Noonan slams Woods over education record

Fine Gael leader, Michael Noonan today slammed the Education Minister Michael Woods, branding his record in office as a “disgrace”.

Mr Noonan also said Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, should stand indicted on the Government’s record on provision of school facilities.

Noonan was speaking at Gaelscoil Eoghain Ui Thuairisc in Carlow town where students have been taught in prefabs for the last 20 years.

He said the Government was guilty of the worst kind of negligence in its attitude to providing educational facilities for primary school children and those with special needs.

Mr Noonan said: “There are 850 schools awaiting funding for refurbishment and repair. Minister Woods should hang his head in shame at his failure to remove the obstacles blocking the path for so many to get a good education.”