Eric J. Byrne
Ceist:68. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the situation regarding a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55734/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 12 December 2012
Ceisteanna (68)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government has protected frontline services in schools to the greatest extent possible in the recent budget and there will no reduction in teacher numbers in primary schools and in free second level schools for the 2013/14 school year as a result of the budget. The DEIS scheme for disadvantaged schools is also fully protected with no overall changes to staffing levels or funding as a result of the budget. The school referred to by the Deputy continues to receive the DEIS grant which has not been affected by the Budget measures. In addition, the following resources continue to be provided:- additional Book Grant over and above that paid to other schools
- additional staffing to implement more favourable class sizes
- allocation of administrative principals on lower enrolment than applies in primary schools generally
- access to School Completion and Home School Community Liaison
- access to School Meals provision
- access to literacy/numeracy supports such as reading recovery, maths recovery, first steps
- access to a range of professional development supports
- access to homework clubs and transfer programmes
- access to planning supports I acknowledge that the various budget measures that have taken place in recent years have impacted on schools however my Department, like all other Government Departments, is operating within a budgetary programme that is designed to return the Government finances to a sustainable basis. All public servants are required to do more with less and teachers in our schools are not exempt from this requirement.