News VOL.35 / NO.4 February 2013 - Teachers' Union of Ireland
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news
teachers’ uNiON OF ireLaNd / AONTAS MúiNTeOirí éireANN
VOL.35 / NO.4
Fe brua ry 2013
tui NeWs
cONteNts
p.3 A word from the
president
p.5 equality News
p.6 iCTU protests
p.8 Maternity leave
Circular
p.10 institute News
p.15 Teaching Council
p.16 Mental health and New GAlwAy CiTy BrANCh OffiCerS wiTh TUi AreA 11 exeCUTive MeMBer CATheriNe fAhy
Bullying Guidelines
p.19 Salary Scale Circular
p.21 fe/plC Campaign
p.30 view from Gaza
p.36 TUi in the Media
p.39 rMA News
p.40 Crossword
CO. SliGO BrANCh MAke preSeNTATiON TO reTiriNG MeMBerS ANNe MANNiON ANd
MiChAel dee
ediTOriAl prOdUCTiON
Gerard Craughwell Annette dolan Bernie Judge TUI News is published by the
President Deputy General Secretary Education & Research Officer Teachers’ Union of ireland.
president@tui.ie adolan@tui.ie bjudge@tui.ie Aontas Múinteoirí Éireann,
73 Orwell Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6.
Gerry Quinn declan Glynn Cathy Glavey
Vice-President Assistant General Secretary Administrative Officer
vicepresident@tui.ie dglynn@tui.ie cglavey@tui.ie T: 01-492 2588 f: 01-492 2953
e: tui@tui.ie w: www.tui.ie
Aidan kenny roisin farrelly
John MacGabhann Assistant General Secretary Press & Information Officer
printed by:
General Secretary akenny@tui.ie rfarrelly@tui.ie
Typecraft Ltd.
jmacgabhann@tui.ie
Ben Bishop
Assistant General Secretary
bbishop@tui.ie
2 February 2013 - TUi NewS
A Word from
tui NeWs
The President
person when an ‘at risk’ child has been mergers and the possibility of some ioT’s
identified. There is only one such qualified seeking Technological University status will
person in our schools and that is the present serious challenges for TUi
Guidance Counsellor. Again, we call on members. TUi members who lecture in
the Minister to re-establish the guidance the ioT sector have always welcomed
counselling service in our schools on an change but the current proposals appear
ex-quota basis. disjointed and seem to have little to do
with improving quality. Not unlike
TUi preSideNT, GerArd CrAUGhwell
Central to the reform agenda at second changes at post-primary level, many
level is the junior cycle. TUi calls on the decisions are being made without the
in the context of the current Minister to consider the scale and pace of active participation of the lecturing staff
government’s programme of austerity, junior cycle reform. TUi representatives employed by ioTs. There is a real need
there has to be concern about the on the NCCA had worked along with for engagement at all levels, including with
capacity of the public education system, at other colleagues to modernise the junior TUi, before there is any change. The heA
every level, to accommodate the broad cycle and it is a matter of great concern and the department would be ill-advised
ranging agenda of reform that is being to the TUi that the blueprint, carefully to ignore this need.
proposed. even good ideas – and not all developed by that group, was gazumped
of the government’s ideas are good – will by the Minister’s unilateral decision to very soon now TUi members will have to
not prosper in a resource starved abolish state certification. while deal with the outcome of the current
environment. Appropriate timing is a vital acknowledging the need to keep round of pSA talks. The government
ingredient for effective reform. Moreover curriculum relevant and updated, TUi wants to take more from us through
the word ‘reform’ is itself problematic as it questions the need for reform of the further pay cuts and productivity
suggests that all is currently broken. it is extent proposed. As State certification of measures. Many of our colleague teachers
not. Any wise view of our current student’s achievements at age 15, the and lecturers are put to the pin of their
education system would see immediately Junior Certificate has served our collar to get by on very low incomes, the
that there is much to be admired and education system well. having said that product of part-time, casualised work.
conserved, that meets the needs and TUi welcomes modernisation providing it perhaps now is a good time for all of us to
aspirations of learners and of irish society is aimed at meeting the needs of today’s consider how some of our practices are
in general. There is much that we as learners. well-judged modernisation of damaging our own interests. Teachers and
teachers and lecturers should be rightly the junior cycle has the potential to lecturers routinely give more than they
proud of. we must ensure that language provide an opportunity for schools to are contracted to do. yet, in the second
isn’t debased by a cynical representation shape a programme that will serve the level and fe/plC sectors, posts of
of cuts as reform. wider needs of their learners. however, responsibilities have been lost. it is
there is a need for much greater unlikely that we will get them back if we
recently we have seen the roll-out of new engagement with the practitioners in the do the vacated duties free gratis. Similarly,
mental health and suicide prevention schools, the real experts. The new junior at third level, lecturing beyond the weekly
guidelines for second level schools. On cycle must be properly resourced, provide norm plus flex, reduces hours (and
the day when these new guidelines were proper training to those delivering it and thereby pay) available to part-time
launched, the Minister of State at the crucially it must be externally moderated. colleagues. we have a duty to one
department of health said: “what we in addition, there must be a proper another, as trade unionists, as
want [schools] to do is take a whole- allocation of time for all additional work professionals and as citizen educators
school approach”. She went on to talk and, where appropriate, there must be with an abiding commitment to a high
about the great work done by guidance payment for work done. Teachers, in quality public education system, to protect
counsellors in schools but ended by general, and TUi members, in particular, the status of teaching and lecturing. That
saying: “we are talking about everyone in who are engaged in the delivery of the will be greatly assisted by adhering to
the school, the caretakers, the ladies and junior cycle demand a high quality good old-fashioned trade union values in
men who come in to clean the school. it’s programme based on a centralised the first instance – starting with
a whole school approach”. None among certification system. collegiality and solidarity amongst TUi
us would disagree with the idea of a members, as TUi members.
