Quinn admits mistake in plan to cut schools staff

EDUCATION minister Ruairi Quinn has admitted making mistakes in his plan to reduce staff numbers in disadvantaged schools, but warned he would only be able to soften the blow by making cuts elsewhere.

Mr Quinn said he accepted that announcing plans in the budget to cut 428 teachers and then rowing back in the face of back bench anger was “not the best way” to handle his department.

“I’m out of practice,” said Mr Quinn who last held a ministerial office 14 years before returning to a cabinet position last year.