Martin presses Kenny on planned education cuts

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin yesterday pressed Taoiseach Enda Kenny on whether the Government will reverse all the planned cuts to disadvantaged schools.

Mr Martin said he visited the 60-pupil St Laurence O'Toole's primary school on Sheriff Street in north inner-city Dublin, which is in danger of losing five of its eight teachers if the DEIS cuts -- which Education Minister Ruairi Quinn is currently reviewing -- go ahead. Mr Martin said the cuts would damage the most vulnerable students.

Mr Kenny said the Government was awaiting the outcome of the review but there was no question of reversing the Budget, which was passed already.

Irish Independent