IPPN

Last Updated: Wednesday, 22 February 2012 10:56

The Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN), the professional body that represents over 3,350 primary school leaders, has described the Government’s announcement today that it is reviewing some Budget decisions affecting the education sector as a ‘zero-sum game for primary schools’.

Seán Cottrell, IPPN Director, said the decision to pay for a partial row-back on cuts to resources for schools in disadvantaged areas with further a decrease in school funding amounted to ‘an attempt to rob Peter to pay Paul’.

‘The Government’s so-called “concessions” on restoring posts for some DEIS schools are to be off-set by a further cut in cash income for schools, leaving many of them unable to pay for basic utilities such as heating and lighting.

‘This comes as hard-pressed families, many of them hit by job losses, are struggling to make voluntary contributions to help cover schools’ running costs,’ said Mr Cottrell.

He said the Government’s move was ‘a bit like moving the deck chairs around on the Titanic’.

‘The enduring task of teachers is to raise the bar in children’s performance and close the gap between the highest and lowest achievers, regardless of their economic background.

‘By cutting resources for schools in disadvantaged areas, the Government is hitting the most vulnerable, and making what should be a fundamental educational objective an almost impossible task,’ said Mr Cottrell.

ENDS