Teachers welcome Hanafin's return

Luke Cassidy

The Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland (Asti) has welcomed the reappointment of Mary Hanafin as Minister for Education and Science.

Ms Hanafin was promoted to the role, replacing Noel Dempsey, midway through the term of the last government.

Asti General Secretary John White said Ms Hanafin has always brought "practical experience" as a second-level teacher to her work as minister.

Mr White said the challenges awaiting Ms Hanafin as she returns to office include reducing class sizes, providing adequate resources to implement the Education for Persons with Disabilities Act, and addressing the crisis in science education.

He said his union was looking forward to meeting with the Minister to discuss these issues.

Mr White also said the Asti will be seeking clarification on the promise of an additional annual investment of €350 million for education reported to be in the Programme for Government.

"Any announcement for additional funding for second level education is to be welcomed, however, it must be viewed in the context of the under-funding of Irish second level schools," he added.