whole-school approach to mental health with respect to third level we are about
and suicide prevention. But what is to see the biggest shake-up for years of
missing from the guidelines is the single the ioT and university sectors. The
point of referral in schools to a qualified establishment of clusters, the likelihood of
www.tui.ie - TUi NewS 3
tui NeWs
education international/Oecd
conference: Framing education
for the Public Good
TUi was represented at a recent 2 day teacher unions must resist government
education international OeCd attempts to usher in a whole new era of
Conference in london by the president schools run by firms simply wanting to
Gerard Craughwell and the deputy make a quick buck for their
General Secretary Annette dolan, both shareholders. She added that, “of course
of whom contributed to the discussions we want well-funded schools, colleges
that teachers and lecturers are key to and universities, and good education
framing education for the public good. accessible to all, regardless of ANNeTTe dOlAN ANd GerArd
background, status or wealth. But we CrAUGhwell AT The ei/OeCd CONfereNCe
Opening the Conference, ei president also want our educators to be well-
Susan hopgood stated: “This year, the treated, fairly rewarded and respected seven threats
grave financial crisis which many for the work they do.” highlighting de-professionalisation as
countries in the world face has given the one of the main challenges facing the
conference a sharper edge. it gives us Values of education education sector today,van leeuwen
the opportunity to do what the ei General Secretary, fred van leeuwen highlighted seven signs posing a serious
conference title says: ‘frame education stated: The “values of public education, threat to the future of the teaching
for the public Good’.” are essentially the values that underpin profession and its capacity to ensure
democracy as well as our prosperity,” he high quality teaching:
threats to education said. “They encompass the principles of • The influx of unqualified teachers
frances O’Grady, General Secretary of equity and equal opportunities, of non- • The casualisation of teaching
the Uk Trade Union Congress, stated discrimination and social justice.” • The growing gap between teachers’
that increasing privatisation and pay and remuneration in other
continuing austerity pose a huge treat to van leeuwen called on participants to sectors
education. “At a time when education is get back to basics, get off the defensive • The restriction of teachers’
increasingly being privatised and and articulate again why public autonomy
subjected to the profit motive, we must education has such an important role in • The rapid spread of standardised
speak up for high-quality, publicly funded, each of our societies and why it cannot testing
publicly accountable education, that is be outsourced to the private sector. • Mechanistic forms of high-stake
accessible to all,” she said. “with the “we must make it clear to our political teachers’ evaluation
forces of global economic competition leaders that privatisation and • private sector management practices
and the interests of multinational commercialisation of education are not sneaking into educational institutions
corporations increasingly shaping the the answer,” van leeuwen said. having a two-way dialogue with the
education our young people receive, we OeCd is vitally important, he stressed.
must also resist the creeping “Boosting education quality nationwide The OeCd’s education directorate
commercialisation of what is being simply requires a massive investment in studies and surveys are anxiously
taught in our schools, colleges and the entire teaching profession, in the followed by governments. “whatever
universities.” education is not just about initial training of teachers, in their our views on the OeCd’s policies and
economic competitiveness, important professional development, and, yes, also research, we cannot deny the influence
though that is. “Most fundamentally, it is in their pay and employment the OeCd has on our education
about human enrichment, about the conditions,” he explained. “There is no systems.”
power of knowledge to transform lives way around this reality and there are no
and about the beauty of learning itself, shortcuts, such as performance pay This is a pivotal time for the future of
so that every child, young person and based on student outcomes. Mind you, education, said van leeuwen. “we must
adult has the chance to fulfil their true there is no evidence whatsoever that not let education slip away as a top
potential in life.” individual performance-related pay priority for governments. it is our job to
raises professional standards. what it keep pressing the core message that
O’Grady also said that classrooms does raise is anxiety and turmoil in without properly resourced high-quality
should be a place for learning, not a teachers’ staff rooms.” education for all, society itself will be
source of shareholder profit, and fundamentally damaged.”
4 February 2013 - TUi NewS
tui NeWs
New equality council
pATriCk hOGAN ChAir Of The
eQUAliTy COUNCil TrAiNiNG SeSSiON wiTh MAry QUirke, ASSiSTANT eQUAliTy COUNCil, MAry QUirke,
direCTOr Of AheAd ANNeTTe dOlAN
The newly elected equality Council, standing committee members:
elected on the 13th december 2012 is as
Anne Meagher, limerick Colleges Maura fitzgibbon, Cork City branch
follows:
lorranne vallely, Carlow iT Michael hughes, Co dublin Branch
chairperson:
patrick hogan, limerick City Branch Geraldine horgan, Co Meath Branch Stephen lynch, Cork C&C Branch.
secretary:
rose O’Mahony dublin C&C Branch
equality Officer training
Mary Quirke from AheAd (The • Students that successfully progress
Association for higher education Access from school and attain a place in third
and disability) facilitated an excellent level do not do so by chance. All of
training session for TUi equality Officers these students have been through the
on a range of disability issues including: second level system and have
succeeded.
• Comparing the impact of different
models of disability • Similarly the students with disabilities
that graduate with honours degrees,
• exploring equality officer’s own
masters and doctorates do so due to The classroom/lecture hall is increasingly
attitudes towards disability
the same hard work and diligence as all diverse as teachers/lecturers work with
• reviewing the legislation students. students with unique learning styles.
• Understanding the experience of however, there can be times when the Teachers and lecturers need to rethink the
people with disabilities playing field needs to be ‘levelled’ with classroom and this ‘rethink’ will without
reasonable accommodation as deemed doubt benefit all, she said.
