Limerick parents and pupils protest Budget cuts
OVER 500 concerned parents and their children from St Paul's National School in Dooradoyle marched in protest against the recent cuts in education.
The march on Friday was organised by the St. Paul's Parent's Association, who were protesting against the recent Budget cuts, which they claim will have a massive effect on the day to day running of the school, with up to three teachers to be lost from the staff in January as a result.
"We want to highlight the fact that the school is to lose three teachers in January as a direct result of the Budget cuts," explained parents' association chairperson Mary McMahon.
"The Department have decreed that the teachers are not allowed outside the school, so we are taking it up on their behalf."
Parents and children from the school were joined by a number of local politicians, including Deputy Michael Noonan and local councillors.
The Department of Education had earlier instructed staff that "under no circumstances" were they to participate in the march during school hours.
Principal of the school John Tuohy, which has 40 staff and 632 pupils, said that he was delighted so many people turned out to support the school and to highlight the cuts, which he said would have a huge effect on the school.
"The protest went very well and was very well supported," said Mr Tuohy.
"I'm delighted that people feel so strongly about this issue and that they are taking action. We are going to lose two to three teachers and the lack of substitution cover means we might face a situation where we have 35 to 40 students in one class if one or more teachers go out sick. These cuts will have a massive effect."
The large procession of protesters marched from the school, down to the Crescent Shopping Centre and back.
Mr Tuohy explained that he "absolutely" hopes this protest and others like it might have an effect on the Government's plan to cut spending on education.
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Weather for Limerick
Tuesday 22 May 2012
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Light rain
Temperature: 13 C to 19 C
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