Irish Second-level Students’ Union Welcomes Preservation of Pupil-Teacher Ratio
The Irish Second-level Students’ Union welcomes the preservation of the pupil/teacher ratio in both post-primary and primary schools. The fact that other funds relating to second-level education have been preserved is also welcome.ISSU President, Mark Caffrey said that ‘the Government budget proposal is supportive to education and respects its great importance. In a time of unprecedented reform of the education sector it is important that the necessary funds for these reforms are provided.’He also stated that ‘Whilst the Haddington Road agreement is the main point of contention within the Education Sector it is important to note that the budget has maintained the current pupil/teacher ratio in primary and post-primary schools.The ISSU also glad to see that disadvantaged school communities will be protected from budget cuts this year.ISSU Education Officer, Robert O’Donnell stated that ‘the education aspects of the budget are welcomed by myself and many other members of the ISSU. The security of funding for DEIS schools is crucial for students in these schools, and we are glad to see that this funding will not be altered.’ The Irish Second-level Students’ Union welcomes will work with all other stakeholders to maintain a quality education system in Ireland at second-level.
Main Budget 2013 points which affect second-level students
Below is a brief summary of the main points of the 2013 Budget as they affect second-level students.
There will be a 2 point increase in the pupil teacher ratio in fee charging second level schools will be introduced in September 2013. €500,000 will be specifically allocated to tackling bullying in schools. The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance has been reduced from €150 to €100 for primary school children and from €250 to €200 for secondary and third level students below the age of 22 for eligible recipients. The Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) in Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programmes is to be equalised with the PTR in mainstream second level schools, changing from 17:1 at present to 19:1. The introduction of the new Junior Cycle will be supported by an investment of €3 million in 2013, and €8.7 million in 2014. Child benefit payments will be reduced by €10 per month. At third level, the student contribution will rise by €250 in 2013 to €2,500 and by €250 for the following two years to €3,000 in 2015. There will also be a 3% reduction in the income threshold for entitlement to student grants. Disclaimer: This page is intended to give a brief outline of some of the measures of the 2013 Budget, of which full details are available here.