The Government revealed that €10 billion would be spent on education in 2018, a new peak for the sector.
The Government has committed to the recruitment of approximately 1,300 new teachers, over 1,000 additional Special Needs Assistants (SNA) and 800 new Gardaí as part of its Budget for 2018.
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe revealed the plan for new recruits in the public sector during the Budget 2018 announcement at Leinster House on Tuesday.
Education, at all levels, is the bedrock of Irish society – delivering benefits for the individual and for society. #budget18
— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) October 10, 2017
Today I announce education spending for 2018 of over €10 billion, a new peak for the sector and 16.6 per cent of total expenditure #budget18
— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) October 10, 2017
This Budget delivers almost 1,300 additional teaching posts in schools in 2018, and…
— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) October 10, 2017
…as part of this the Pupil Teacher Ratio at primary level will be reduced to 26 to 1. #budget18 https://t.co/y0quCX5PIM
— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) October 10, 2017
The delivery of so many new teaching posts is a result of a €10 billion investment in the education sector in 2018, while the new SNA posts will be created by a €1.7 billion investment in special education in the coming year.
The Government is investing over €1.7bn for special education needs in the coming year. #Budget18
— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) October 10, 2017
This means that over 1,000 additional Special Needs Assistants can be recruited in time for September 2018. #Budget18
— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) October 10, 2017
As a result, the student/teacher ratio will be reduced to 26 to 1 at primary level, while the additional Special Needs Assistants will be recruited in time for the start of a new school year next September.
As far as An Garda Síochána are concerned, meanwhile, Minister Donohoe revealed that 800 new Gardaí would be recruited and an additional 500 civilians will be hired as part of an additional €63 million allocation in the Justice sector in 2018.
Upon coming into office, this Government signalled increased investment in An Garda Siochána. #budget18
— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) October 10, 2017
Today I will provide for resources to allow for the recruitment of an additional 800 Gardaí during 2018. #budget18
— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) October 10, 2017
Another 500 civilians will also be hired. #budget18 https://t.co/4RtGNk6wch
— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) October 10, 2017
The additional allocation for the Justice sector in 2018 is €63 million. #budget18
— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) October 10, 2017
You can catch up on all the main points in Budget 2018 and how they’re going to affect you here.
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