Rural schools in the west of Ireland must be protected from the draconian and unbalanced cuts being proposed by the Fine Gael/Labour Government.

That’s the view of Dara Calleary, T.D for Mayo.

Deputy Calleary said, “I am very concerned about the impact that cuts in the pupil/teacher ratio  in 2, 3 and 4 teacher schools will have on our smaller schools, particularly here in the West where 90 per cent of our primary schools fall into this category.”

“I have been actively highlighting the potential consequences of these cuts since Budget Day on December 6^th last and have participated in a number of Dáil debates and motions in relation to the matter.

“I have highlighted the fact that these cuts are a direct attack on rural Ireland. They show exactly who and what in society this Government values most and that’s certainly not the children of rural Ireland.

“Raising the pupil/teacher ratio in 2, 3 and 4 teacher schools does not make sense from a financial, educational or social perspective and the effects of these cuts will not be seen fully in rural Ireland for half a generation,” he warned.

“Retention figures are being based on last year’s enrolment figures. It is grossly unfair to apply a cut as severe as this retrospectively and will that a two-teacher schools must have 20 pupils on the role in September 2013 in order to keep their two teachers – an increase of six from the 2011 figure of 14; a three-teacher schools must have 56 pupils – up from 51 in 2011 and a four-teacher school must have 86 pupils – an increase of 5 from the 2011 figure of 81.

The Minister’s claim that this is a gradual increase in the pupil/teacher ratio is untrue. These changes represent a dramatic increase.”

“Fine Gael and Labour TDs have already had the opportunity to oppose these cuts in Private Members Motions in the Dáil and they chose not to do so – that is a fact.”

“However they will have further opportunities to stand behind the people of rural Ireland when further motions go before the Dáil in the weeks ahead. Similarly County Councillors from the Government parties will have an opportunity to support motions calling upon the Minister to reverse these cuts,” he said.

“I have written to every primary school principal in Mayo asking them to contact me with the specific effect of these changes for their school and I am appealing to concerned parents and teachers to apply the necessary pressure on the backbench Government TDs and the Government Councillors throughout the West to ensure that we protect the future of our rural schools, rural communities and most importantly the future of our children who are the foundation of the future,” concluded Deputy Calleary.