News VOL.40 / NO.4 Februar y 2018 - Teachers' Union of Ireland
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TEACHERS’ UNION OF IRELAND / AONTAS MÚINTEOIRÍ ÉIREANN
VOL .40 / NO.4
Februar y 20 18
TUI NEWS
A Word from the
CONTENTS:
p.2 A Word From The President
President – Joanne Irwin
p.4 Campaign to tackle pay
inequality continues
p.5 Continuing engagement with TUI’s current strategy measures contained in the legislation
new and recent entrants have not been inflicted and the pay
The Public Service Pay and Pensions Act adjustments listed above have been
p.6 BT Young Scientist Exhibition
2017 was signed into law before made to our members. The Union’s
2018 highlights innovation in Christmas. Throughout its passage position remains as it was. The
Irish education through the various legislative stages, members of TUI voted not to accept
p.8 Teacher supply issues dominate TUI lobbied public representatives the PSSA and the Union has a strong
PDA’s annual conference intensively regarding its unacceptable mandate for industrial action on key
p.10 Na dúshláin atá ag scoileanna and punitive measures. Our issues were issues, most notably that of pay
na n-oileán raised in the debates but regrettably, the inequality.
legislation was passed with minimal
p.11 Irish education scores high in Wherever possible, TUI has worked
amendment. To ensure that pay
new rankings adjustments due on 1st January 2018 with our sister teacher unions in
p.14 What are my sick leave were made, the Irish Congress of Trade seeking a joint approach in accelerating
entitlements? Unions notified the Government that a fair, sustainable resolution to pay
its affiliate unions were willing to be inequality. Full details of our campaign in
p.18 TUI Pre-Retirement seminar
encompassed by the terms of the Act. this regard are set out elsewhere in the
application form
magazine.
p.19 TUI in the media As a result, pay adjustments were made
to TUI members on 1st January, Part 2 of the Public Service Pay and
p.20 New child protection
including the second half of the value of Pensions Act provides that within three
procedures for schools
the Honours Primary Degree months of its enactment, a report on
p.22 Posts of responsibility the cost of and a plan in dealing with
Allowance for post- February 2012
restoration pay equalisation for new entrants to the
entrants, the second half of pay
p.24 Key role of Adult Education restoration for those earning over public service must be brought before
Guidance and Information €65,000 and a 1% increase on all points the Oireachtas. It is therefore vital that
Service of all scales due under the Public this key issue be kept both in the public
Service Stability Agreement (PSSA). eye and on the agenda of all public
p.27 RMA News
representatives. A nationwide lunchtime
p.28 Crossword with €250 prize However, as the Union has not protest by TUI members which will
repudiated the PSSA, the punitive have taken place by the time you read
EDITORIAL PRODUCTION
Annette Dolan Bernie Ruane TUI News is published by the
Deputy General Secretary Assistant General Secretary Teachers’ Union of Ireland.
adolan@tui.ie bruane@tui.ie Aontas Múinteoirí Éireann,
73 Orwell Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6.
Declan Glynn David Duffy
Joanne Irwin Assistant General Secretary Education & Research Officer
President dglynn@tui.ie dduffy@tui.ie T: 01-492 2588 F: 01-492 2953
president@tui.ie E: tui@tui.ie W: www.tui.ie
Aidan Kenny Nadia Johnston
Seamus Lahart Assistant General Secretary Administrative Officer
Printed by:
Vice-President akenny@tui.ie njohnston@tui.ie
Typecraft Ltd.
vicepresident@tuimail.ie
Michael Gillespie Conor Griffin
Assistant General Secretary Press & Information Officer
John MacGabhann mgillespie@tui.ie cgriffin@tui.ie
General Secretary
jmacgabhann@tui.ie Colm Kelly
Assistant General Secretary
ckelly@tui.ie
2 February 2018 - TUI NEWS
The clear inadequacy of the revised Pink & Blue Power
schedule is a direct consequence of a
foolish, rash decision of the Department
campaign
and Government to devote the bulk of the TUI is proud to be involved with the Pink
funding made available to the creation of & Blue Power campaign, a potentially life-
additional deputy principal positions. saving breast and prostate assessment
With much fanfare, the Minister service that is free to members of the TUI
announced the creation of an additional Income Continuance Plan. The service is
170 deputy principal positions in October kindly supported by Cornmarket. Breast
2016, despite the deputy principal position cancer is the most common cancer in
not having been subject to any women in Ireland with 1 in 9 women
moratorium. This funding would have been diagnosed at some stage in their lives.
better utilised in restoring thousands of Prostate cancer is the second most
TUI PRESIDENT, JOANNE IRWIN
posts of responsibility in schools around common cancer in men in Ireland with 1 in
the country. 7 men diagnosed during their lifetime.
Invites will be posted to members of the
this will put further focus on this crucial scheme on a geographic basis throughout
issue. Our campaign will continue.
Report endorses role of 2018. Roll-out of the scheme has already
In recent times, the Union has countered begun and take-up rates to date have been
PLC programme, but Union excellent.
calls for various short-sighted ‘fixes’ to the
recruitment and retention crisis. We have
must remain vigilant
made clear that the only guaranteed The recently published Evaluation of the
solution to this growing crisis is a National Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) Sad passing of our friend
restoration of pay equality for all post-
2011 entrants. Any public money made
Programme affirms the huge value and and colleague Leonard
critical role of such programmes around
available to remedy the recruitment crisis the country. It shows that graduates are
O’ Donnell
should be used in the first instance to considerably more likely to access Higher
accelerate pay equality rather than being Everybody in TUI was deeply saddened to
Education after graduating and also more hear of the untimely passing of former
squandered on ill-conceived piecemeal likely to be in employment following
measures that will unfairly prioritise one Executive Committee member Leonard O’
completion of a PLC programme. The Donnell. A Union stalwart in his native
subject area over another and that will not Minister has stated that he intends
solve the problem. Kerry, Leonard served with distinction in a
implementing the extensive list of SOLAS number of positions at workplace and
recommendations arising from the branch level before being elected onto the
publication. Some of these may raise
Posts of responsibility – a significant issues for TUI members. The
Executive Committee in 2016, where he
continued to carry out vital work on
step in right direction, but Union is carefully considering their behalf of members. A more extensive
don’t believe the hype content and will be responding to them in tribute to Leonard will feature in a future
detail in the near future. TUI News. For now, we mourn his absence
The revised scheme of posts of and pass on our sincere sympathies and
responsibility is set out in Circular Letter condolences to his family, friends and
03/2018. While welcome as a signal of Third level issues colleagues.
