IPPN

Last Updated: Tuesday, 04 December 2012 12:37

Pre-Budget submission calls for investment in primary education

The Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN), the professional body for primary school leaders, has said schools will be forced into bankruptcy unless the Government reverses cuts to the grant that covers their running costs in next week’s Budget.

‘We need to invest in our schools, not force them into bankruptcy,’ according to Seán Cottrell, IPPN’s Director. ‘Our pre-Budget submission calls on the Government to reverse cuts to the capitation grant as schools face into a “perfect storm” of rising utility costs, declining voluntary contributions and reduced Government funding. We believe that it makes more sense to create a single operational grant paid quarterly to schools,’ he said.

IPPN has also called for a VAT exemption for schools, saying it would help them to cope financially.

‘Ironically, primary schools are not entitled to claim VAT refunds like other businesses - even though the Department of the Environment categorises schools as businesses when imposing water charges. IPPN estimates that making schools VAT-exempt would save them between €8,000 and €12,000 each year, depending on the school’s size,’ said Mr Cottrell.

Gerry Murphy, IPPN President, called on the Government to protect the education sector in the Budget, saying schools need investment to accelerate economic recovery and build a fairer society.

‘IPPN is acutely aware that the gap between what the Government spends and takes in must be bridged - but hitting primary education, the foundation for our economic future, is not an option this year,’ said Mr Murphy.

IPPN wants the Government to create a multi-annual budget for technology in primary schools classrooms and an integrated technology-supported curriculum.

It has called for a renewed focus on improving young people’s confidence through public speaking, physical exercise, acting and team work, as well as measures to relieve principals from administrative work so that they can focus on leading learning in schools.

IPPN challenged the Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald, to create an electronic data base for primary school children to replace outdated roll books.

‘Every calf, cow and bull in the State is registered by the Department of Agriculture and Food in the interests of food traceability. Why isn’t the same tracking technology in place to capture the health, education and care needs of every child? A pupil data base would enable the accurate targeting of resources through formula-based funding. It would also allow resources to be allocated efficiently, eliminating duplication and streamlining administrative practices in schools and the Department of Education and Skills,’ said Mr Cottrell. 
 
ENDS