Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

On this occasion, when Deputy Hayes is outlining policy, I suggest he put less emphasis on sound bites and more on substance. It is essential to place the current measures in a proper context. In 2009, taking account of the measures announced today, the net pay bill for teachers' salaries and pensions will increase by almost €300 million as a result of a combination of pay increases and the full year costs of the salaries of teachers appointed this September. The allocation provides for increased enrolment in primary schools and the continued growth in provision for special needs in primary and post-primary schools. In addition, pay costs will rise by some €40 million to cover the full year costs of additional SNAs in the system this September as well as provision for additional posts next September. Earlier this year, the Government specifically shielded teachers and SNAs from the general 3% payroll cuts announced for the public sector.

In making the hard choices required in the current circumstances, the Government has acted in a balanced and measured way. To help limit the growth in public sector pay, it is necessary to increase the number of pupils required for additional classroom appointments in both primary and post-primary schools by one pupil with effect from September 2009.

See this speech in context