1st October 2024
Speaking following the Budget 2025 statements, INTO General Secretary John Boyle said:
The government has failed to address the urgent needs of primary and special schools in Budget 2025. Despite numerous Ministers, TDs, and Senators engaging with INTO members in June, multiple meetings between our members and TDs at the constituency level in September, and thousands of teachers and parents contacting their elected representatives demanding urgent action, the obvious need for meaningful school supports appears to have been disregarded. Today’s budget speeches, particularly the statement from the Minister for Public Expenditure, lacked the clear commitments necessary to meet the ongoing challenges facing our schools. Providing a higher allocation for mobile phone pouches than the increase in primary capitation is tone deaf to the pressing needs of primary and special schools. At a time when Ireland has the largest budget surplus in the history of the state, it beggars belief that initiatives like this have been prioritised over the real needs of our cash-strapped schools.
We will be seeking clarity on measures announced for special education, school buildings, school transport, leadership, support for the primary curriculum framework, school meals and social inclusion programmes in the briefing by the Minister for Education, scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.
Teachers will rightfully demand to know why Minister Foley, who had previously reduced class sizes, has failed to further tackle overcrowded classrooms for the second year in a row. Ignoring this issue now undermines Ireland’s potential to achieve a world-class education system by 2030.
As our school’s struggle with teacher supply and resourcing, the next government must deliver a clear plan of action that prioritises our children’s education and ensures the sustainability of our schools in the coming year and beyond.
Anything less will be seen as a betrayal of our children’s future and a serious blow for the thousands of families who have raised their concerns with politicians. The next government must act decisively, or risk losing the confidence of school communities across the country. Tomorrow’s briefing from the Minister for Education must shed clear light on the limited supports that are on the way for 2025.