future intent, it is woefully threadbare and
inadequate. It is minimalist and does not At the time of going to print, the
come close to addressing the losses that Technological Universities Bill is moving
schools have sustained since the ever closer to enactment. Last summer,
introduction of the moratorium on filling TUI members in the Institutes voted to
such posts. Up to a third of all second-level accept an agreement between the Union,
schools will gain nothing at all under the the Department and the THEA in relation
system (approximately 290 schools). To to the development of Technological
make matters worse, schools that have not Universities. TUI has sought and received
yet fallen to the threshold level will assurances that conditions of service and
continue to lose posts. pension enshrined in this agreement will
be completely adhered to.
www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 3
TUI NEWS
Campaign to tackle pay inequality continues
These measures would be most severe in
their effect on the very same new and
recent entrants to the public service who
have suffered discrimination and pay
inequality by virtue simply of the date that
they commenced their public service
employment
The TUI has also
● Protested outside Leinster House on
December 5th, to coincide with the
Dáil discussion on the Pay and Pensions
Bill, 2017
● Attended the meeting in October 2017
PRESIDENTS AND GENERAL SECRETARIES OF THE TUI, ASTI AND INTO PICTURED convened by the Department of Public
ON DAY THAT JOINT SUBMISSION WAS MADE TO PUBLIC PAY COMMISSION IN Expenditure and Reform about Section
NOVEMBER 2017
4 of the PSSA which deals with New
Entrant Pay. It is expected that a further
Despite an intensive lobbying campaign by As a result of an amendment to the Bill, the meeting will be held shortly.
TUI against its various draconian Act requires that: ‘The Minister [of Public
punishment measures, the Public Service Expenditure and Reform] shall, within three ● Met with Department of Education and
Pay and Pensions Act 2017 passed all stages months of the passing of this Act, prepare Skills Officials on 21st December (along
in the Dáil and Seanad and was signed into and lay before the Oireachtas a report on with the INTO and ASTI) to highlight
law in December. the cost of and a plan in dealing with pay once again the impact that pay
equalisation for new entrants to the public inequality is having on the profession
The Union’s position was referenced by a service.’ In this regard, TUI continues to
number of TDs from across the political ● Made a joint submission (with the ASTI
prioritise and highlight this issue in a range and INTO) to the Public Service Pay
spectrum in debates through the various of ways and in a variety of fora.
stages. Commission on recruitment and
retention issues in teaching and
In accordance with the legislation, and in lecturing which focussed on pay
order to ensure that adjustments in salary How has TUI campaigned? inequality as the primary reason for the
due for 1st January were paid, the Irish Since members rejected the PSSA (87% to crisis in teacher supply
Congress of Trade Unions notified 13%) and voted in favour of industrial
government that its affiliate unions were action (81% to 19%), the TUI has: ● Submitted a commentary on
willing to be encompassed by the recruitment and retention issues to the
legislation. ● Lobbied TDs and Senators on the issue Joint Oireachtas Committee on
of pay inequality – this lobbying Education & Skills, once again
However, the position of TUI remains as it continues demonstrating the causal linkage
was. Members voted overwhelmingly not between acute shortages of teachers
to accept the Public Service Stability ● Lobbied politicians to seek and pay inequality
Agreement (PSSA) but the Union has not amendments to the punitive measures
repudiated the LRA/PSSA. TUI still has a contained within Pay and Pensions Bill ● Highlighted the key issues in the
strong mandate for industrial action, up to before it was enacted as the Public national media in high profile RTE
and including strike action, to secure a fair Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 on current affairs programmes and in
and sustainable resolution of issues (in 16th December 2017. Among the other outlets including national
particular, pay inequality). This can be punitive measures are: newspapers
activated at any time that the Union’s • a freeze on increments for three ● Organised a nationwide lunchtime
Executive Committee deems it necessary years and protest on Thursday, 1st February to
and appropriate. further highlight the unacceptability of
• a nine- month delay in pay
restoration measures for those public pay inequality.
servants seemed as ‘non-covered’
public servants
4 February 2018 - TUI NEWS
TUI NEWS
Pay increases/restoration Primary Degree Allowance, was introduced. 1% increase to all scales
As a result, in addition to the increases for As TUI is deemed to be ‘covered’ by the
paid to TUI members in those appointed since 1st February 2012, agreement (i.e. not to have repudiated it),
January 2018 some of the points on scale for those a 1% increase payable under the PSSA was
As the Union, while not accepting the appointed between 1st January 2011 and applied to all scales on 1st January 2018.
PSSA, has not repudiated the agreement, 31st January 2012 also increased.
Other increases due under the PSSA are:
TUI members received the following pay
Teachers and lecturers earning over • 1% on 1st October 2018;
adjustments from 1st January 2018:
€65,000 • 1.75% on September 1st 2019;
Teachers appointed since 1st January Second half of the restoration of the pay • 2% on October 1st 2020.
2011 cut to salaries over €65,000 (but not more If the Union were to be deemed not to be
Second half of restoration of the value of than €110,000) that was imposed under covered by the Agreement (i.e to have
the Honours Primary Degree Allowance the terms of the Haddington Road repudiated it), each of the four increases
for teachers employed since 1st February Agreement. The first half of the restoration would be subject to a nine-month delay.
2012. The first half of the value of the occurred on 1st April 2017. This two-part
allowance was added to scale on 1st restoration brought the relevant scales Revised salary scales are available at
January 2017. On 1st January 2018, an back to 2010 levels. For those earning in www.tui.ie
amalgamated scale for all teachers excess of €110,000, remaining tranches of
appointed since 1st January 2011, restoration will be paid on 1st April 2018
incorporating full value of the Honours and 1st April 2019.
Union continues to engage with new
and recent entrants
A meeting of new and recent entrant
representatives was held in TUI Head
Office on Thursday 11th January. The
purpose of the meeting was two fold: to
inform our representatives of the Union’s
strategy towards achieving a fair and
sustainable resolution to pay inequality and
to provide an opportunity for the
representatives to articulate the views of
new and recent entrants and offer their
input on the current strategy.
Please note that all branches are entitled to
send one representative to these meetings.
If your branch has yet to select a
representative, please do so and forward
the name and email address of the new
entrant representative to cmcginley@tui.ie
www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 5
TUI NEWS
Young Scientist Exhibition again
demonstrates the innovation in Irish
classrooms
The Young Scientist Exhibition Trial eolaíochta chun taispeaint an tionchar atá
2018 again showcased the exciting ag “cúpla deoch” ar do thiomáint
work happening in Irish
classrooms, with 4,251 students
from 383 schools entering 2,031
projects. Visiting the exhibition,
TUI president Joanne Irwin praised
the ingenuity and dedication of
the school students and teachers
who took part. MEADHBH MCGINLEY, IARLAIGH MCGINLEY, TUI PRESIDENT
JOANNE IRWIN, GERARD MCGINLEY.
