Smaller class sizes and more teachers in Budget 2016 will be welcomed by all – D’Arcy

Fine Gael Senator for Louth/East Meath and the party’s Seanad Spokesperson on Education and Skills, Jim D’Arcy has welcomed the allocation of €144 million in additional investment for education next year.
“This is great news for pupils, teachers and parents and this allocation is sure to lead to even better teaching and learning outcomes in our schools.
“In particular, I welcome the fact that 2,260 new additional teaching posts will be created. This will also include 600 new resource teachers. This is addition to the extra 610 SNA’s and 190 resource teachers already announced this year. Educational research shows that smaller classes lead to better learning outcomes for pupils, particularly in primary schools.
“The pupil teacher ratio at primary is to be reduced from 28:1 to 27:1. At second level it will fall from 19 -1 to 18.7-1. The Government has also committed to further supports and developments in the sector as the public finances improve.

“As Seanad spokesperson for Education and Skills, and a member of the all-party joint Oireachtas Education, Skills and Social Protection Committee, I warmly welcome this support for the education sector.

“Today’s Budget includes the payment of a minor works grant in 2015 and the beginning of a new €80 million two year summer works programme. Schools will also be invited to apply for a new summer works scheme which will commence next year.  The scheme will see €80 million invested in enhancing schools between 2016 and 2017 – half of this amount in each year.

“This Budget is a very positive one for the education sector and as someone who worked within the sector for many years I warmly welcome the investment.

“The last few budgets have been hard, but they have made it possible for Ireland to exit the bailout, reduce our debts, and move into a real recovery. The top priority of this year’s budget is to keep that recovery going, while providing relief and better services for the Irish people.”