‘Economic climate’ to blame for loss of teachers

EDUCATION Minister, Batt O’Keeffe, has admitted that the economic climate has not allowed the Government to reduce class sizes at the rate promised at the last election.

Teachers have reacted angrily to what they said is a “u-turn” by the Government after 28 primary schools were told they are to lose a teacher over the coming year.

Members of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation held a protest outside the Dáil yesterday as politicians debated a Fine Gael motion calling for the retention of teacher numbers in the 28 schools affected. The Dáil will vote on the motion this evening.