School building to be prioritised under new capital spending plans [schooldays.ie]
- Published: 10 November 2011
A major announcement of capital spending plans for the coming years has stated that investing in new schools is to be a priority of the government.
The Department of Education will receive a total of 440 million euros a year over the next five years, which is to be used to create an extra 80,000 new school places at primary and post-primary level.
Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn said that while cuts would have to be made in the third-level sector to support this - with plans for a new campus for the Dublin Institute of Technology at Grangegorman to be put on hold - the priority must be ensuring the education system can cope with a rising birth rate.
Full Story: www.schooldays.ie
Gov To Focus On 'Major' Schools Projects
- Published: 10 November 2011
The Minister for Education and Skills has said he is to focus on major school construction projects after new figures revealed Ireland's schools will not cope with the next generation.
The figures from published by the Central Statistics Office, represent the highest number of births registered in any quarter since 1960, with some 100,000 permanent school places required over next five years.
"The demographic challenge facing the education system has not yet been the subject of extensive public discussion," said TD Ruairí Quinn who added: "it is vital that the schooling system is prepared to cope with these increased numbers".
Full Story: www.constructionireland.ie
Child Social Protection Issues: Discussion with Barnardos [debates.oireachtas.ie]
- Published: 09 November 2011
Chairman: We have a presentation today from Barnardos on how children from disadvantaged backgrounds are faring at school, proposals to improve their educational outcomes and address wider social disadvantages and social protection issues as well. I welcome Mr. Fergus Finlay, the chief executive, and Ms June Tinsley, the policy officer, of Barnardos here today.
Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
Mr. Fergus Finlay: I thank the committee for the opportunity to say a few words. The brief of the committee is wide, covering jobs, social protection and education. Our brief is narrower in one sense but every bit as wide in another sense.
Full Story: debates.oireachtas.ie
No decision to cut teacher numbers - Kenny [rte.ie]
- Published: 09 November 2011
The Taoiseach has told the Dáil that no decision has been made to cut the number of teaching jobs or to put a cap on the number of places in third level education.
Enda Kenny said the student population is going to increase by 10%, which will mean that trained teachers will be needed to teach them.
He said Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn is also focusing on the provision of school buildings given the projected population growth.
Full Story: www.rte.ie
Stressed and weary mums and dads spoiling the fun of reading [Independent.ie]
- Published: 09 November 2011
PARENTS are spending more time reading with their children, but stress and tiredness can prevent it from being fun, research suggests.
Almost two-thirds (60pc) of parents of four to six-year-olds say they read with their child for pleasure on a daily basis, according to a survey by the Booktime programme.
But while more parents are reading with their youngsters, time constraints and stress are stopping them from spending more time on the activity.
Just a third (33pc) of those questioned said they are happy with the amount of time they spend reading for pleasure with their child.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
