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.