Extra 1,400 teachers for almost 14,500 more pupils

THE revised Programme for Government has meant there will be far less upheaval in classrooms at primary and second-level schools next year.

While pay cuts across the public sector will save more than €350 million at the Department of Education alone, an extra 1,400 teachers will be in place due largely to commitments secured by the Green Party in October. These posts will cost an extra €26m next year, to cover the enrolment of almost 14,500 more students next autumn than in this school year and to create 350 posts at schools worst hit by the rise in the pupil teacher ratio in the October 2008 budget.

“We have no pupil teacher ratio rise, no increase in the college registration fee this year,” Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe said.