The crisis is an opportunity to reshape nation's destiny [Independent.ie]
- Published: 27 April 2010
SO wrote Nobel Laureate WB Yeats on the revolutionary events this newspaper commemorates today. And almost a century later we stand on the threshold of equally challenging economic revolutionary events.
Our very financial sovereignty is at stake in current times as we battle to rescue our economy.
If I may dwell a while on current economic events it is because I believe that their significance will continue to present a major challenge in our personal, working and professional lives and to the lives of our extended families for some time.
It will change and reshape the nature, structure, form and type of employment relationships in our economy for the foreseeable future.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
Warning on science slump in schools [Independent.ie]
- Published: 27 April 2010
GROWING numbers of students are not taking any science subject at second level, prompting fears over skill levels among future workers.
The warning on the low take-up of science came yesterday as Taoiseach Brian Cowen emphasised once again the need to create a "smart economy" around technological innovation and expertise. The Institute of Physics said the increase in schools dropping science subjects because of education cut backs was a "national emergency".
Already, 14pc of schools have dropped one science subject this year, with physics the most likely victim.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
Lack of child services 'unconscionable' [IrishTimes]
- Published: 27 April 2010
The Government’s continuing failure to provide therapeutic and support services for sexually abused children has been described as “unconscionable” by CARI, a voluntary support agency for children.
“We are set to fail this generation as surely as we have failed earlier (ones) unless we put these essential services in place immediately”, its chief executive Mary Flaherty said.
The agency’s national clinical director Dr Niall Muldoon called for recognition that over 80 per cent of child abuse was by family members and other trusted adults.
Both were speaking this morning in Dublin at the unveiling of CARI’s 2008-2009 annual report.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
An insider's guide to education [IrishTimes]
- Published: 26 April 2010
TEACHER'S PET: MINISTER FOR Education and Skills Mary Coughlan is set to launch a strong rearguard action to build support among teachers for the Croke Park deal. Over the next fortnight, the Minister will move to reassure teachers about the promised review of the teaching contract and other aspects of the deal.
The Tánaiste has already told the teaching unions that she is not taking a machete to the profession. Over the next 10 days, she will be spelling out the fine print, telling teachers their fears are exaggerated.
Will it be enough to win support for the deal? Who knows? At this stage, the INTO looks set to back the deal with the TUI set to oppose. But the outcome of the ASTI is difficult to call.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
I won't take lectures from FF [Independent.ie]
- Published: 26 April 2010
THE emergency services had to be called to the Doyle household to peel me off the ceiling, after I heard the Tanaiste declare that it was time for the opposition to grow up.
I think we as a nation can survive anything this depression can throw at us.We can all cope with national bankruptcy and corruption. I could even cope with the big Icelandic volcano going off the day before I go on holidays, but I am not prepared to take a Fianna Fail minister lecturing anyone about growing up.
One of the firemen had to be sedated when he learned what the minister had said.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
