Third-level teachers stage Dáil protest over cuts

Up to 100 third-level teachers were protesting outside Leinster House in Dublin this evening over cuts to the education sector.

The Teachers Union of Ireland members say an increase in the pupil-teacher ratio will result in around 200 job losses around the country.

A number of students and former pupils of Further Education colleges also took part in the demonstration on Kildare Street.

Helen Mahony from the Dublin City Post Primary Branch of the TUI said the cuts will mean the loss of some specialised courses.

"We're protesting against the increase in the pupil-teacher ratio," she said.

"In raising the pupil-teacher ratio from 17-1 to 19-1 (Education Minister) Ruairi Quinn has effectively cut the teaching staff by over 10%.

"It means the loss of courses (and) we anticipate up to 1,000 places in further education being lost in September because of this change."