4th November 2024
Today, the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) has unveiled its comprehensive General Election Manifesto, calling for transformative investment in Ireland’s primary and special education systems. The manifesto, titled 2030 Vision: Essential Investments for Advancing Primary and Special Education, outlines the key areas of action needed to deliver an education system that truly meets the needs of all children and young people.
This detailed plan highlights thirty crucial measures the INTO believes the next government must prioritise to ensure Ireland has a world-class education system by 2030. From reducing class sizes and investing heavily in schools and their staff to boosting support for special education and addressing the ongoing housing crisis that affects teacher recruitment and retention, INTO is calling for nothing less than a 5% increase in the share of total government expenditure for the school sector between 2026 and 2030.
Speaking at the launch, INTO President Carmel Browne said:
The future of our education system depends on the choices we make today. Our vision for 2030 is an ambitious, but achievable, roadmap that places the needs of teachers, pupils, and schools at the heart of policy decisions. We are calling on every politician seeking election to support this vision and ensure that no teacher, no child, and no school is left behind.
The INTO’s manifesto is built on the principle that primary education is the cornerstone of a thriving society, and it stresses that a bold strategy is now needed to meet the challenges faced by schools today. The plan covers a range of investments, including improving infrastructure, increasing resources for special education, and bettering working conditions for teachers.
John Boyle, INTO General Secretary, echoed this urgency:
This election represents a turning point. We need every teacher, every parent, and every voter to understand that the future of our children depends on the commitments made by those who aspire to govern our country during the next five years. INTO is launching a national campaign to make sure the voice of primary education is heard clearly during this election. Our members will play a crucial role in amplifying our message in every community and ensuring that education remains a top priority for all candidates.
The INTO is urging its members to engage with local parliamentary candidates, share the manifesto’s key messages, and ensure that the needs of primary and special education are front and centre in election debates. By rallying its members and engaging with the wider public, INTO is determined to secure the future of Ireland’s education system.
The manifesto is more than just a wish list; it’s a call to action for everyone concerned about the future of Irish education. Now is the time for ambitious investment and bold action, ensuring Ireland can proudly lead the way in educational excellence by 2030.
Schools across the country will receive the INTO General Election action pack in the coming weeks, complete with the manifesto, canvas cards and details on how to amplify the INTO message locally.
