Government criticised over education funding

The Government has been criticised over education funding.

The three teachers' unions are preparing for their annual conferences this week.

Topics relating to class sizes, funding and difficulties with new schoolc curricula are expected to dominate the conferences.

Speaking on RTE radio today, Irish National Teachers' Organisation General Secretary, John Carr, said it was unfair to expect children and parents to wait any longer for the Government to deliver on its promise to cut class sizes.

Mr Carr said the mood among teachers is one of anger and dismay and accused the Government of casting aside the promises it had made under the Programme for Government last year. These included, he said, promises to reduce class sizes in each of the next three years, a doubling of the capitation funding available and relief on waste and water charges.

Mr Carr added that while his members appreciate that this may be a difficult economic year, "we cannot ask children to wait while we adjust the economy."