Sinn Féin calls on Govt to reverse cuts that will affect disadvantaged schools

Sinn Féin is calling on the Government to reverse cuts to the country's most disadvantaged schools.

Following last December's budget, increases to the pupil-teacher ratio in DEIS Band 1 and Band 2 schools will arise due to the loss of the number of teachers in such schools.

Sinn Féin have submitted a motion calling on the Government to reverse the move, which will be debated in the Dáil next Wednesday and Thursday.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education Sean Crowe warned that the impact of such cuts will drastically affect literacy rates for pupils who need special attention.

“The cuts to essential education services announced in last month’s budget are indefensible and wrong," Deputy Crowe said.

“It is clear that the Government is continuing to implement the regressive polices of its predecessors by targeting the most vulnerable within our education system."