• Understanding universal design
necessary. “reasonable accommodation
Ms Quirke challenged the equality Officers may be defined as providing adjustments
in relation to why teachers/lecturers so that a student is enabled to access a ahead conference
should take notice of ‘disabilities’ and service. Accommodations can include 2013
inclusive practices. voice activated software, print in large
font, use of tape recorders, extra time in AheAd’s annual conference 2013 entitled
She stated: ‘is Universal design in education Any of
exams and screen reading software.” The
• it is a fact that students and graduates My Business?’ is a two day event taking
question is “how do you strike the right
with disabilities are creative, motivated, place in the Croke park Conference
balance between making curriculums
hard working and due to circumstance Centre on March 12-13 and will tackle the
accessible and maintaining standards while
very used to ‘thinking outside the box’. subject of universal design in education
working within thr current legislative
• it is also a fact that while in framework?” and on into the world of work.
school/college; students with for further information please
There is no doubt that working with contact dara at ahead@ahead.ie or
disabilities meet the same
accommodations and ensuring that at 01 7164396.
requirements as other students and
education is inclusive requires change.
achieve comparable grades.
www.tui.ie - TUi NewS 5
tui NeWs
110,000 people take to the
streets to protest at ireland’s
bank debt burden
On Saturday, february 9th 2013, over Government and to
110,000 people took to the streets europe about the
across the country to protest against unfairness currently
the unsustainable €64 billion bank debt being imposed on
burden that ireland is carrying and to irish citizens. “irish
demand that it be lifted. rallies people, each
organised by iCTU, were held in Cork, individual citizen, man,
dublin, Galway, limerick, Sligo and woman, boy and girl
waterford. Over 60,000 people took in this society, has
part in the dublin protest, while at least notionally paid €9000
15,000 turned out in Cork, 13,000 in towards resolving a lifT The BUrdeN – JOBS NOT deBT
waterford, 10,000 in limerick, 7,000 in debt that is not their
Sligo and 5,000 in Galway. debt, while those who people cannot possibly pay a bank debt
were responsible for creating the burden of €64 billion - especially a debt
TUi was well represented at all marches difficulties that we are in seem to be they played no part in running up. There
and it was clear that branches made a escaping punishment. The large numbers is nothing fair about this deal.
significant effort to encourage and attending the marches around the we saved the european banking system
support members to join the rallies. country were there because they want in 2008, an act of extraordinary
General Secretary, John MacGabhann, to see justice done,” he said. solidarity with europe - now we want
had earlier called on members to attend
some solidarity in return,” Mr Begg said.
the protests, saying it was “critical that The General Secretary of the irish
he pointed out that ireland had already
members demonstrate their opposition Congress of Trade Unions, david Begg,
paid some €41 billion for the banking
and resistance to the failed austerity told protestors at the rally in dublin’s
crisis, more than Germany, the Uk, Spain
programme that has led to government Merrion Square that bank debt problem
or portugal. That is neither fair nor just”
cutbacks and demands”. had not been solved by the recent deal
he said.
regarding the promissory notes. “if you
reflecting on the large TUi turnout the read some papers yesterday you would The rallies also heard personal
president and General Secretary think we had achieved economic testimonies from people affected by the
thanked all those who had braved the salvation and our problems were over. crisis from all around the country.
cold - and in some regions rain – to Nothing could be further from the
make known their strong opposition to truth. And we have over 100,000 iCTU has said it will continue the bank
the continuing bank debt burden and thousand people on the streets of debt campaign until the link between
the resulting austerity programme. The ireland today who feel the same way. private bank debt and national debt is
General Secretary said the huge turnout clearly broken. lift the burden -
would send a message to the “New deal, same problem: 1.8 million Jobs not debt!
leAderS Of TeAChiNG ANd leCTUriNG UNiONS AT The dAvid BeGG, GeNerAl SeCreTAry Of iCTU AddreSSeS The
dUBliN prOTeST dUBliN rAlly
6 February 2013 - TUi NewS
tui NeWs
tui at protests across the country
www.tui.ie - TUi NewS 7
tui NeWs
Maternity leave – revised circular
following the announcement in Budget • A teacher will be entitled to leave in tui advises that any small
2013 of changes to maternity and lieu for any public holidays that fall number of days in lieu that
adoptive leave entitlements for teachers, during her maternity leave. The might accrue should be
the department of education and Skills statutory 20 days annual leave will be taken immediately prior to
(deS) has now issued Circular letter increased by the number of public the commencement of
09/2013 on maternity leave. holiday closures that occur during maternity leave, otherwise
the maternity absence (i.e. if 3 public they are effectively lost if
The original Budget announcement
holidays fell during a teacher’s carried forward to the next
meant the ending of leave in lieu during
maternity leave, her entitlement to leave year.
maternity and adoptive leave from May
annual leave in respect of that leave
1, 2013. following on-going engagement
year would be 23 days). examples
between TUi and the other teacher
unions with the department, some • A teacher’s entitlement to 20 days (1) A teacher began her maternity leave
progress has been made. The new annual leave (plus public holidays) is in mid-January 2013 and her 26
Circular does not fully abolish the not affected by her absence on weeks expire on 20th July 2013. Any
entitlement to days leave in lieu, but cuts maternity leave. however, leave days in lieu accumulated by the
leave in lieu to the minimum in line with in lieu must be taken on teacher up to April 30th 2013 are
the requirements of the Organisation of existing school closure days, granted under the previous
Working Time Act. Please note any days in either before and/or after Maternity protection entitlements
lieu accumulated up to April 30th 2013 her maternity leave, in the for registered Teachers Circular
will be granted under the previous leave year in question (1 0011/2011. Therefore this teacher
Maternity Protection Entitlements for september to 31 august). will receive 5 days in lieu for the
Registered Teachers Circular 0011/2011. Therefore, if in a leave year, a teacher february mid-term break and 10
on maternity leave has reached the days for the easter holidays. These
TUi is of the view that the Circular does days in lieu are to be taken following
statutory minimum of 20 days annual
not address all of the concerns of our the end of the school summer
leave, and any public holiday
members. TUi will therefore be inviting holiday period (i.e. starting
entitlements due, either before
members who have been adversely September 1st 2013).
