Education cuts 'increasing bullying risk'

Staff cuts in secondary schools are increasing the risk of bullying in the classroom, it was claimed today.

According to the Joint Managerial Body, which has launched the pre-Budget submission of Ireland's voluntary secondary schools today, a lack of personnel has led to failures in dealing with bullying situations.

"When you look at the anti-bullying guidelines, a key person or role that you require in school are your year-heads," said General secretary Ferdia Kelly.

"And as a result of the cutbacks, we have fewer year-heads in schools now, because the middle management structure has been severely diminished."