PPEF PRESS RELEASE 4th DECEMBER 2008
04/12/2025

 The PPEF was established as an initiative of the National Parents Council Post-Primary in November 2007.  The Forum has brought together the second level education partners (listed below) to address common issues and establish a shared viewpoint on priorities for the future development of second level education.

The PPEF is comprised of the following member organisations:

The National Parents Council post-primary                                       NPCpp
The Joint Managerial Body                                                                 JMB
The Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland                           ASTI
The Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools          ACCS
The Teachers Union of Ireland                                                          TUI
The Irish Vocational Education Association                                       IVEA

The proposed education cutbacks will impact on the capacity of schools and centres of education to continue to deliver quality educational services, with a consequential negative impact on our childrens educational prospects and personal development.  All of the Post-Primary Education Partners are united in their opposition to the proposed education cuts.

The following initiatives have been established by the PPEF to show their serious concern for the ongoing education of the children of our nation:

 Upwards of 50,000+ Parents, Teachers and Management representatives will be marching in protest against the proposed Education Cuts in Dublin on Saturday next 6th December. This will be a  truly unique  occasion where Partners from first, second and third level sectors will demonstrate their opposition to the education cuts.

 The PPEF believes it is important to have a common and coherent approach at county level so that the decision makers can be left in no doubt as to the severity of the damage that these proposed education cuts will inflict on the learning potential and personal development  of our children, and of our collective and unified opposition to them. Because these cutbacks have the potential to nullify good work being done in schools, the PPEF has established 29 County/Area based PPEF Committees to : (i) highlight amongst parents in particular  and amongst the wider public on how the cuts will affect the educational provision in schools and centres at local level and (ii) campaign against the cutbacks by lobbying local representatives.

 Education has always been critical to the economic development and prosperity of the nation. The economic recovery of the state requires  a well educated workforce coming on stream from our schools. The children attending the schools today are the future of our nation. Let us not short-change them by denying them educational experiences and opportunities to equip them for their future lives in the world of work.

 The PPEF Education Partners call on the Minister for Science and
Education Mr. Batt OKeefe T.D  and his officials to enter into meaningful dialogue with the PPEF and the other educational Partners on the proposed education cuts with a view to finding an alternative approach which will give our children the best possible educational experience which they so richly deserve.

 Should you require any clarification on the above please contact:

Jim Moore  President NPCpp  087 285 8278
Paul Beddy (Director NPCpp) 086 8197003.
Rose Tully  (PRO NPCpp)  Midlands/West, 086 260 8073
Jackie OCallaghan (Director NPCpp) Cork, 086 1200113
David Hegarty  (Director NPCpp)  Kerry, 087 249 3103
Tommy Walsh (Director NPCpp) Midlands, 086 8431118
Roy Gallie  (Director NPCpp) Leinster, 086 8242009

« back to list