and/or after her maternity leave, then
affected by the changes set out in the
she has achieved her statutory There are 3 bank holidays after May
circular letter, to contact the union. The
entitlements and there is no leave in 1, 2013, over the course of the
union will support claims under the
lieu accruing. teacher’s maternity leave. These will
appropriate legislation to be taken,
where applicable. • in a leave year, where the pattern of be covered by the new Circular so
a teacher’s maternity leave does not the teacher will take them during
The changes announced in respect of existing school closure in the
give her 20 days annual leave plus
maternity leave are set out in paragraph remainder of the leave year (i.e. over
public holidays accrued in the
8 of the Circular. The changes mean: the summer holidays following the
existing leave year, teachers may
either: (i) Take the extra days due expiry of her maternity leave on
• The leave year for teachers runs
immediately before the 20th July).
from the period 1 September to 31
August. commencement of her maternity (2) A teacher begins her maternity leave
leave. in mid-October 2013 and her 26
• full time employees have a statutory
(ii) Carry the days forward to the weeks maternity leave expires on
entitlement to 20 days annual leave
following year but they must be 22nd April 2014. The teacher has
and 9 public holidays per year (pro
taken during school closures. taken no annual leave days prior to
rata for part-time teachers).
her maternity leave. Over the course
8 February 2013 - TUi NewS
tui NeWs
of her maternity leave there are 5 October midterm break (excluding teacher returns to work on 30th
bank holidays. The teacher will take bank holidays), 7 days leave at August there are 2 school closures
these bank holidays and her 20 days Christmas (excluding bank holidays) days left in the existing leave year.
statutory leave during existing school and 5 days leave for the february Therefore 2 of her 9 days must be
closure in the remainder of the leave midterm break, plus public holidays. taken on these school closure days.
year (i.e. over the summer closure Therefore she has used 16 days of The remaining 7 days should be
period). her 20 days statutory leave and 4 taken immediately prior to her
public holidays. during the period of maternity leave. (Alternatively she
(3) A teacher begins her maternity leave
her maternity leave (March to can carry the days forward to the
at the beginning of March 2014 and
August) there are 5 public holidays. following year but they must be
her 26 weeks maternity leave expires
Therefore the teacher has 4 annual taken during school closures.)
on 30th August. in the leave year
leave days and 5 public holidays left
prior to maternity leave, this teacher Circular 09/2013 is available on
to take, 9 days in total. when the
has had 4 days leave during the DES website and TUI website.
changes to the Occupational health
strategy for teachers in second
Level schools
from the february 1st 2013, any sick leave scheme from 2014 arising when the changes are introduced in
teacher who has four continuous weeks from the labour Court 2014, the sick leave scheme provides
of sick leave or twelve cumulative recommendations of July 2012. The for 12 months paid leave over a rolling
weeks of sick leave in a 12 month existing scheme which allows for 12 four year period. it has not been
rolling period must be referred by the months full pay over a rolling 4 year clarified, however, when this rolling four
teacher’s employer to the Occupational period and 24 months of unpaid leave year period will begin. TUi understands
health Service (Medmark). will change to the following provisions: that some members may have already
exhausted the 12 month paid leave
from January 1st 2014 any teacher on standard: period. The union is also aware that
sick leave who has four weeks • 3 months full pay followed by 3 others may now be commencing an
continuous or cumulative sick leave months half pay, unpaid leave or extended period of leave, arising from
absence in a 12 month rolling period temporary rehabilitation pay treatment and/or surgery for some
must be referred to the Occupational thereafter for 18 months, depending serious illness which may result in them
health Service (Medmark). The details on the illness. having exhausted the 12 month paid
of the revisions to the scheme are set period by the operative date of the new
out in C/l 04/2013, which can be critical illness: scheme in 2014.
accessed on the TUi website www.tui.ie • 6 months full pay followed by 6
or on the department website months half pay, 12 months TUi advises that the transition
www.education.ie temporary rehabilitation pay or 12 arrangements for such teachers from
months unpaid. the existing sick leave scheme to the
Transition arrangements from the new sick leave scheme in 2014, will
existing Sick leave scheme to the please note that temporary form part of discussions which are due
revised Sick leave Scheme to be rehabilitation pay is a payment based on to commence shortly between the
introduced in 2014 pensionable service and is equivalent to department of education and Skills
the teacher’s accrued pension benefit. and the Teacher Unions.
Members will also be aware that please also note that the rolling 4 year
substantial changes will be made to the period also applies to the new scheme.
www.tui.ie - TUi NewS 9
iNstitute NeWs
apprenticeship Working Party calls for
national review of apprenticeship system
with apprenticeship continuing to people a new approach needs to be (3) Members must engage proactively
experience a significant reduction in considered. with their institutes to create new
student enrolment the employment led opportunities and programmes.
recruitment system is been questioned. The TUi executive has approved three
The Apprenticeship working party has recommendations made by the The Apprenticeship working party notes
called for a national review of the Apprenticeship working party: that apprenticeship should not be
apprenticeship system, to include an (1) The department of education and perceived as an industrial training model
examination of alternatives to the Skill should begin a national review of but rather as an alternative education
employer led model. Members are the apprenticeship system. This review model based on the principal of praxis,
concerned that the current polices and should be supported by an inclusive the application of technical knowledge
funding model will deplete capacity and and transparent consultation process. and expert practice. Members of TUi
structural resources within the institute seek to retain the best of the present
of Technology sector and that the quality (2) A united trade union position on apprenticeship model while constructing
and excellence created over decades will apprenticeship needs to be forged a pedagogy that will shape the
become obsolete. in order to guarantee with colleagues in other union who apprenticeship model for the next
the future supply of qualified trade’s have an interest in apprenticeship. decade.
