O’Keeffe admits cuts will affect teaching standards

EDUCATION Minister Batt O’Keeffe admitted that the level of teaching delivered to students will be affected by class size increases forced by the budget — but insisted there is no going back on the decision.

He said this and other controversial education cutbacks — including an ending of paid teacher substitution except on certified sick leave and maternity leave from January and cuts in supports for Traveller children and newcomer pupils — had to be taken in the short term to ensure an economy which would create jobs for those who are currently at school.

Since the controversial announcement of changes to primary and second level staffing levels a fortnight ago, he has insisted that it is the quality of the teacher in the classroom rather than the number of children in it which is most important.