Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Education and Skills Thomas Byrne has welcomed the call for consultation on a new strategy for the education sector, but says this cannot be used as an excuse to distract from current outstanding issues in the education system.
Deputy Byrne commented, “It’s encouraging to see the Government is looking to engage with people from across society regarding the future development of our education system. Fianna Fáil will be responsible in this regard and we will engage with the consultation process to advance our education proposals.
“However it’s important that Minister Bruton doesn’t attempt to use this consultation process to distract from the real issues affecting our education system right now. Just last Friday we learned through media reports that officials in the Department of Education believe that schools will have to close due to a funding shortfall.
“Minister Burton needs to show leadership and deal with issues such as industrial unrest, funding shortfalls and cutbacks to special needs supports. We can’t afford to wait for months on end for this consultation process to conclude before taking action to resolve the growing problems in our education system.”