Funding cuts continue for iot sector
The institute of Technology sector for 2013-2014 will have an additional The extent of the dramatic cuts
continues to suffer from the rolling once off 5% deduction applied, resulting combined with the top slicing could
annual cuts to core grant funding. Since in an accumulative cut of 7% from core result in some institutes experiencing
2008 the sector has witnessed a massive grant funding. significant deficits, as much as 13% in
reduction in funding of over 12%, or in some cases. This is unsustainable. The
monetary terms €121,628,170. due to however, the cuts go even deeper than cuts have stripped back the fat and
the cuts, institutes are now struggling to the percentage cuts to core grant muscle exposing the bone, the next stage
fund their core activities, such as teaching, funding, as other top slicing measures are is marrow extraction which will result in
engagement with industry and applied performed on the funding allocation a hollow higher education structure
research. The high quality standard of before the core grant funding budget is devoid of life and substance. This will put
programme provision may also be identified. for example, €9 million was the future economic development of the
damaged by the relentless austerity taken from the higher education funding country at risk. The economic and social
measures. allocation to deal with pension fund progress that resulted from the
liabilities in the university sector and the investment in education strategy, which is
To date, the sector has experienced an €14.8 million addition revenue raised by now nearly 50 year old, could be undone
average annual reduction in funding of 3% the €250 increase in student fees will be in just five years of austerity. recessions
but the projected cut for 2013-2014 is deducted from the grant allocation. in cannot be resolved by reductionist
more than double this. According to addition, a further €15 million will be top strategies. To combat recession there is a
figures released by the higher education sliced for sectoral and strategic need for investment, innovation and a
Authority (heA) the projected 2% cut development projects. new social imagination.
President
Gerard
craughwell
visits
athlone it
l-r rONAN flyNN, derMOT dUffy, GerArd CrAUGhwell, JiM MAGUire, JOhN O’CONNOr,
keviN MClOUGhliN
10 February 2013 - TUi NewSiNstitute NeWs
institutes of technology must be
protected in restructuring of third level
The Teacher’s Union of ireland (TUi) iOTs promote access to higher education employment prospects of students and
criticised last month’s publication of a for non-traditional or under-represented graduates, must also be protected.
discussion document on possible changes cohorts of students, including a significant
to the third level sector, by the higher proportion of students from The heA proposes institutes of “more
education Authority (heA), as a kite flying disadvantaged backgrounds, students significant scale and critical mass in the
exercise. completing apprenticeship courses and best interests of students”. however, a
mature students. distinct advantage of iOTs is their smaller
The document ‘Completing the landscape size, resulting in greater staff-student
process for irish higher education’ The heA itself suggests that “when interaction.
contains a number of proposals that will choosing full-time study mature students
impact on the institute of Technology in recent years have favoured the iOTs, Before proposing an ill-thought through
sector. TUi believes the publication of the possibly due to the range of courses overhaul of the sector, the heA should
discussion document was an attempt by offered and alignment with improving address existing problems. These include
the heA to influence the outcome of an work prospects and proximity to home, increases in student numbers but
on-going consultation process, with higher keeping the iOTs ahead of the universities decreasing staffing levels and a funding
education institutes and the Minister for with regards to proportions of mature model that dis-incentivises iOTs from
education and Skills, on the future of the entrants”. The heA also acknowledges providing level 6 and 7 courses which are
third level sector. that during the economic downturn iOTs an extremely important option for
are “capitalising on recruiting those students. in addition, the employment
The proposed changes contained in the unemployed in a region”. control framework imposed on the sector
document make it apparent that the is preventing iOTs from developing new
higher education Authority (heA) does TUi is concerned that the heA proposals courses which could address potential
not fully appreciate the role of institutes are driven by cost saving goals and not by areas of employment and equip students
of Technology (iOTs). educational or student need. where there with necessary skills for the current jobs
are valid educational reasons for change market.
About 40% of third level students in the iOT sector and TUi members in the
ireland attend an iOT. institutes have sector will not be found wanting. Over the past forty years, the iOT sector
widened access to third level and are an however, the heA must demonstrate that has made a valuable contribution to
increasingly popular choice for students. merging iOTs that are up to eighty miles national economic development. iOTs
enrolments in iOTs increased by 48% apart will not damage access to regional have empowered communities and regions
between 2006 and 2010, compared to an higher education. and have created sustainable employment
increase of 14% in Universities over the in local economies. however, there is now
same period. Students and communities, as well as a real concern that the heA proposals risk
institutes themselves, need to know if undermining this distinct mission. Before
The distinct educational offering of iOTs is existing courses will be lost to individual any change proposals are finalised it is
characterised by their regional locations, iOTs under these plans. rationalisation of imperative that there is meaningful
the applied employment focused nature of course provision must not result in engagement with TUi to ensure that this
their courses and the progression options students being denied the right to pursue vital educational option is protected.
available. Crucially, iOTs provide regional a programme in their local region that was
or local access to third level for students previously available. The close links that Extracts of this article were first published
who do not have the financial resources each institute has forged with local in the Irish Independent on 23rd January
or ability to relocate. industry and business, vital to the 2013.
training for Governing Body representatives
The education and Training Committee of The training programme will provide a in order to assess the scope and demand
iCTU is developing an accredited training trade union perspective on a range of for this type of training programme an
programme for worker/staff relevant legislation, guidelines and policy. online survey will be circulated to
representatives on the boards of state The programme content will worker directors and Governing Body
and semi-state bodies. This programme comprehend subjects such as representatives. TUi would encourage
will provide worker director and Governance, finances, employment law, members to participate in this online
Governing Body representatives with a Communications, Strategic management, survey. Any member seeking further
range of knowledge, skills and Occupational health and Safety, information should contact TUi head
competencies to assist in them in Negotiations. office.
performing their role and function.
www.tui.ie - TUi NewS 11tui NeWs
Public service talks
Talks on an extension to the public in this initial phase of talks, the primary and second level and at third
Services Agreement began in January department of public expenditure and level have been held and have been
between public service unions and reform set out the fiscal situation and attended by TUi representatives. Unions
management. last december, the TUi outlined an indicative agenda under have been informed that of the total
executive decided, on a without three strands – productivity, workplace targeted €1 billion of savings, a
prejudice basis, to accept the reform, and pay/pension measures. The contribution of €350 million would be
Government’s invitation to talks. This union side has also outlined its agenda expected from education. in the
was with a view to examining any for talks, including that any proposals education sector, management’s
proposals that might be put forward by must be fair and equitable. Of particular indicative agenda was clarified as
the Government side and to putting our significance for TUi are the issues of including reference to additional
own priorities to Government. casualisation and the elimination of the working time and adjustments to
discriminatory, reduced pay scales certain allowances, including supervision
On friday, february 12th 2013, the TUi imposed by Government on new and substitution.
