As the new school term begins in earnest in primary and special schools across the country, teachers and school leaders are growing increasingly concerned about the pressure facing our education system.

From the inadequate funding of our schools, overcrowding in our classrooms, the lack of support to maintain our cherished small schools, and the need to scale up our support for the delivery of special education, we simply must do better.

In the general election late last year, which culminated in the publication of a detailed programme for government, the government has made strong commitments to tackle the chronic underinvestment in primary education.

With the first budget of this new coalition taking place in a matter of weeks, we will soon see if they are prepared to honour the promises they made the electorate.

The teachers of this country will be placing close attention to the Budget in particular.

Minister for Education, Helen McEntee, has insisted that her priority while in office is to take all necessary action to tackle educational disadvantage and deliver a world class education........

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