The Minister for Education & Skills Ruairí Quinn has revealed that 30 teaching posts are to go across Co Donegal.
The Minister told Senator Brian O’Domhnaill that primary schools across Co Donegal will lose a significant number of teaching posts from September.
Senator Ó Domhnaill said this was further evidence of the present Government’s anti-rural agenda.
“The cuts to small schools and disadvantaged rural schools this year are just further evidence of this Government’s anti-rural agenda. Following a series of questions, the Education Minister Ruairí Quinn has confirmed to me this week that at least nine Primary Schools in Donegal will lose a teacher from September.
“That amounts to at least 30 teaching posts. In addition to this, all 101 of Donegal’s primary schools face staff losses and larger classes in September 2013, 2014 and 2015.”
The schools losing a teacher this September are:
Scoil Náisiánta Gort an Choirce
Scoil Náisiánta Arainn Mhár
Scoil Náisiánta Loch an Iubhair
Scoil Chonaill, Bun Beag
Scoil Naisunta, na hAcrai
Scoil Cholmcille, Malin
Scoil Náisúnta Umlach, Carraig Airt
Ayr Hill NS, Ramelton
Many other Schools across Donegal will not get an additional teaching post due to the changes to the staffing schedules, according to Senator O’Domhnaill.
Senator Ó Domhnaill added, “Rural DEIS schools will continue to lose posts from September as the Government only saved posts in urban DEIS schools.
“This leaves almost all of the DEIS Schools in Donegal with legacy posts, an estimated at 13, at risk of losing teachers.
“For example, St Eunan’s National School in Raphoe, a rural DEIS School will lose 4 staff from September 2011 to September 2012. This represents a blatant attack on the most vulnerable young children. St Eunan’s will lose a liaison teacher, a resource teacher a concessionary legacy post and an administration principle post.
“This is only one example of how the Fine Gael/Labour education cuts will hit Donegal schools. This county is particularly badly hit by the outright attack on Minority Ethos, the Irish Language, Culture and Social Rights.”