Because of the sheer scale of the
exhibition, it is possible only to This project scientifically showed that even one or two drinks can
hamper a driver’s ability to drive safely.
give a flavour of the scope of
Coláiste Ailigh, Co Donegal
projects undertaken. Here is a
small sample of projects that
caught our eye.
Is your mobile making you less mobile?
The environmental threat posed by the
invasive South American rodent, Coypu, in
Cork rivers.
JOANNE IRWIN, MARY ADEKOYA, DHANYA BINOY AND
DAVID DUFFY.
An assessment of the links between mobile phone usage and
TEACHER DAVID NOLAN, EMER CONWAY, NICOLA BATT AND
health.
JOANNE IRWIN
Adamstown Community College, Dublin.
A study into the environmental damage and potential for spread
of non-native rodent coypu that have been seen in Cork rivers.
Ballincollig Community School, Co Cork.
6 February 2018 - TUI NEWS
TUI NEWS
Reducing Anxiety in First Year Orientation, An exploratory study of Instagram use and its
using a 3D Game. relationship to self esteem and a number of
background variables.
DAVID DUFFY, BERNIE MCMAHON (TEACHER), PRECIOUS
DEREMO, JOEY KING, FIONN HAMILTON AND JOANNE MARY GIBBONS (PRINCIPAL), CAITLIN SHERIDAN, SAOIRSE
IRWIN. SHERIDAN, JOE BOYLE (TEACHER), KATIE ALLAN AND JOANNE
IRWIN
A 3D game based on the school’s layout was created for
incoming students to help them navigate the school in a familiar An examination of the complex interaction between Instagram use
setting prior to stressful crowded corridors. and personality and psychological factors among young adults.
St. Conleth’s Vocational School, Co Kildare. Deele College, Co Donegal.
An investigation on the effects of Cén fáth go bfhuil méadú tagtha ar fadhbanna
microplastics on aquatic plants. meabhair i mbun déagóirí?
JOANNE IRWIN, SEAN SODEN, JACK DALY, JAMES BYERS AND TEACHER KATE NÍ BHRIAIN, FAYE NÍ BHUACHÁIN, BEBHINN NÍ
DAN O’SULLIVAN (TEACHER). SCANLÁIN, JOANNE IRWIN AND TEACHER JULIA COFFEY
An assessment of the effects of micro-plastics on the rate of Céard iad na príomh-chúiseanna go bfhuil ardú tagtha are
photosynthesis in aquatic plant life such as pondweed and fhadbhanna meabhair i measc déagóirí agus na éifeachtaí atá le sin.
various seaweed.
Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach, Co Carlow.
Glanmire Community College, Co Cork.
www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 7
TUI NEWS
TUI’s initial response to Evaluation of the Adequate resourcing
National Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) must underpin PE
Programme publication development
TUI welcomes the announcement that
Overall, the report confirms the positive role of the PLC programme as a provider of
Physical Education (PE) will become an
high quality standalone qualifications and as a bridge to continuing education.
examinable Leaving Certificate subject. This
It illustrates that graduates are 27% more likely to progress to Higher Education development is consistent with that of PE in
compared to similar peers who entered the labour market directly on completion of Junior Cycle, where it is an intrinsic part of
their Leaving Certificate. In addition, the report illustrates that graduates are 16% student wellbeing.
more likely to be in employment than if they had entered the workforce after the
However, adequate funding must be
Leaving Certificate.
provided to allow all schools to enhance
PLC course access for young people from disadvantaged regions, who have the facilities where required, particularly
highest risk of unemployment, clearly needs to be enhanced as a matter of urgency. schools in communities that were worst hit
by the recession.
In addition, supports to help tackle the additional challenges faced by PLC students
with greater caring responsibilities should be provided. In addition, as with other new subject
developments, it is vital that the education
It is deeply disappointing that the report does not recommend removal of the €200 system continues to attract the best
charge for PLC courses that continues to act as an impediment to participation for graduates and that there is an adequate
many students. supply of fully qualified teachers. In this
regard, pay inequality must be eliminated as
TUI is preparing a comprehensive response to the report. a matter of urgency.
Burning issue of teacher supply dominates
PDA’s annual conference
Grave concerns over teacher supply were raised at the annual
conference of the Principals and Deputy Principal’s Association
(PDA) of the TUI which took place recently. Stephen Goulding,
President of the PDA told attendees of the urgent need to address
the teacher shortage.
An example of an entire woodwork department having no
woodwork teacher was cited where the school had been
unsuccessful in finding replacements. Other subject areas
presenting significant difficulty for schools when filling positions
include Home Economics, European Languages, Gaeilge,
Mathematics and Science.
KATHY JONES, AND SARAH JANE WILLIS (PRINCIPAL AND
The conference heard that pay inequality and the Government’s DEPUTY PRINCIPAL, BREMORE EDUCATE TOGETHER SS),
unwillingness to urgently rectify the situation are key factors in this STEPHEN GOULDING AND CAROLINE O'TOOLE (PDA
recruitment crisis. EXECUTIVE)
Student teachers now have to engage in a six year training
programme to qualify. The cost of becoming a qualified teacher and
low starting salary make teaching an unattractive choice for
prospective candidates. The promotional post structures of schools
have been decimated in recent years reducing even further the
attractiveness of the profession.
Principals and Deputy Principals point to the anti-pubic service
sentiment displayed by successive governments which has added to
the challenge of attracting students into the profession in the
numbers required by schools. The government must act to address
MARY NIHILL, (DIRECTOR CENTRE FOR SCHOOL LEADERSHIP),
the shortage by planning for the future needs of the post-primary
STEPHEN GOULDING, PDA PRESIDENT AND DR. PADRAIG KIRK
sector before the teacher shortage crisis worsens and damages the
(DIRECTOR JUNIOR CYCLE FOR TEACHERS)
educational health of the nation.
8 February 2018 - TUI NEWS
TUI NEWS
Martin Marjoram New Executive
elected unopposed Committee member
as TUI Vice-President for Area 18
Martin Marjoram Brigid Delamere recently
(IT Tallaght Branch) took up the Area 18
has been elected position on the Executive
unopposed as Committee after being
incoming Vice- elected unopposed.