executive Committee passed a motion entrants.
on the talks that states: “As soon as A series of discussions has been
concrete proposals from the current The unions have sought clarification scheduled which commenced on friday,
Croke park extension talks are put by from management on a number of february 15th 2013. TUi will keep
the Government side, this executive matters to do with its indicative agenda. members informed of developments as
Committee will meet without delay to These include measures that could be the talks continue and the executive
discuss these. further, if at that stage, applied centrally, across the entire public Committee will keep developments
the Government side has not removed service, such as a reduction in numbers under close review.
cuts in pay and jobs losses from the and a possible pay cut above a certain
agenda, then this executive Committee level. Unions have also asked the The priorities of TUi are to preserve
will consider the union’s further management side to provide figures on the pay and pensions of members,
participation in the talks.” savings that could be generated under ensure protection against compulsory
these and other measures. we are redundancies, tackle the casualisation of
prior to the commencement of talks awaiting this detail and the unions have the teaching and lecturing professions
the Government set out its requirement engaged external financial advisors to and improve the pay scales of newly
for a further €1 billion of savings from examine the management data when it qualified teachers.
the public sector pay and pensions bill is provided.
between 2013 and 2015, on the basis
that envisaged growth and tax revenues following initial discussion of the
had not materialised and that, as a overarching issues, some sectoral
result, the deficit to be closed had discussion has taken place. in the
increased by this amount. education sector, sub-sectoral talks at
single Public service Pension scheme
The Teacher Unions’ campaign against The main elements of the scheme are: reference to Consumer price index
the introduction of the new career (C.p.i.)
average scheme, underpinned by the • New entrants appointed on or after
Trident report, was successful in January 1 2013, are members of the • Minimum pension age linked to the
delaying the introduction of the new Single Scheme. State pension age; 66 years initially,
pension scheme by two years. however, rising to 67 in 2021 and 68 in 2028.
• existing employees who resign/retire
on december 31st 2012, the Minister and have a break in employment of • Compulsory retirement age of 70
for public expenditure and reform 26 weeks or greater will be applies.
announced the commencement with members of the single scheme on
effect from January 1st 2013, of the return to employment. • post retirement pension increases
Single public Service pension Scheme are linked to C.p.i
(“Single Scheme”), as provided for in the • Career average earnings are used to
public Service pensions (Single Scheme calculate benefits; a pension and The provisions in respect of teachers
and other provisions) Act 2012. lump sum amount accrue each year are set out in Circular letter 07/2013.
and are up-rated each year by A similar Circular letter applying to
lecturers is expected to issue shortly.
12 February 2013 - TUi NewSWe look at things diīerently
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Visit from the american
Federation of teachers
AfT OffiCiAlS ANd JOhN MCGABhANN wiTh STUdeNTS ANd TeACherS frOM deANSrATh COMMUNiTy COlleGe
A delegation from the American Secretary, John MacGabhann, told the AfT also pointed out the need for union
federation of Teachers (AfT) came to delegation that irish unions are currently members to “relearn activism”. we need
ireland at the beginning of february, as in “uncharted territory” with regard to to see union membership like a health club
part of a study visit to see at first hand the talks on an extension to the public Service membership, the more you put in the
irish primary and post-primary education Agreement and the Government’s aim of more you will get out, she stated.
system. AfT represents 1.5 million removing a further €1 billion from the
members in the United States including public service pay and pensions bill. Accompanied by John MacGabhann, the
early childhood educators, first and AfT delegation visited two dublin second
second level teachers and higher AfT president randi weingarten explained level schools; deansrath Community
education faculty. The delegation visiting that AfT had developed a number of key College in Clondalkin and St. Colmcille’s
ireland included AfT president randi strategies to revitalise the union. This Community School in knocklyon. They
weingarten and vice presidents, dick included encouraging teachers to tell their also visited St ronan’s National School in
iannuzzi and Mary Cathryn ricker. stories, linking with other stakeholders in deansrath. They spoke to pupils, teachers,
the education community as a form of members of schools management and
As part of AfT’s visit they attended a density and focusing on leadership parent representatives. The delegation was
round table discussion at TUi head Office development within the union. Ms particularly interested in the level of
with officials from TUi, ASTi and iNTO. weingarten also emphasised AfT’s focus engagement by the schools with the local
The purpose of the discussion was to on “ideas” and “being part of the solution”. communities they serve. AfT officials also
share information and ideas on the “we need to solve problems as opposed remarked upon the extent to which
industrial relations structures in the irish to win arguments”, she said. This point was students seemed genuinely motivated by
education system, as well as the current echoed by AfT vice president, Mary the culture of the school and by the
cutbacks in education and how trade Cathryn ricker; “we never let them hear breadth of curriculum provision.
unions can respond. TUi General us say no. we say how about?” Ms ricker
AfT deleGATiON wiTh OffiCiAlS frOM TUi, ASTi ANd iNTO AfT preSideNT (lefT) diSCUSSeS The iriSh edUCATiON
SySTeM wiTh deANSrATh COMMUNiTy COlleGe STUdeNT
14 February 2013 - TUi NewStui NeWs
The following articles have been
submitted by the Teaching Council
teaching council
Launches Video for
student teachers
The Teaching Council has launched a new video telling
student teachers all they need to know about registering
with the Teaching Council.
it is important that future registrants are familiar with the
registration process; know how to submit a complete
application and how long the process takes. That is why
the Teaching Council visits final year student teachers and
gives a presentation detailing how to go about getting
registered with the Teaching Council.
