Quinn left red faced as resource cuts reversed

The Government has been forced into an embarrassing U-turn over cuts to special needs following a backlash from parents and teachers.

However, planned protests against the cuts will still take place this evening.

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn, trying to play down the significance of the U-turn, said it was an adjustment in response to concerns by Labour TDs and “unease” at Monday’s meeting of the Cabinet’s social affairs subcommittee. Asked about anger vented by parents of children with special needs over the past week, he claimed parents “were unnecessarily frightened” by the INTO.