Underfunding in Primary Schools 01/02/2008

INTO Press Release : Comments by John Carr, General Secretary, Irish National Teachers Organisation on the Crisis in Underfunding in the Education System

1st February 2008

INTO General Secretary John Carr said the fact that many schools have applied for charitable status shows the extent of the crisis in underfunding in the education system.

However the operation of the scheme benefits few primary schools and no schools in disadvanatged areas. The simple fact is that schools in poorer areas are not in a position to benefit from charitable tax status as parents are unable to give the minimum required to meet the terms of the tax legislation.

The net result of this scheme is that schools in wealthier areas can get additional funding thus widening the already large funding gap between schools. It is the education equivalent of tax benefits for the rich and nothing for the poor. 

Schools should not have to avail of charitable status to survive. The state should provide the full running costs of primary schools. The fact is that this years budget when increased water charges are taken into account have left schools worse off than before. 

ENDS