Ryan: Time is not right for education cuts

A senior Green Party Minister is warning that now is not the time to make severe cuts in the education sector.

Eamon Ryan - the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources - says such a move would not be right or clever.

A number of proposals were today reported to be under consideration including the loss of up to 2,000 jobs, the introduction of transport charges for primary pupils and increases in class sizes.

However Minister Ryan said that despite the crisis in the public finances he is confident investment in the future of the country's youth will be maintained.