Green Party backs education spending cuts

The Green Party tonight backed Government cuts in the education sector but said it wanted future changes in how schools are funded.

Thousands of teachers and parents are due to march on the Dáil tomorrow as TDs debate a Labour Party motion to reverse controversial Budget measures.

Bishops and the Cori policy watchdog have joined demands by teachers’ unions to reinstate funding for several areas within the Department of Education.

Environment Minister and Green Party leader John Gormley tonight said pulling out of Government on the issue was not an option because the party would continue to have a strong input on Cabinet decisions on education.

Speaking after a meeting of 28 councillors, TDs and Senators in Dublin, he said: “We are looking for changes in education funding on an ongoing basis - particularly in the short term.”

Mr Gormley called for teachers’ unions to engage fully with Government in this process but didn’t rule out a pay freeze for teachers.

Mr Gormley said councillors, TDs and Senators “reaffirmed their commitment to the party’s active and progressive participation” in Government.

“It is not just about education cuts,” he said. “We may have issues next week in relation to farmers and soldiers’ families. It will continue.

“These straitened circumstances do offer the Green Party an opportunity to have a real impact in Government.”

Earlier, ten organisations involved in the country’s primary schools joined forces to demand a reversal of the education cuts in the Budget.

The National Alliance for Primary Education claimed the Government measures announced by Finance Minister Brian Lenihan were a full-frontal attack on children and damaging to Ireland’s future.

The group also called on teachers around the country to support the protest outside the Dáil tomorrow evening.

More than 1,000 teaching jobs at the primary level will be lost, with many of these impacting on the most disadvantaged children, according to the Alliance.

Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe maintained that the Government was sticking by its cost-saving measures.

He said 80% of funding within his department went on teachers’ salaries and special needs assistants and to meet the economic downturn he brought spending back to 2007 levels.

“All I’m saving is that I want to take one step back to take two steps forward,” said Mr O’Keeffe.

“We have to go forward in three years time when the economy recovers. We cannot be borrowing for everyday spending.”

The Dáil will vote on a Labour Party motion on the controversial issue on Thursday.

The Alliance includes Catholic Primary School Management Association (CPSMA), Church of Ireland Board of Education, Educate Together, Irish Primary Principals’ Network, National Association of Management Bodies in Special Education, National Parents’ Council – Primary, Irish National Teachers’ Organisation, An Foras Patrunachta, Eagraiocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta Teo and Gaelscoileanna.