President of TUI
(position effective Sincere thanks are
from July 2018). extended to Sean McEntee,
the previous holder of his
Martin teaches position, for his work on
Mathematics in the behalf of members in the
Institute of area.
Technology, Tallaght,
where he was a Area 18 Colleges: Donegal,
branch officer for Sligo, Leitrim, Longford,
13 years, including Roscommon, Westmeath.
10 years as branch
chair.
Martin Marjoram Brigid Delamere
(Athlone Institute of Technology,
Old Dublin Road, Athlone,
Co Westmeath)
TUI Education Equality Conference 2018
A TUI conference with the theme
‘Towards a Truly Inclusive Education
System’ will be held on Saturday
February 24th, 2018 in Bloomfield
House Hotel, Belvedere, Mullingar,
Co. Westmeath. The conference will
encompass aspects of second level, further
education and third level.
In one of two keynote addresses, Evelyn
Mahon of Trinity College Dublin will look
at Minority ethnic students and the needs
of the teacher, while counselling
psychologist Shane Moran will speak on
supporting students and teachers by
promoting positive mental health.
Workshops on the day will cover post-
primary funding, the upcoming Senior
Cycle review, the Special Education
Support Service, the recently revised Child
Protection Guidelines, Transgender issues
in schools and supporting under- TUI EDUCATION CONFERENCE 2017
represented groups in third level.
Registration will begin at 9.30am and Any members who wish to attend See www.tui.ie
the conference will conclude with lunch should contact their local branch as for full conference agenda.
at 2pm. soon as possible.
www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 9
TUI NEWS
Na dúshláin atá ag scoileanna na n-oileán
is trí lá scoile a bhíonn i gceist le cúrsa lae
a dhéanamh. Anuas air sin cailltear go leor
ranganna eile; scoil bheag atá againn agus
dhá, trí nó ceithre ábhar fiú ag achan
múinteoir. Má théann an múinteoir amach
do chúrsa in ábhar amháin, cailltear na
h-ábhair eile a bhíonn aige nó aici chomh
maith do na laethanta sin.
Agus sin uilig sula gcuirtear scéal na
haimsire san áireamh! I mbliana tá cúig
chúrsa caillte againn go dtí seo (téarma
amháin!) de thairbhe nach raibh muid
ábalta tír mór a bhaint amach, nó go raibh
an contúirt ann go mbeimis goite amuigh ar
thír mór i ndiaidh cúrsa a dhéanamh. Na
LE DÉANAÍ, THUG UACHTARÁN AN TUI, JOANNE IRWIN, CUAIRT AR GHARIMSCOIL scoláirí an chloch is mó ar ár bpáidrín i
MHIC DIARMADA AR ÁRAINN MHÓR. dtolamh, ach tá an chontúirt ann go
gcaillfidh siad amach nuair nach bhfuil
Tá obair rí-thábhachtach á Bíonn an deacracht chéanna againn agus muidinne ábalta freastal ar chúrsaí a
dhéanamh ag buíon muinteoirí, atá muid ag iarraidh freastal a dhéanamh ar bhaineann leo go príomha.
ina mbaill den TUI, I scoileanna na chúrsaí inseirbhíse, cruinnithe srl. Go minic
n-oileán amuigh ó chósta thiar na
tíre.
Tugann Máire Clár Nic Mhathúna,
(Príomhoide) Scoil Phobail
Cholmcille ar Oileán Thoraigh, cur
síos dúinn san sliocht seo a leanas ar
na deacrachtaí atá le sárú ag
scoileanna atá lonnaithe ar oileáin
Berlin Study Visit
mhara. 03 April - 06 April 2018
Roimh 1999 bhí ar scoláirí dul go tír mór
ar socil nó fanacht sa bhunscoil go raibh
siad 14,agus ansin imeacht gan cháilíocht ar
bith a bhaint amach. Dúradh gurb é an scoil
an fhorbairt is fearr do thodhchaí an
Oileáin le caoga bliain anuas. Tá an t-ádh
dearg orainn a bheith ag teagasc in áit mar
Oileán Thoraí ach bíonn deacrachtaí ag
baint leis chomh maith.
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Sa chéad dul síos ní féidir taisteal isteach
agus amach achan lá, rud a fhágann go A visit to the city of Berlin in the country where National Socialism originated. It includes
an overview of Jewish Berlin and its history and also visits to authentic Holocaust sites.
gcaithfidh cuid de na múinteoirí cíos a íoc Working with Holocaust scholars and educators, the programme allows participants to
istigh agus morgáiste a íoc amuigh.Tá an t- grasp the enormity of the Holocaust and its resonances within the city.
ádh orainn go bhfuil cuid de na múinteoirí Visit includes:
ina gcónaí go lán aimsire ar an oileán. • Tour of Jewish Museum; Topography of Terror Exhibition; Walking Tour with a focus
on Jewish historical sites and commemoration of Nazi victims; Memorial for the
Ciallaíonn sé fosta nach féidir ionadaí a murdered Jews of Europe; House of the Wannsee Conference; Grunewald
Deportation Site; Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp; The Anne Frank Centre; Otto
fháil don lá, nó chaithfeadh an múinteoir Weidt House and the Silent Heroes Archive
teacht isteach an oíche roimhe le bheith ar Cost: €735 (inclusive of travel, (hand luggage), hotel and entrance fees)
scoil don lá, agus ansin bheadh orthu an
For information and details about all our teacher education programmes, contact:
dara hoíche a chaitheamh istigh nó bheadh
Holocaust Education Trust Ireland, Clifton House, Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
an bád ar shiúil sula mbeadh an lá scoile Tel: + 353 1 6690593 Email: info@hetireland.org www.hetireland.org
thart.
10 February 2018 - TUI NEWS/ƚ͛ƐƚŚĞU and I in UNIONƚŚĂƚ
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WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY
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“You can always count
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8 The Exchange, Calmount Park, Ballymount, Dublin 12 www.tuicu.ieTUI NEWS
SICK L
WHAT ARE MY ENTITLEMENTS
Self-Certified/ Certified Sick Leave
There are two types of certified sick leave:
Uncertified Sick Leave
Teachers and lecturers are Non-Critical Illness Critical Illness
entitled to a maximum of 7 self-
certified, paid sick leave days in a • 13 weeks (92 days) at full pay • 26 weeks (183 days) at full pay
rolling two year period. The 7 • 13 weeks (91 days) at half pay • 26 weeks (182 days) at half pay
days are calculated by counting • 183 days in total • 365 days in total
backwards from the date of the • A max of 18 months of Temporary • 12 months TRR which may be
latest self-certified sick leave. Rehabilitation Remuneration (TRR) extended by period not exceeding
A teacher/lecturer who has 24 months
exhausted all 7 self-certified,
paid sick leave days will - in the Look back period 2 – Looks back over
event that s/he is subsequently
How is critical illness
the last 12 months and determines
absent on sick leave - have to defined?