This video has been put together to make this important
presentation accessible to all future registrants. it provides
all the information needed to begin the registration
process and can be watched on the registration pages of
www.teachingcouncil.ie
Being aware of the registration process will be particularly
important once Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act
2001 is introduced. Section 30 provides that only
registered teachers employed in State funded teaching
positions in recognised schools will be paid from State
registration with the
funds.
The Minister for education and Skills has publicly indicated
teaching council –
his intention to commence Section 30 of the Act before
the end of this school year.
important changes
registered teacher are encouraged to tell any final year
teaching students they know about the video.
with effect from July 2012 just one renewal notice will issue
from the Teaching Council approximately 4 weeks before
annual renewal
your current registration expires. if you do not renew your
registration before your registration expires a Final Notice will
Fee reduced to €65
issue to you by registered post/courier service .
if you do not renew registration within thirty days of
the date on the Final Notice, your name will be
The annual registration renewal fee has been reduced to automatically removed from the register in accordance
€65, a reduction of €25. This reduction applies only to with Section 34 of the Teaching Council Act. (remember to
annual renewals falling due after 1 January 2013. advise the Council immediately should your current contact
registered teachers should also be aware of some details change – this can be done on line).
important changes which were made to the registration
renewal process in 2012. from a specific date in 2013 (yet to be specified) the
department of education and Skills or veCs will be prohibited
from now on a single registration renewal notice will be from paying a salary from state funds to a person employed as a
posted to teachers approximately four weeks in advance teacher who is not registered. The education (Amendment) Act
of their renewal date. if registration is not renewed by the 2012 requires the Teaching Council to share information it holds
expiry date, a final Notice will be issued by registered on registered teachers with the department and the veCs.
post. if registration is not renewed within thirty days of
the date on the final Notice, the teacher’s name will be Prompt renewal of your registration is advised as if you are
automatically removed from the register. removed from the register you will have to undergo the complete
registration process, including Garda vetting.
www.tui.ie - TUi NewS 15tui NeWs
contradictory policy messages
by government about student
welfare and support
January brought the publication of two communities, the family, social and health with day-to-day adolescence life and
significant policy documents by the services and schools, is necessary. prepare for adulthood.
department of education and Skills and explicit acknowledgement that schools
department of health, both of which already have anti-bullying measures in A TUi study (2012), conducted by an
seek to increase the level of support place and that they can only shoulder independent company Behaviour and
available for young people in our schools. some of the responsibility for taking Attitudes gathered extensive data on the
actions that prevent or counteract impact of the budget cuts on schools and
Well Being in Post-Primary Schools: bullying is, therefore, welcome. however, students. in a sample of 88 schools close
Guidelines for Mental Health Promotion and as can be expected, school is seen as a to a quarter (22%) reported that the
Suicide Prevention is a response to strong place that has a strong influence on level of pastoral care had been reduced
evidence of growing incidences of poor students’ attitudes and behaviour. in this by September 2012 and 19% reported
mental health and self-harm among context, efforts to increase capacity in reductions in guidance provision.
young people and an increase in youth schools, families and society to avert or following the decision to withdraw
suicide. in ireland the cost of poor address bullying merit serious provision for ex-quota posts many more
mental health was estimated to be 2% of consideration. immediate development schools reported expected reductions in
GNp (€3bn) in 2006. An investigation by of new anti-bullying procedures for these critical areas from September 2012
headstrong (National Centre for youth schools is being given high priority and - 63% reporting expected reductions in
Mental health) found that every town the department has already invited the guidance provision and 50% in pastoral
and community has a small number of teacher unions to participate in a care services. The allocation of a year
young people living on the edge and working group that will prepare draft head (from the reduced pool of senior
many young people are unable to cope new procedures for consultation. posts) to each year group, seen by many
with the problems they face (2009). as the key to strong pastoral care
international research shows that mental contradictory policy systems, is now a luxury in most schools.
health promotion is most effective when The publication of these two policy 70% of all respondents in the study (283)
it takes place early in life and school is a documents can be taken as a ranked the resulting negative impact on
favourable location to start support demonstration of a laudable and support and welfare services to students
programmes and initiatives. Therefore, welcome government commitment to as high but management felt they had
guidelines to support practice in schools the welfare of students and young little choice.
are welcome. Correctly, the good work people. Such effort would, however, be
already being done in schools (Sphe, more impressive and instil greater A recent small, localised study across 12
Guidance, pastoral Care, other confidence in teachers and principals if it schools on the east coast paints the
initiatives) is highlighted. however, the did not lie alongside contradictory policy reality that arises from the removal of
guidelines seek to bring greater decisions; decisions that have seen ex-quota provision for guidance. half of
coherence to current practices and schools lose teachers, guidance and the schools involved had reduced
emphasise a stronger focus on a whole- counselling support and middle discrete provision for guidance and
school approach and co-ordinated links management posts on an on-going basis counselling by 50% or over and one third
with out- of- school services (health, since 2008. Teachers and principals live had reduced it by over 60% (the highest
youth, community). with the consequences of poorly, reduction was 85%). Just one quarter of
thought out and disconnected policy the schools surveyed had retained
The second report Action Plan on Bullying decisions each day and it is difficult to discrete provision for guidance at over
is also a comprehensive document and imagine how the coherent approach 80% of the original allocation. At the
lays the foundation for training for advocated will emerge. They understand time of the study one school indicated it
parents and boards of managements, the the negative impact the education no longer had a guidance counsellor.
identification and provision of cutbacks have had on the state of ‘health’ feedback also flagged that some
appropriate professional development of their school. The critical point is that guidance provision was now general in
for teachers, a public awareness the reduction in teacher numbers and nature and delivered by non-specialist
campaign and a national anti-bullying management posts and diminished access teachers or guest speakers.
