For far too long our education system has been underfunded, with devastating results: 3,000 primary teachers missing, over 100,000 children stuck on waiting lists for vital therapies and assessments, and 250,000 pupils crammed into overcrowded classrooms. These crises are the product of years of neglect. It’s time for the Government to act for one simple reason – because our children deserve better.
The commitments made by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael during the general election must now become the cornerstones of a new Programme for Government. Both parties recognised the transformative power of primary and special education. Now is the time to turn promises into firm, funded commitments. Commitment is more than a word; it is an act. Now is the time for decisive action.
Take our growing teacher shortage crisis for a start. Increasing the number of places at teacher training colleges by 300 every year until the crisis ends would mark a shift in the right direction and show that the Government is committed to tackling this issue.
Prior to the election the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) set out 30 areas of strategic investment needed to deliver a world class primary and special education system. We argued that by reducing class sizes, improving working conditions for teachers, supporting special education and funding schools sustainably, Ireland could lay the foundation for a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive education system by 2030.
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Our hopes were lifted three weeks ago when the Taoiseach-in-waiting, Micheál Martin, addressed the first meeting of the 34th Dáil, pledging to deliver the largest school building and refurbishment programme in the history of the State and to increase teaching and financial resources for all schools.
Later that evening, outgoing Minister for Education Norma Foley, speaking on RTÉ's Six One News, emphasised that reducing primary class sizes to 19:1 was a key Fianna Fáil policy distinguishing it from Fine Gael. This vital step towards achieving the European average of 19 pupils per class will ease overcrowding, enhance educational outcomes, and support teachers in implementing the redeveloped curriculum.
Fianna Fáil’s promise to increase the primary school capitation grant by 40 per cent and roll out of the small schools’ project nationwide must also be acted upon. Such measures would take the pressure off schools to fundraise and for smaller schools, help to preserve the social and cultural fabric of rural Ireland. The party also promised to establish the first national therapy service in education, starting with the provision of therapists to special schools, special classes and Deis-plus schools. As the larger party entering the likely coalition, we expect Fianna Fáil to honour these pledges.
Fine Gael’s election manifesto vowed that they would explore ways to recognise teaching experience gained abroad in salary calculations, attracting qualified teachers back to Ireland. They set out that they would also ensure school leaders had the resources they need, including funding and administrative support and provide enhanced supports through a Deis-plus model to ensure schools in need receive targeted help.
Additionally, cross-party commitments made to support the Irish language and the establishment of a North-South forum for education stakeholders were welcomed and must feature prominently in the new government’s education agenda. It’s time now to see these words translated into government action.
The housing crisis is at the heart of many challenges in our society, including teacher shortages. Providing affordable housing for essential workers in the communities they serve must be a top priority for the government.
As we enter the final days of government formation talks, we are calling on the leading parties to ensure that all of their promises to support primary and special education are delivered upon and included in the emerging programme for government. We urge them to develop an ambitious vision for our nation’s next generation. Now is the time to deliver a fairer, stronger, and more inclusive education system.
John Boyle is general secretary of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation
