ASTI - Ireland's main second level teachers union

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Young people’s futures further compromised by Budget 2012

Today’s Budget cuts mean the majority of second-level schools will lose one teacher and schools, which are already struggling to pay bills, will see a reduction in funding for their day to day running costs. 

ASTI General Secretary Pat King said second-level schools are still reeling from a series of drastic cuts to funding and resources over the past three years. It has been announced today that second-level schools will lose 700 posts next year.

“The decision to withdraw second-level schools’ entitlement to appoint ex-quota Career Guidance Counsellors will have the same effect as a straight increase in the pupil-teacher ratio. It means that the majority of second-level schools will lose a teacher, with larger schools losing between 1.5 and two. This will lead to further subject loss in second-level schools, curtailment of Career Guidance Counselling services, the amalgamation of classes, reduced focus on maths and science education, and the dropping of programmes such as Transition Year and the Leaving Cert Applied.

“The removal of supports to disadvantaged students who are not in the DEIS scheme is penalising students on the basis of the school they attend. The majority of disadvantaged students attend schools outside of the DEIS scheme. We cannot continue to punish the most vulnerable of our young people in this manner.

“Most students will face reduced access to Career Guidance Counselling services,” added Pat King. “This is an absurd situation at a time of high unemployment when the Government is publicly stating that its number one priority is jobs and when young people need career advice and guidance more than ever. As recently as January, the ERSI published a study which found a high level of concern amongst parents of second-level students at the lack of access to Career Guidance services in schools.

“Often the school’s Guidance Counsellor is the only access a young person has to a support and referral service for problems ranging from emotional issues, to sexual health concerns, to learning difficulties. Pastoral care supports in the form of Year Heads have already been virtually wiped out in second-level schools due to a moratorium.

“Today’s Budget further compromises our young people’s futures. Cuts to second-level education are indefensible at a time when young people so badly need to be supported.”

Pat King concluded by saying that today’s news will be devastating for hundreds of newly qualified teachers who cannot find work and thousands of temporary and part-time teachers who cannot find secure work. “This will be the final straw for many talented highly-motivated young teachers who will be forced to emigrate or change professions due to further cuts in teacher numbers.”

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