website. to the expertise of guidance counsellors Additional data and commentary from
Bullying is a social phenomenon and a restricts how schools can support young personnel in these schools showed that
multi-faceted approach, involving local people in developing the personal within the discrete time allocated to
attitudes, skills and competences to cope
16 February 2013 - TUi NewStui NeWs
guidance work, many guidance counsellors are not facilitated in continuity of strong care and support
counsellors are now expected to attending their personal supervision systems in schools. if, as has been
concentrate on delivering guidance to sessions; an essential to ensure best reported, they are restricted in the time
whole class groups. These trends have practice. in addition, the guidance available or in how they use their time
also been identified by a recent counsellor can no longer assign time to they will not be able to deploy this
independent national study (lifeCare core planning or co-ordination activities expertise in a manner that will best suit
psychological Services) in 240 second that support other staff with less the needs of the whole-school
level schools which found that the specialist expertise in working with community and individual students.
amount of time guidance counsellors are students.
spending on timetabled class room while the procedures and guidelines to
activity has increased by 19.8% which These trends clearly conflict with the address bullying are under review the
can include curriculum guidance, subject whole-school strategy advocated by the guidelines for mental health promotion
teaching, Sphe and other activities. guidelines. Both sets of guidelines and suicide prevention are agreed and
clearly articulate a continuum of support
with three levels:
• ‘Support for All’ - universal support
for all students.
• ‘Support for Some’ - targeted
support for the mild or transient
needs of some.
• ‘Support for a few’- intensive,
individualised support for more
complex and/or enduring needs.
it is difficult to see any compatibility
between government guidelines that
clearly expect more time and attention
to be given to student welfare and the
plight of schools in a resource stripped
Both studies emphasised the provision of recognise that someone has to have core environment with many competing
one-to-one support sessions as the responsibility and a small number of staff priorities. in such an environment it is
biggest casualty of the removal of ex- should have lead roles in order that not surprising that schools are
quota guidance posts. The lifeCare effective responses are planned, co- expressing considerable concern that
psychological Services study found a ordinated and delivered. Critically, there most students will not receive the
51.4% reduction in the time available for is repeated reference to guidance, general support they deserve, the short-
one-to-one student counselling with counselling, pastoral care services and term targeted support required by some
guidance counsellors struggling to fit this care teams as core supports in will be inadequate and restricted and,
in around timetabled and other identifying needs, planning, intervening, most importantly, those that need
commitments. The highly specialised monitoring and review. intensive interventions will be short
expertise of the guidance counsellor and changed by the system as too little
the ‘necessary confidential space’ are, diminished school capacity support will come too late. failure in this
therefore, no longer readily available to yet school capacity in all these areas has regard will have negative consequences
students who need individualised, high diminished, challenging even the most for the current generation of young
support to deal with personal issues imaginative of schools in terms of how it people, which as identified in national
and/or career advice. individual sessions will prioritise the implementation of any and international reports will simply cost
are by necessity restricted, often new guidelines and procedures. what the state more in the long term.
reserved for the extreme case that seems to have escaped the policy makers
is that guidance counsellors have Our thanks to Co Dublin VEC Branch for
presents after a student has already
additional professional expertise that is their assistance in preparing this article.
endured significant personal distress or
trauma. Notably, some guidance critical to the development and
www.tui.ie - TUi NewS 17tui NeWs
Pda News
The pdA conference 2012 theme of
‘Change in Education- Meeting
the Challenge’ was aptly chosen to
reflect the current educational landscape
which is being sculpted by the prevailing
economic uncertainties, as well as the
numerous reforms to teaching and
learning in our schools. in recent years
the irish educational context has
changed radically as a result of
successive budgetary cutbacks. The pdA
abhors the detrimental effect of recent
budgetary cutbacks and pay cuts. pdA
accepts, that in a world of constant
change it is necessary to keep apace, to
embrace necessary change and to adapt
to new methodologies and approaches.
Notwithstanding that, pdA also
recognises that a prerequisite to any pdA preSideNT BriAN Ó MAOilChiAráiN MAkiNG A preSeNTATiON TO
dr. deirdre MATThewS fOllOwiNG her AddreSS TO The pdA CONfereNCe
reform is the system’s capacity to
manage change and at the moment the
Cuts (capitation, resource hours etc.); consequently ill-equipped to
system is creaking at the seams. we ask
reduction in veC administration staff satisfactorily implement new initiatives.
now how a modern system of education
and the imminent establishment of local indeed schools have already been placed
for ireland is going to be resourced?
education and training boards (eTBs); in the invidious position of choosing
public Service Agreement - transfers and between guidance and subject provision.
There are approximately 1,000 teachers
redeployment issues; deS inspections - The rot however does not even stop
less in second level schools at present -
Mll, programme inspection etc. Couple there. Another critical issue looming for
that is equivalent to shutting down 30
these with the additional challenges of: schools will be the proposed savings of a
schools of 550 pupils, or closing a 550
induction/probation; Teaching Council further 350 million euro next year from
pupil school in every county in ireland!
revisions and Career entry professional the national education budget. where is
does the public realise the extent of the
programme; a further 6% cut in that to come from?
cuts and the inevitable reduction in the
capitation over next 4 years; Junior
educational service to irish families?
Certificate reform; literacy and Mar fhocal scoirr, undoubtedly, we are
pdA stress that in any new education
Numeracy Strategy; incidental operating in times of unprecedented
landscape it is critical to:
inspections, legislative demands; SOlAS change. however, despite the enormity
• ensure the quality of teaching and and the changes facing the further of the challenge facing us, pdA would
learning and student welfare education sector and all of us in know that we as teachers are resilient,
• ensure the sustainability of current education can foresee the damage being innovative, we know how to improvise
provision and quality in the system visited upon the educational and manage, and most importantly of all
• ensure the welfare of principals, infrastructure of the nation. we know we will not shy away from
deputy principals and school staff adversity!
Our clear message is that the recent
how can this be done in a situation of: dismantling of school middle BriAN Ó MAOilChiAráiN
reduced time for leadership; revised management structures coupled with preSideNT Of p.d.A.
pTr; reduced Guidance provision the revised pTr has left schools under-
(effectively a cut in pTr); School-Budget resourced to meet current demands and
18 February 2013 - TUi NewSYou can also read
