Quinn refuses to rule out reduction in teaching numbers

The Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has said teacher numbers may have to be reduced.

Mr Quinn has refused to rule out further cutbacks, despite promises laid out in the Croke Park deal.

Minister Quinn will address teachers at the ASTI annual conference this evening.

He said public service numbers have to be cut, but he admits teachers will be badly needed in the future: "Nothing has been decided yet. The reality is that while we have to reduce overall numbers in the public service in total, the population of young students is growing.

"Two years ago, we had the highest birth-rate in Ireland since 1898.

"So there would be a demand for extra teachers so, at best, teaching numbers will stay the same and, at worst, they may have to be reduced in certain areas."