Dublin North East Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Sinn Fein demonstrates against education cuts.

Published: 2 November, 2008

Sinn Fein's Denise Mitchell, Larry O'Toole and Helen McCormack.

Sinn Fein's Denise Mitchell, Larry O'Toole and Helen McCormack.

Sinn Fein organised a demonstration at the constituency office of Minister Sean Haughey on Saturday November 1st last to protest at the budget cuts, specifically education, recently announced.

Among the gathering was Councillor Larry O'Toole who criticised Minister Haughey stating "The savage budget cuts in education, which he supported, will have a devastating effect on schools, teachers and pupils throughout Dublin North East."

"I have brought to the Minister's attention a number of concerns that I and thousands of parents and teachers alike have. Among the concerns I expressed to him were the prospect of schools losing their grant entitlement as well as home liaison teachers and disadvantaged teaching posts. Some schools could lose as many as six teachers. The removal of the book grant and the general impact on extracurricular activities will also be a big blow.

"Access to a decent standard of education is a right not a privilege. How can Minister Haughey function as a Minister charged with promoting Lifelong Learning and at the same time justify the sort of cuts in basic education that young people will experience in the time ahead?

"My colleagues in Leinster House will continue to oppose these measures, but what we need now is people power. If enough of us protest, the Government will have to think again and give the Education system the resources it so desperately needs. So, please, I am asking all parents and other concerned persons to continue to make your voice heard at every opportunity."