Coughlan: Opposition playing politics with children's referendum [IrishExaminer]
- Published: 06 May 2010
Ms Coughlan has come under fire in the Dáil over when the referendum would take place.
She said the Government still has to make up its mind on the date, but Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said the Government is "running scared" on the issue.
Parents to press ahead with Gaelscoil in Ratoath despite Department's 'no' [meathchronicle.ie]
- Published: 05 May 2010
The founding committee of Gaelscoil Ráth Tó has announced that it is to set up the school without Departmental recognition in September 2010.
Spokesperson Anita Sheppard said the group was being assisted in this endeavour by the parents and by a number of Irish language organisations which are also determined to see Gaelscoil Ráth Tó open.
The organisations in question are An Foras Pátrúnachta, Glór na nGael, Comhluadar, Conradh na Gaeilge and Gaelscoileanna Teo. The collective campaign has been named Aitheantas (Irish for 'recognition').
Full Story: www.meathchronicle.ie
'Varadkar would be worse than Coughlan' [herald.ie]
- Published: 05 May 2010
OUTSPOKEN TD Leo Varadkar has taken a swipe at Labour leader Eamon Gilmore insisting that the only way he could be Taoiseach is in a Fianna Fail coalition.
The Fine Gael deputy made the comments after a Labour politician claimed the only thing "more frightening" than Mary Coughlan as Education Minister "would be Leo Varadkar in the same job".
Coalition
The attack by Dublin councillor Aodhan O Riordain has sparked a Labour/Fine Gael row, with Deputy Varadkar responding: "The only chance of Eamon Gilmore being Taoiseach is in coalition with Fianna Fail."
Full Story: www.herald.ie
Understanding why some students leave school early [Independent.ie]
- Published: 05 May 2010
The majority of school leavers are now concentrating on the start of the written Leaving Certificate exams in five weeks' time.
However, each year 9,000 pupils leave school without completing the Leaving Certificate examination.
There has never been a situation where 100pc of students complete the secondary cycle. Figures 30 years ago showed over 30pc of secondary pupils left after completing their Intermediate / Junior Certificate. Between 1980 and the mid 1990s, that dropped to 15pc leaving school without completing the Leaving Certificate cycle. The figures for the past 15 years have been relatively stable.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
Clarification of review of teachers' contracts [rte.ie]
- Published: 05 May 2010
The Department of Education and Skills has issued a clarification of its proposed review of the teachers' contract to the three teachers' unions.
It is hoped the move will encourage teachers to vote for the Croke Park pay and reform agreement.
The review of the contract was required under the Croke Park proposals.
Full Story: www.rte.ie
