Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

The standardisation of the staffing schedule for gaelscoileanna so that it is the same as that which applies to primary schools in general is one of a number of measures in Budget 2011 to control and reduce teacher numbers. These changes will take effect from September next. Given the legacy of economic mismanagement on the part of the outgoing Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and the financial constraints that currently apply, it is not possible to reverse these changes.

The changes to which I refer will result in a reduction of the order of 50 posts in gaelscoileanna. There are currently more than 1,500 teaching posts in these schools. The impact at individual school level is determined as part of the allocation process for the 2011-2012 school year and schools are being notified in the normal manner.

The Government will endeavour to protect front-line education services as best as possible. However, this must be done within the context of bringing overall public expenditure back into line with what we can afford as a country. All areas of government, including that which relates to gaelscoileanna, will be obliged to manage on a reduced level of resources. The challenge will be to ensure that the resources that are being provided will be used to maximum effect.

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