Sinn Féin Survey Underlines Consequences of the Education Budget Cuts in Waterford

Sinn Féin Survey Underlines Consequences of the Education Budget Cuts in Waterford

European candidate, Cllr Toireasa Ferris, will on Friday unveil a survey, conducted by local Sinn Féin Councillors of the effects of the budget cuts on schools in Waterford.

The Survey results show that the many class sizes across schools in Waterford will rise to over 31. Nearly a quarter of all pupils will remain in super-sized classes of 30 plus with 6 out of 19 schools losing existing teachers. A further 6 out of 19 will lose language support teachers as the Government proposes to cap these at only two per school. In addition 10 schools in Waterford who applied for capital funding will face an uncertain future because of the proposed cuts to the school buildings budget.

Commenting on the survey Toiréasa Ferris said: “This survey put together by the Sinn Féin Councillors in Waterford illustrates the effects of the cuts on children going through the school system in Waterford over the next few years.”

“The Survey results show that the many class sizes across schools in Waterford will rise to over 31. Nearly a quarter of all pupils will remain in super-sized classes of 30 plus with 6 out of 19 schools losing existing teachers. A further 6 out of 19 will lose language support teachers as the Government proposes to cap these at only two per school. In addition 10 schools in Waterford who applied for capital funding will face an uncertain future because of the proposed cuts to the school buildings budget.”

“The survey is a harsh indictment of a government which chooses to make the weak and vulnerable pay the price of the bad political decisions made in their present and previous term in office. Political choices shape the destiny of tomorrow’s children. The political choices made by this government have been to increase class sizes, decrease opportunities for widening children’s education, and maintain schools in unsuitable and frequently appalling accommodation.”

“We should as a priority be investing in our children, primarily because every child in Waterford and Ireland deserves an equal chance. But also because in an increasingly competitive world we need a skilled and educated people able to participate in a first class economy. Higher levels of education and training lead to increased wealth and higher living standards. The present government decisions are short term and bode ill for the present and the future.”

“I and Sinn Féin believe we should at this time be investing in education rather than in buccaneer bankers and developers. Schools and third level institutions should be provided with the required level of teaching and resources. An emergency school building programme will provide not only for the future but will also provide much needed employment for those affected by the downturn in the construction industry. We will all reap the awards of such an investment.