Ó Ríordáin welcomes DEIS announcement

Statement from Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Labour Party TD, Dublin North Central
Tuesday, 21st February 2012

Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has welcomed today's clarification from Minster Ruairí Quinn in relation to the staffing schedule for DEIS Band 1 and DEIS Band 2 schools.

"As a former teacher and principal in Dublin's North Inner City, I have first hand experience of the excellent work that takes place daily in our most disadvantaged of schools. I fully understand the unique and incredible power of education and that it still remains the most sustainable and direct passage out of poverty. I am delighted therefore that the Minister has acknowledged that the measures announced in the budget are to be reversed, and that the legacy posts in DEIS schools are to be retained.

"I joined the Labour Party as a teacher in Sheriff Street because of the Labour Party's proud record in relation to tackling educational disadvantage, and today's announcement is a further indication of where our priorities in education lie.

"Ruairí Quinn has proved, in less than a year, to be the most ground-breaking Minster for Education in a generation. On taking office, his Department immediately tackled the scourge of illiteracy in our society and has launched initiatives aimed at delivering equality throughout the education system.

'As this issue of staff provision in DEIS schools has now been resolved, I look forward to working closely with Minister Quinn and my Labour colleagues on the Education, Jobs and Social Protection Committee in delivering an excellent education system for all children and young people in Ireland. The complete eradication of illiteracy and disadvantage from our education system is a bold aim, but one that only the Labour Party has the vision to deliver."