There is no list of ‘critical’ illnesses,
what rate it will be paid at
provide a medical certificate if
s/he is to be paid for that but the nature of the medical See case studies 1 and 2 below
absence. condition has at least one of the
following characteristics:
acute life-threatening physical
Case study 1
A teacher/lecturer may take (Sean - non-critical illness)
illness;
a chronic progressive illness with
three consecutive days without First ‘look back’ - Sean has taken 123
a medical certificate. If a days sick leave in the four year period
teacher is absent on a Friday well-established potential to
up to his current illness and is
reduce life expectancy if there is
and on the following Monday, therefore entitled to 60 further days
no medical intervention;
a major physical trauma requiring
then the absence will be of paid sick leave (ie 183 – 123 = 60).
recorded as four days’ leave and
acute operative surgical treatment
a medical certificate will be Second ‘look back’ - He has taken no
or in-patient care of at least two
required. Where a sick leave in the previous 12 months
weeks.
teacher/lecturer is absent on so would be entitled to take all 60
either Friday or Monday, only days sick leave (should they be
the day on which the teacher is required) at full pay.
Calculating Sick Leave
absent will be reckoned as sick
leave. In the case of Class A PRSI Entitlements – Case study 2
contributors in all school Non-Critical Illness (Siobhan - non-critical illness)
sectors, the MC1 Social Welfare 13 weeks (92 days) FULL pay, First ‘look back’ - Siobhan has taken
Certificate must be submitted followed by 13 weeks (91 days) 20 days sick leave in the four year
by the school to the HALF pay, period up to her current illness and
she is therefore entitled to 163
Maximum of 183 DAYS in a rolling
Department of Education and
Skills/ETB after a period of 3 further days of paid sick leave (ie –
days of sick leave for referral to 4 year period 183 – 20 = 163).
Two ‘Look back’ Periods apply in
the Department of Social
Second ‘look back’ - She has taken 15
Protection. This is required for
calculating remaining entitlements: days sick leave in the previous 12
compliance with PRSI
months, so is entitled to, should they
regulations.
Look back period 1 – Looks back over be required, 77 further days of sick
the last 4 years and determines if you leave on full pay (ie 92 – 15 = 77) and
have any sick pay left the remaining 86 days on half pay.
14 February 2018 - TUI NEWSTUI NEWS
EAVE –
AND HOW IS IT CALCULATED?
Calculating Sick Leave
Entitlements –
Critical Illness
26 weeks FULL pay + 26 weeks
HALF pay (in a rolling 4 year
period)
See case study 3 below
Case study 3
(Laura - critical illness)
First ‘look back’ - Laura satisfies the
criteria for her sick leave to be
treated under the critical illness
protocol. She has taken 30 sick leave
days in the four year period up to her
current ‘critical illness’ and so is
entitled to 335 further days of paid
sick leave under the critical illness
protocol (ie 365 – 30 =335). confirmed by the employers’ have access to additional sick leave
occupational health specialist, the at half pay equivalent to the period
Second ‘look back’ - She has taken 13 payment of temporary rehabilitation for which she was on in regard to
days sick leave in the previous 12 pay may be continued for a further pregnancy-related illness.
months, so is entitled to 170 further period not exceeding two years,
days of sick leave on full pay (183 – 13 subject to six-monthly reviews. The amended Sick Leave Regulations
= 170) and the remaining 165 days, provide that a woman who has
should they be required owing to this exhausted her access to paid sick
critical illness, (335 – 170 = 165) on What is the provision for leave due to pregnancy-related sick
half pay. leave in the previous 4 years may have
pregnancy related sick
access to additional non-pregnancy-
leave? related sick leave at the half rate of
What is Temporary Following representation by the pay.
Rehabilitation teacher unions through the Public
Remuneration? Services Committee of the ICTU, Sick The number of additional days
Leave Regulations were amended to allowed:
Following the exhaustion of her/his
reflect an improvement that has been
full entitlement of paid, certified sick
agreed in regard to pregnancy-related • Will be the equivalent number of
leave, a worker is eligible to be paid at
sick leave. days taken on pregnancy related
the rate of pension to which s/he is
entitled at that point. This is now sick leave in the 4 years;
Since September 2014 the Public
known as ‘temporary rehabilitation
Service Sick Leave Scheme provides • Must not exceed normal sick leave
remuneration’ (it used to be called
that: limits (e.g. 183 days) for non-
the ‘pension rate’). It will not normally
• no woman shall be paid less than pregnancy-related sick leave (when
be paid for more than 12 or 18
half-pay while absent for a counted with other non-pregnancy
months, whichever brings you to a
pregnancy-related illness related sick leave in the previous
total of two years, inclusive of paid
sick leave. However, if a reasonable 4 years).
• a woman who has availed of
prospect of a return to work is pregnancy related sick leave will
www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 15Insurance
The Health Insurance
Comparison Service
Comparison Ser vice
For members
For
Save
money on
your health
insurance*
Dear memberr,,
TUI is very pleased to announce that we are offerin
ering a Reviewing your cover every year will ensure you retain
Health Insurance Comparison Service again this year to all the best cover at the most competitive price. For 2018, we
our members. This service, provided by Cornmarket, will have negotiated a number of exclusive arrangements and
help you find the best health insurance cover at the most discounts with the insurers providing health insurance in
competitive price. Ireland. As in previous years, some of these discounts will
only be available by setting up your policy directly with
*Last yearr, 720 TUI members who availed of the service
Cornmarket.
saved €409 on average, when they reviewed their cover
with Cornmarket. To avail of the Health Insurance Comparison Service,
call Cornmarket today on (01) 408 6213 or visit
Whether you are renewing your coverr, or taking outou a
www.cornmarket.ie/tui.
policy ffor
or the first time, the health insurance experts at
Cornmarket will review plans from all of the insurance Warmest regards,
providers, so that you can select the plan that’s right ffor
or
you and your budget. John MacGabhann
General Secretarry
Provided
Provided by
byIn 2017
To
T oa
avail
vail o
off
720 TUI
TUI members the Hea
Health Insurance
alth Insu
Insurance
Comparison
Comparison
ompa arison SService
Service:
saved
sa €409**
ved €409
€ Call:
C all: (01
(01)
1) 408 6213
Insurance
with the Health Insurance or v
visit:
Comparison
C Service
omparison Ser vice ccornmarket.ie/tui
ornmark ket.ie/tui
ket.ie/tui
et i
e
et.i
With the Health Insurance Comparison Service from Cornmarket,
you will have access to a team of experts who will:
C
Compare
ompare all plans
p s and insur
insurers
ers Ensur
Ensure e yyou
ou ar
are
e clear on any
any changes
changes
market
in the market if yyou
ou decide ttoo sswitch
witch plans
Identify
Iden anyy fr
tiffy an free
ee or discounted
o disc ounted child/ Highlightt suitable health insur
Highligh insurance
ance
yyoung
oung adult offers
lt offffers
erss plans ttoo meet the needs of yyou
ou and
yyour
our ffamily
a
amily
Note: *A
Avverage saving based on 720 TUI m
members who reviewed their cover with Cornmarket between 1st January and 30th September 2017.
