Mansergh’s comments demean school heads

I WAS dismayed to hear junior minister Martin Mansergh say the government jet and ministerial cars (with two garda drivers) were necessary for ministers to do their jobs.

As principal of a large voluntary secondary school I am now expected to manage the establishment in line with the recent cutbacks.

This will mean three fewer teachers, reduced subject choices, no funding for free books, radical adjustments in programmes for students with special education needs, a reduction in essential grants, no funding for Traveller children, reduced substitution and supervision resulting in a curtailment of school-related activities.

Set against this background the minister’s comment seems very demeaning to those charged with managing schools as the implication is that the provisions that have been withdrawn from schools (which are essential for the educational wellbeing and welfare of students) were not necessary for school leaders to do their jobs.

Such logic further demonstrates how removed from reality the minister is and also how unimportant equality and social justice are to this Government.

Shay Bannon

Principal

CBS High School

Clonmel

Co Tipperary