More adjustments needed, Coughlan tells teachers
Tánaiste and new Education Minister Mary Coughlan has warned national school teachers that the sector will not be immune from further cuts.
Mary Coughlan made the remark during her address at the Irish National Teachers Organisation conference in Galway this morning.
Dozens of delegates held posters saying "Stop Blaming Public Servants" during the Minister's speech, while retired principal Maura Harrington stood in protest beside Mary Coughlan during her address.
However the Tánaiste admits more adjustments are needed to help resolve the economic crisis.
"We have more to do to fully stabilise our public finances," Minister Coughland said
"As you know, a further €3bn of adjustments will be required in the next budget. €1bn of this is likely to come from capital expenditure and the remaining €2bn will have to be achieved through reductions in the cost of public services and through taxation.
"The reality is that this country will have less to spend on public services for the foreseeable future," she said.
"This is a fact and we cannot afford to underestimate the challenge it will pose."
The Tánaiste said it was not possible for her to shelter education completely from any further adjustments.
"For me to do so would be dishonest, given that the bulk of public expenditure is accounted for by health, education and welfare," she said.
