green Party Mr. Gormley say that under no circumstances would he ever participate in a government that failed to prioritise primary education.
"Mr Gormley has allowed his education policy to become genetically modified. The Greens and Fianna Fail have put the interests of big business before the interests of small children," he said. In 2002, the government promised class sizes of under 20 for all children under nine. In 2007 classes of 24 children or less were promised by 2010.
Mr Carr told the crowd that if additional resources were required to deliver public services then they had to be found by fair and equitable means. "Education is a public right which must be funded through taxation. Unlike some, teachers have never been shy about paying their fair share and will continue to do so." The rally was the first of several regional protests organised by the INTO to campaign against the education cuts announced in the budget. More than 5,000 people attended. Further protests will be held in Tullamore, Cork, Donegal leading to a national rally in Dublin on 6th December.
