ASTI President Pat Hurley made his remarks to 50 union equality branch officers from across the country, attending a meeting in Dublin.
 
He claimed that raising the teacher-pupil ratio, and cutting special needs services, English language support staff and services to Traveller students was deliberately targeting vulnerable pupils in an attempt to save money.

In addition, he said, funding for the Equality Authority had been reduced by a massive 43%.

"The goal of equality in education has been seriously hindered by the education cutbacks announced as part of Budget 2009.

"While legislation such as the Equal Status Act obliges schools to commit to equality in education, the cutbacks make a mockery of this obligation. 

"The increase in the pupil-teacher ratio will seriously impair a school’s capacity to provide the necessary resources to students with special educational needs.

"The loss of English language support teachers will have a significant impact on the educational attainment of newcomer students.

"Teachers and school communities work hard to try and progress the goal of inclusive education in our society. Now their work, commitment and goodwill are being undermined," Mr Hurley said.

But Batt O’Keeffe rejected criticism of his policies, stating that the changes to the special needs staff levels did not constitute a cut in services.

According to the Minister, while there is an increase to the one-to-nine teacher-pupil ratio in special needs, it will not affect standards because the actual ratio is consistently lower than the official figure. Pupils with "mild" special needs would be placed back in the mainstream system, he said. (Source: Irish Examiner)