Resignation of Joe Behan 17/10/08

Statement by John Carr, INTO General Secretary, on Resignation of Joe Behan TD from Fianna Fail Party

17th October 2008

INTO General Secretary John Carr has congratulated Wicklow TD Joe Behan who has resigned from the Fianna Fáil party in protest at the Budget.

Mr Behan today told told RTE’s Drive Time programme that as a primary principal teacher he could not support the decision in the budget to increase class sizes in schools.

“This is a brave and principled decision by an INTO member who clearly knows the direct effect of proposed budget cuts on primary schools,” said Mr Carr.  “Joe Behan will be seen by teachers and parents as a defender of primary education. He is right: enough is enough.”

Mr Carr called on other public representatives who are equally aware of the impact of the budget to oppose the cuts in primary education.

ENDS.