Source: Cornmarket, October 2017. You can call the health insurance comparison service up to 30 days beffor
ore your renewal date. If you decide to set up
your health insurance plan through Cornmmarket, a fee
fee may applyy..
TTailor
ailorr made
mad he
health
alth plans with curr
current
ent disc
discounts
ounts ffor
or TUI members
Cornmarket and the TUI have negotiated a 10% discount on Irish Liffe
e Health’s Befit 1, Befit 3, Best
Smart and Health Plan 16.1 These discounts are only available by contacting Cornmarket directly.
Cornmarket and the TU I have also negotiated a 10% discount on the Precision, Control and
Empower schemes. These discounts are not available online so members have to call in and
quote the Group I D 27272.
VH I Healthcare is providing the TU I with a 10% discount off Teacher Plan and
Teacher Plan selec t.
Discount infforma
ormation correct as of 03/01/18 and are subject to change
12979 T
New
New Customers
Customers C
Call:
all: (01) 408 6213 Existing
Existing Cust
Customers
omers C
Call:
all: (01) 420 0911
TUI
UI Health Inser
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. A member of the Irish Life Group Ltd. which is part of the Great-West Lifeco Group
Insertt 01-18
of companies. Telephone calls may be recorded for quality control and training purposes. Irish Life Health dac is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Laya Healthcare
Limited, trading as Laya Healthcare and Laya Life, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Vhi Healthcare DAC trading as Vhi Healthcare is regulated by the Central
Bank of Ireland.TUI NEWS
TUI PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
PRE-RETIREMENT SEMINAR
DATE VENUE
Thursday 15th March 2018 The Hodson Bay Hotel,
9.00am - 4.30pm Athlone,
Co. Westmeath
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.
Please ensure you complete this form in full and return to the address below.
Alternatively, you may email the completed Application Form for the attention of
Liz Daly/Carol Ryan to: reception@tui.ie
APPLICATION FORM
Name
School/College Telephone Number
Email Address
TUI, 73 Orwell Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6
Telephone: (01) 4922588 (Press 0) Fax: (01) 4922953
18 February 2018 - TUI NEWSTUI NEWS
TUI in the media
A small sample of issues recently addressed by the union in the national media
In recent weeks,TUI has placed schools when they finish their day.’ short-term “solutions” that have been
suggested to date. The Government must
a strong focus on the issue of TUI's John MacGabhann discussed act definitively to address this problem
discriminatory pay rates in the difficulties in recruiting teachers for before it becomes a full-blown crisis by
national media. Leaving Cert oral exams and related restoring a system of pay equality.
issues on Today FM's Last Word on
On RTE’s Drivetime programme on 11th January. TUI President Joanne Irwin quoted
8th January, TUI President Joanne ‘When schools are now seeking language on thejournal.ie on the day that
debated in the Dáil - 24th January
Irwin made a direct link between teachers, they are simply getting no teacher shortages issues were to be
2018
teacher recruitment problems and applicants,’ he said. ‘And that feeds into
discriminatory pay rates. problems with orals. This all goes back to
‘In 2011, there were over 2,800 the issue of differential pay rates.' “Over recent months, there have been
applications for post-primary teaching. various suggestions of measures to attract
That had dropped by last year to just over Stephen Goulding, President,TUI’s teachers to particular subject areas, many
1,000. In 2011, there was a pay cut for new Principals and Deputy Principals’ of which would set a dangerous precedent
entrant teachers, and in 2012 there was Association on the problems being of prioritising particular subjects based on
effectively a further pay cut applied encountered by school management the perceived and short-term needs of
specifically to teachers. We believe that - Irish Times, 12th January, 2018 industry at a given moment in time. Most
there is a direct link between these pay ‘It is far from unusual for a school to have of these measures are no more than
cuts and the numbers applying to become no applications for certain advertised gimmicks and have not been fully thought
post primary teachers.’ teaching posts. To make matters worse, out.”
promotional post structures in schools
‘Morale in classrooms is at an all-time low. have been decimated in recent years, “Rather than solving the recruitment and
We recently conducted a survey that which has further reduced the retention crisis, some could exacerbate an
found that 30% of new and recent entrant attractiveness of the profession and makes already dire situation. What they would
teachers did not see themselves in the retention of teachers more difficult.We cost would be better used in accelerating
profession in ten years.’ are deeply unimpressed by the piecemeal, the process of pay equalisation.”
TUI President Joanne Irwin on the
recruitment crisis affecting second- !"#$% &'(')*+,'-# .'", /&0.
level schools - Irish Times, 8th January
2018
“All education stakeholders now
acknowledge that there is an
unprecedented crisis in the recruitment
and retention of teachers. However, it is
regrettable in the extreme, and foolish, 2nd & 3rd March
that the Government is still refusing to
acknowledge or commit to the only A dynamic conference for all
guaranteed cure.” mathematics teachers. Showcasing
the work of hundreds of teachers
On RTE’s Late Debate programme participating in Lesson Study.
on 10th January, TUI General
INTERACTIVE
Secretary John MacGabhann WORKSHOPS
outlined the devastating effect that Choose from 18 Interactive
discriminatory pay rates have had on Workshops led by teachers
teacher recruitment, despite the engaged in Lesson Study.
Department of Education and Skills
describing the situation as a ‘pinch
O'Brien Centre for Science, LIVE
UCD LESSONS
point.’ Observe exemplar
‘A pinch point for the Department is a Structured Problem Solving
crisis for everybody else. The Department Lessons being taught to
is not attempting to recruit teachers, but students live at Maths
our members who are principals and ? For more details visit our website Counts 2018.
deputy principals are, and they are drawing INTERNATIONAL
a complete blank. There are no Irish Free Registration. Book now: EXPERT
teachers and there are practically no The Keynote Speaker Professor
Home Economics teachers available. The www.projectmaths.ie/mc2018 Tad Watanabe wowed teachers
at Maths Counts 2013. He
number of teachers available in the returns to teach 5th Year students
from Ardee Community School.
