Rural schools sacrificed instead of ‘sacred cows’

We are constantly told the country has to tighten its belt, cut jobs and services, essential or not.

The latest target is smaller rural schools, removing 1,000 teaching and ancillary posts from communities that exist on the margins of viability. We have heard too often of Garda stations and post offices, and the like, shutting for ‘efficiencies.’

Pressure groups have formed: pensioners’ medical cards, turf cutters, septic tank protesters, water and household charges, all with one thing in common — their own pockets.

Now is the time to put self-interest aside and support your communities. Rural schools are under threat: the three-teacher school losing a teacher or support staff may survive, but the two-teacher school losing half its teaching staff may as well shut the door as it will be unable to function with today’s child-protection regulations.

Savings could be made elsewhere: one €130k special advisor would pay for two teachers.

Where is the promised cull of TDs and their entourages?

The list of un-slaughtered ‘sacred cows’ is too long to go into here, but that would involve taking on powerful vested interests, so the schools it will be.

John K Rogers

Ballydorey

Rathowen

Co Westmeath