Begg: Croke Park deal hangs in the balance [IrishExaminer]
- Published: 28 April 2010
David Begg's comments come after talks between IMPACT and the HSE aimed at resolving an ongoing industrial relations dispute broke down last night.
A number of major trade unions including the ASTI, INMO and CPSU are recommending a rejection of the public sector pay and reform deal.
However Mr Begg is again warning the alternatives will be "unpalatable".
Full Story: www.irishexaminer.com
Union demands 'clarity' on deal [Independent.ie]
- Published: 28 April 2010
THE largest public sector union will not lift industrial action that is "strangling" the health service until it gets crucial clarifications on the Croke Park deal.
IMPACT members will refuse to pass on critical financial information to the Health Service Executive until assured the draft agreement does not pose a threat to their job security.
The union, representing 20,000 health workers, insisted the deal should not overrule an earlier agreement that affirms their right to permanent, pensionable jobs yesterday.
Talks to resolve the three-month old dispute over pay cuts were on a knife-edge last night after resuming in the late evening.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
VEC members insist on meeting over failed deal [IrishExaminer]
- Published: 28 April 2010
AN under-pressure County Cork VEC has called a special meeting to discuss the fallout from its loss of a substantial sum of money on a collapsed school computer deal.
Committee chairman Councillor Noel O’Connor, said the majority of members wanted to hear the VEC account for the recently publicised loss.
And, after discussions with chief executive Barra O Briain, he arranged for the unorthodox gathering.
Challenges for our education system [timesonline.co.uk]
- Published: 28 April 2010
Sir, We are all committed to improving education. It is an issue central to the future success of our nation, and it demands insight and dedication from government and from every one of us.
Significant advances were made under Andrew Adonis, former minister for education. His vision and energy forged the academies programme that helped to bridge the gap between our finest independent schools and some of the poorest performing schools. The academies policy, which encouraged innovation and assimilating best-business practices, has now lost its focus and become burdened with bureaucratic box ticking. The Government insists that results are improving and that the latest school leavers are the best educated yet. But the reality is quite different. The last Institute of Directors education survey found that just a quarter of businesses think that young people are well prepared for the workplace. Only a third thinks that the quality of school education has improved since 1997, despite a huge increase in spending.
Full Story: www.timesonline.co.uk
Concert is music to ears of regeneration backers [IrishExaminer]
- Published: 28 April 2010
KIDS’ play is music to the ears of the promoters of the Limerick Regeneration scheme.
One of the most innovative elements of the often-troubled regeneration programme – Sing out with Strings – yesterday sent out a clear, and loud, "all is well" message.
Almost 200 children who attend primary schools in Southill, Galvone and St Mary’s Parish gave their second major concert with the Irish Chamber Orchestra in St Mary’s parish church.
Full Story: www.irishexaminer.com
