Doherty launches campaign to fight education cutbacks
Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty today launched a campaign against Government cutbacks in education spending. Speaking at the launch of the campaign entitled ‘Leave our Schools Alone’ Senator Doherty said the education budget should be exempt from Government cutbacks as it is crucial to our long term economic recovery.
He said the Government was slow to react to the recession and is now implementing short sighted measures which target our children and which are ultimately detrimental to our economic recovery.
Senator Doherty said, “Sinn Féin will not tolerate any cutbacks in the education sector. We will not stand idly by while the Government foolishly destroys our education infrastructure.
“While we all know that we are in dire economic circumstances, we believe that our education budget must be exempt from Government cutbacks. In fact it makes no economic sense to be cutting the education budget as it is crucial to our long term economic recovery.
“We are launching the ‘Leave our Schools Alone’ campaign to fight these cutbacks and to highlight the harsh realities faced by families as a result of the Government’s reckless policy.
“We will be highlighting cuts faced by schools right across the state and bringing to the people’s attention just what this incompetent government has done to our education system and to our children.
“We are demanding a first class education system that enables future generations reach their potential and that is properly funded through a fair and progressive taxation system rather than the current situation where under-resourced schools are increasingly dependent through parents’ contributions and fundraising efforts.
“As a father of young children I am utterly appalled at the cuts which will now come into affect as our children return to school.
“Class sizes are set to increase, resources will be slashed, book grants are abolished and children will continue to be educated in dilapidated, overcrowded buildings and prefabs even though building new schools would create employment.
“I, and countless other parents and teachers have had enough. Our children did not cause this recession. They should not foot the bill for this government’s incompetence. Now is the time to fight back.
“I am urging all parents, teachers and all those who will not stand for attacks on our schools to join us in our campaign. Our message to the government is clear – LEAVE OUR SCHOOLS ALONE!” ENDS
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