IPPN

Published: 06 January 2009

Source: Irish Examiner

TEACHERS have been accused of using the schoolbag as a political weapon by Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe, who has expressed concern over the growing use of children in union marches.

Protests involving thousands of children and teachers have been held all over the country since the announcement in October that budget cuts would lead to an increase in class sizes in primary schools.

Mr O'Keeffe said the unions representing teachers are serving the interest of their members and not children. "Obviously the teachers have used the schoolbag as a political implement and you would be concerned about that," he told the Irish Examiner.

"I would prefer it if wasn't done. Unions are there to serve the interests of their members and secondly they will be serving the interest of the children. As Minister for Education I serve the interest of the pupils in the classroom and their parents trying to ensure they get the best education output. I want to ensure that nothing impedes that delivery," he said.

However the minister praised the majority of teachers for working with the government in the interest of children.

"At a time when the economy is tight you get a level of co-operation that might not otherwise be there. I think, despite all the marches and all the apparent hostility, we share a common belief that we have to work together in the interest of the pupils of this country and the interest of the economy," he said.

Mr O'Keeffe said notwithstanding recent budget cuts, the quality of teaching in the classrooms remains to the most important part of education.

"We delivered the highest number of school places ever in 2008 and I'm quite confident that we'll have an outstanding output in 2009 as well," he said.