Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I do not propose to give any specific commitment at this point, as it is clearly a matter that I must consider with my colleagues in Cabinet having regard to the position in respect of public service numbers and payroll costs generally. I note that the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014 makes provision for a net increase of just over 2,000 posts across the education sector between the end of 2010 and the end of 2014. The net increase factors in reductions that are being achieved this year through budgetary measures and some additional posts to cater for increasing demographics. Notwithstanding the additional posts for demographics, the recovery plan provides for a net reduction in teacher numbers in 2011. The detail on these measures was outlined in the 2011 budget introduced by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government. These budgetary measures have been notified to schools and will be proceeding as planned to take effect from September 2011.

The recovery plan also provides for consultation with the education partners on how best to achieve a further reduction in teacher payroll costs from 2012. It envisaged the introduction of appropriate increases in the classroom teacher allocation schedules if the consultation process did not produce alternative feasible measures to deliver the required savings. My Department will be conducting the consultation process over the coming months and I would encourage the partners to identify alternative measures that they believe would be feasible. Therefore, it is prudent not to give commitments at this stage beyond 2011 as to the overall number of posts in the education sector. The Government will endeavour to protect front line education services as best as possible. However, this must be done within the context of bringing our overall public expenditure back into line with what we can afford as a country. All areas of government will need to manage on a reduced level of resources. The challenge will be to ensure that the resources that can be provided are used to maximum effect to achieve the best possible outcomes for pupils.

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