Sciences and in Maths is non-existent in
most cases. Modern languages teachers
are literally being lured to other Follow us @projectmaths_ie
employments in the car parks of our
www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 19TUI NEWS
New child protection procedures
for schools
In the last TUI News (Vol 40, No 3), we First: National Guidance for the respect of their role as mandated
carried an article about forthcoming Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 persons, including a requirement to
revised child protection procedures, also became operational on 11 liaise with the DLP and, where
which have since been published by the December 2017. applicable, to submit mandated
Department of Education and Skills reports jointly with the DLP to Tusla
(DES). The key elements are set out The Children First Act, 2015 provides for
below. The TUI would advise members a number of key child protection b) guidance and direction for schools in
to take time to familiarise themselves measures that are relevant to schools, as relation to meeting their statutory
with them, as the procedures entail follows: obligations in respect of Child
additional legal responsibilities for Safeguarding Statements. In that
• A requirement on organisations regard, the procedures require that
teachers as ‘mandated persons’. The TUI providing services to children, which
is, at time of writing, seeking a meeting all boards of management use
include all schools, to keep children templates published by the
with the DES regarding aspects of the safe and to produce a Child
revised procedures. Department when preparing,
Safeguarding Statement; publishing and reviewing their Child
The DES consulted with the education • A requirement on defined categories Safeguarding Statement.
partners in the preparation of the of persons (“mandated persons”),
documents. However, it is very c) enhanced oversight measures which
which includes registered teachers, to are aimed at ensuring full compliance
important to note that the education report child protection concerns
partners did not agree to the by schools with the Children First
over a defined threshold to Tusla; Act 2015, Children First National
procedures as currently set out, largely
due to a fundamental difference of • A requirement on mandated persons Guidance 2017 and with the
opinion with the DES on the method of which includes registered teachers, to Department’s requirements as set
reporting complaints and of the appalling assist Tusla in the assessment of a out in the procedures for schools.
inadequacy of training being provided by child protection risk, if so requested All of the requirements of the Child
the DES. The TUI has repeatedly to do so by Tusla. Protection Procedures for Primary and
informed the DES that child protection Post-Primary Schools 2017, apart from
is too important an issue for procedures The commencement of the Children
First Act, 2015 and the publication of the those relating to a school’s Child
to be rushed or resourcing limited. In Safeguarding Statement, apply to all
the circumstances, the TUI advises new Children First: National Guidance
for the Protection and Welfare of school personnel and school authorities
members to report all concerns with effect from 11 December 2017.
about child protection to the Children 2017 has necessitated changes
Designated Liaison Person (DLP) in to the existing Child Protection From 11 March 2018 the requirement
their school. The TUI also advises Procedures for Primary and Post- to have a Child Safeguarding Statement
all DLPs to inform Tusla of all child Primary Schools. replaces the previous requirement to
protection concerns. The resulting revised Child have a child protection policy which was
Protection Procedures for Primary in place under the previous Child
Background and Post-Primary Schools 2017 Protection Procedures for Primary and
include: Post-Primary Schools published in 2011.
The Minister for Children and Youth
Affairs commenced the remaining a) the reporting procedures to be
provisions of the Children First Act, 2015 followed by registered teachers in
from 11 December 2017. The Children
Survey on CPD needs of teachers
In January 2018 the TUI, in partnership with the ASTI and the Association of Teacher Education Centres in Ireland, conducted a
survey on the views of teachers regarding continuing professional development. The TUI would like to thank everyone who
participated and gave us excellent data. That data is currently being analysed and will be communicated to members as soon as
possible. As with other TUI surveys, the data is very helpful in informing TUI policy.
20 February 2018 - TUI NEWSTUI NEWS
Union presidents give keynote addresses
at Global Schoolroom graduation
ceremonies
The presidents of the TUI and INTO gave
keynote addresses at the graduation
ceremonies of 172 Indian teachers
conferred with their University Diploma in
Teacher Education in North East India in
October.
The qualification – awarded after
successful completion of a three-year
course - is accredited by University
College Dublin and facilitated by the
Global Schoolroom programme. TUI and
the other teacher unions have long
supported the work of the programme in
enhancing education system capacity in
remote areas of the region. Since 2006,
hundreds of Irish teachers, including many TUI PRESIDENT DELIVERING GRADUATION ADDRESS AT MONTFORT SCHOOL,
members of TUI, have volunteered to assist GUWHATI
Global Schoolroom by travelling to India to
share their educational experience and
extend collaborative union-to-union representatives organised in Dublin by the
professional learning.
support and to share ideas on strategy and Irish teacher unions. Representatives of
Meetings also took place with local teacher various local challenges. Earlier in 2017, KJDSTA have also addressed TUI’s Annual
union the Khasi Jaintia Deficit School KJDSTA representatives had attended a Congress.
Teachers’ Association (KJDSTA) to further training programme for union
WORDWISE
WORDW ISE GLOBAL
GLOBAL S
SCHOOLS
CHOOLS
A ONE-ST
ONE-STOP-SHOP
OP-SHOP FOR DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION
EDUCATION IN P
POST-PRIMARY
OST
T-PRIMARY S
SCHOOLS
CHOOLS
Global P
Passport
assport A
Aw
Award
ward Deadline: 28 Febr
F
February
ebr uar y 2018 What we
What we offer:
Development Education (DE), also known as Global Citizenship Workshops & support visits; phone & email support; Global
Education, enables students to develop the knowledge, skills, Passport guide to assist your planning; and tailored resources
attitudes and values necessary to become global citizens who & practical examples on each of the Passport ‘stamps’
take action to transform the world we live in.
Grant C
Call
all Opening:
ning:: 14 March 2018
The Global Passport A
Awar
ward is a DE quality mark, which offfers
fers
schools a framework to integrate DE into their teaching and learning. We also offer grant funding of €600–€2000 to assist
schools integrate DE into teaching and learning.
What's
W hat's involved:
involved:
There are 3 different types of Passport Awar
Award you can apply for
depending on your school’s level of engagement with DE.
