New school builds must be matched by investment in pay for newly qualified teachers – Deputy Jonathan O’Brien

New school builds must be matched by investment in pay for newly qualified teachers – Deputy Jonathan O’Brien 25 September 2012 Commenting on today’s announcement of 100 new school building to be built over the next five years to meet the significant rise in the number of children entering the primary sector, Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Jonathan O’Brien has said this capital expenditure must be matched in the provision of resources for new teachers entering the profession. Deputy O’Brien said: “In welcoming today’s announcement by Minister Quinn to build 100 new schools over the next five years there also needs to be a matching commitment of resources to ensure we attract the best candidates into the teaching profession. “I believe that the 14% cut in pay and the loss of allowances for newly qualified teachers has badly damaged the moral and goodwill that is essential within a class room setting. Clearly, the unfair targeting of teachers has disincentivised many from pursuing a career within the Irish education sector and has succeeded in creating serious disparities in pay. “Having state-of-the art school buildings is all well and good but this needs to be matched by the type of investment that will ensure we can attract people into teaching who have the skills and motivation to deliver the school curriculum in the future.” Deputy O’Brien also acknowledged the Minister’s commitment to ensuring innovative designs for new school builds but said this vision for the future must also be applied to the existing school’s estate. “There are hundreds of schools across this State,” he continued, “that are forced to teach children in sub-standard classrooms with port-a-cabins still an unwelcome feature of many schools. “It is important therefore, that when considering the capital expenditure needed to build new schools that money is found to upgrade and improve existing buildings and facilities. “This must be a key priority for the Minister in the time ahead.”