Govt 'will review' funding for private schools [schooldays.ie]
- Published: 16 May 2011
Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has confirmed the government will set up a review to examine the support the state gives to private schools.
Following reports that revealed fee-charging establishments received significant amounts for building grants from the government last year, Mr Quinn said he would review the system.
This will ensure that scarce resources are prioritised to ensure they go to those schools that are most in need of extra funding, he stated.
"We'll have to look at scarcity of resources, the ability of schools to raise money and the scale of disadvantage," the Irish Times reported him as saying.
Full Story: www.schooldays.ie
Minister opens Drogheda ABACAS Special School for Children with Autism [education.ie]
- Published: 16 May 2011
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn TD, today officially opened the Drogheda ABACAS Special School for Children with Autism, Co Louth.
Speaking at the school, Minister Quinn said how pleased he was to have been invited.
"It is the aim of ABACAS that every child who comes to the school will be individually assisted to make the maximum gains possible, with individual plans being drawn up for each one in their education.
"The combination of teaching expertise and the work of behaviour analysts is aimed to maximise opportunities for the children at the school, and the aim of the school is to become a centre of excellence in the local community, working with other schools in the locale to support children with Autism.
"I want to acknowledge the huge support from families and friends that helps to make the school what it is, and to assist in the expansion of the activities made available to all who attend the school," said the Minister.
The school has recently expanded into making horse-riding and surfboarding available to its pupils, and this area will assist further in extending their experience and confidence.
Minister Quinn also acknowledged the sterling work which has been done over the past few years by the leaders of the project, the teachers, the parents and the department officials, to bring this venture to fruition.
"Much professional dedication and commitment is reflected in the school that we are opening today and I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved since the inception of the ABACAS project, " said the Minister.
Earlier in the day, Minister Quinn visited St Oliver's Community College in Drogheda.
He was accompanied on the schools visits by Labour TD for Louth, Gerald Nash.
Full Story: www.education.ie
Minister Quinn opens new €900,000 extension at Drogheda Institute of Further Education [education.ie]
- Published: 16 May 2011
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn TD, today officially opened the extension at the Drogheda Institute of Further Education, Co Louth.
The 590 sq/m extension has an ICT laboratory, two lecture rooms, two dedicated rooms for Fashion & Interior Design, a career guidance office, a storeroom and a toilet block.
The Drogheda Institute of Further Education has 948 students and staffing complement of 50.
Speaking at the institute, the Minister said: "I'm delighted to be here in Drogheda to open this wonderful extension."
He commended Co. Louth VEC on its vision and forward thinking in its decision to establish a dedicated centre of Further Education in the town of Drogheda.
"The impressive doubling of student numbers, from 467 to 948, since 2004 is evidence that your decision was the correct one.
"This success is also due, in no small part, to the professionalism and commitment of your staff," said the Minister.
Concluding his visit to the Institute, the Minister said: "The historic town of Drogheda and the county of Louth have seen a lot of bridges, both literal and metaphorical, built in recent times.
"This institute is yet another bridge, an educational one leading to better opportunities for the people of Louth.
"Thomas Jefferson once said: "I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past".
Full Story: www.education.ie
Minister Cannon opens South Galway Education Centre [education.ie]
- Published: 16 May 2011
The Minister for Training and Skills, Ciaran Cannon TD, today opened the South Galway Education Centre, Gort, Co. Galway.
The project is the final part of the refurbishment of the old Vocational School.
The first stage was completed in 2008.
The new section, the main part of the building comprising two stories, was developed in partnership between the VEC and South Galway Education Group.
The South Galway Education Centre will provide a wide range of courses for 300 local learners including adult literacy, community education, the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) as well as evening classes.
The Adult Education Guidance Service and an advocacy service for young people are also available in the centre.
Speaking at the Centre, Minister Cannon said he was delighted to be invited to the event.
"I wish to pay tribute to all involved for their huge commitment and dedication.
"The opening of this centre presents a great opportunity for education in Gort and the surrounding areas.
"The courses provided are designed to enhance the participant’s personal and employment skills - to give them the necessary tools to enter or re-enter the labour market.
Full Story: www.education.ie
Review of funding for fee-paying schools [IrishExaminer]
- Published: 16 May 2011
STATE funding of building and facilities for private fee-paying schools will be examined to create "a level playing field" with the majority of schools that do not charge fees to pupils.
Education Minister Ruairi Quinn confirmed the issue of capital funding for 55 private schools will be reviewed after it emerged they got €8 million for building projects over the past three years.
While students in many state schools are being educated in prefab buildings, some of the country’s most privileged educational establishments got up to €270,000 for improvements.
This is on top of the almost €100m a year in teachers’ wages funded by taxpayers to around 55 fee-paying schools.
Mr Quinn, whose Labour Party promised during the election campaign to look at this issue, said capital funding for private schools will have to be reviewed to create a "level playing field".
Full Story: www.irishexaminer.com