DEVELOPMEN
DEVELOPMENT
T DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMEN
DEVELOPMENT
T
EDUCATION
EDUCATION EDUCATION
EDUCATION EDUCATION
EDUCATION
CITIZENS DIPLOMMAT IC
ATIC SPECIAL
PASSPORT
PASSPORT PA
ASSPORT
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WWGS is being implemented thr
through
rough
oug a consortium
ough
comprising Gorta-Self Help Africa,rica, Concerrn
Concern
Worldwide
W orldwide and the City of Dublin Education and
Ho
How
w Do I Find Out More/ Apply?
Apply? Training Boar
Training rd
Boardd Curriculum Development Unit.
Te l: 01 685 2078 Email
Tel: Email:: inf orldwiseschools.ie
info@worldwiseschools.ie
o@wo
We
Web:b: w or
o ldwiseschools.ie/register-your-interest/
worldwiseschools.ie/register-your-interest/
www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 21TUI NEWS
Posts of responsibility restoration – more
could and should have been done
Circular Letter 03/2018 sets out the Afterwards, the awarding of marks for posts of responsibility. In fact, those schools
commencement of the restoration of Posts seniority will be removed which have not yet fallen to the low
of Responsibility in second level schools. • A review of posts must take place at threshold level will continue to lose posts
This Circular will see the restoration of least every 2 years and must involve a under the new provisions. The overall
almost 1,300 posts. It also provides for the consultation process with the school percentage of teachers in promoted
continuation of special duties posts (now teaching staff positions will increase only marginally upon
known as Assistant Principal II posts) and implementation of this circular.
• Schools will have to publish the list of
sets out a threshold for the replacement of
post holders in the school and their More could and should have been done, and
Assistant Principal II posts as well as a new
corresponding roles/responsibilities as in this regard the Minister and his
threshold for Assistant Principal I posts.
well as a second list outlining Department have wasted an opportunity. In
While the slight improvement is welcome,
roles/responsibilities that the school has Budget 2017, the Minister announced the
the thresholds provided in the circular are
identified as relevant but does not creation of an additional 170 deputy
too low and will result in 290 schools not
currently have the capacity to assign principal positions, despite the deputy
receiving any additional posts.
• The post of Programme Co-Ordinator principal positions not having been subject
Key elements in the circular: does not form part of the schedule of to the moratorium on appointment to
• The re-designation of the current post school posts of responsibility and lapses posts of responsibility. This money (€85,000
of Assistant Principal as Assistant when none of the relevant programmes per position) could have instead been used
Principal I and the current post of are being provided by the school. It is, to restore a significant number of Assistant
Special Duties Teacher as Assistant where applicable, in addition to the Principal 1 positions or Assistant Principal II
Principal II schedule positions or a combination of both. Each
Schools will still be unable to provide the deputy principal position would have funded
• The marks awarded for seniority will
same support network that they did before 10 Assistant Principal 1 posts or 22/23
reduce from 20 marks to 12 marks for
the introduction of the moratorium on Assistant Principal II posts.
the next two academic years.
+267bb/$1*8$*($66,67$177($&+(56b$7TUI NEWS
Voluntary redeployment Teacher fee refund scheme
scheme for seven counties If you successfully undertook a course/ part of a course of
study between 1st September 2016 – 31st August 2017
from September 2018 you may be eligible for a partial refund of course or
examination fees through the Teacher Fee Refund Scheme.
The pilot voluntary redeployment scheme for second level
schools will operate in counties Galway, Roscommon, Donegal, Courses which qualify should be of benefit to schools, school
Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath for September 2018. management and the improvement of teaching and learning.
Courses must also lead to an award from an appropriate
The scheme allows permanent/CID teachers who are employed accreditation authority approved by the Department of
in schools in counties Galway, Roscommon, Donegal, Education and Skills. Please note that this scheme excludes
Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath to express an interest courses which result in a qualification in respect of which an
in being redeployed to another post primary school anywhere allowance is payable. Serving teachers who are fully registered
in the country. with The Teaching Council are eligible to apply under the
This means that 20 out of 26 counties have been offered scheme.
voluntary redeployment under the scheme. The closing date for applications is Friday 23rd March,
Members who are interested are advised to apply 2018.
immediately. Application forms are available locally from
Applications forms and further information are available on
school management.
https://www.mie.ie/en/Study_with_Us/Refund_of_Fees_Scheme/
Conclusion reached TUI member outlines potential of
regarding assimilation trades councils
of former Tipperary Geri Slevin,TUI representative on the
Galway Trades Council for 2017-2018,
Institute Staff outlines the valuable work that the body is
carrying out.
following merger with ‘The Galway Trades Council is the umbrella group
for active trade unions in the city and county.
LIT
A key focus for 2017 was a joint initiative with
Conclusion has been reached in relation to a ICTU in the advancement of the Galway 1 Project
commitment that existed in the Chairman’s which will in effect be one building which houses
Note to the Lansdowne Road Agreement all associated active unions in Galway and would
regarding the assimilation of former Tipperary serve as a one stop shop for information, training,
Institute Staff following the merger of Limerick meetings etc.
Institute of Technology and Tipperary Institute.
The Trades Council’s most significant achievement in 2017 was the
All relevant TUI Members (Formerly implementation of social clauses by Galway City Council. Henceforth, for every
Programme Manager and Programme €1m project, one local job will be created. It will be implemented for the first
Specialists) who are currently employed by time with the construction of 74 social houses. Also, with Galway having won the
Limerick Institute of Technology and who bid for European Capital of Culture, the funding pot of €45m will create 45 local
transferred from Tipperary Institute have been jobs.
assimilated to the national Lecturer pay scales
with effect from the 1st July 2016. The The implementation of these clauses were brought to Council via SPCs (Special
assimilation was governed by the principle that Strategic Planning Committees). I was elected to the Culture Economic
the members moved from their salary on the Development and Planning committee due to my background in this specific area
1st July 2016 to the next point not below on (local arts) and was then elected onto the steering committee. This is the heart of
the national Lecturer pay scales. If the current local government and an opportunity to have an impact on decisions/polices
salary of any relevant staff member was higher made across the economic and cultural spectrum. It is particularly important with
than the maximum point of the corresponding Galway hosting the European Capital of Culture in 2020.
salary scale in Limerick Institute of Technology
then that staff member’s salary remained as it Another recent achievement of the Trades Council was ensuring the correct
currently is on a red circled basis. gender balance mix on the National Drugs Task Force conference panel held in
Galway in November, which originally was comprised of six male and one female
There was no change to the existing contracts speakers.
and those TUI members assimilated continue
to carry out their contractual obligations as Contributing and feeling I play a part in putting something into my community is
are required at present. hugely rewarding and has illustrated the positive change a trades council can
make in its locality.’
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