Handover of schools to state needed [finegael.org]
- Published: 20 March 2010
Summary of Speech by Fine Gael Education Spokesman, Brian Hayes TD
A new model of patronage is needed for Irish schools and school lands controlled by the Catholic Church should be handed back to the State, Fine Gael Education Spokesman, Brian Hayes has told the Party’s National Conference today (Saturday).
Deputy Hayes said: ‘I recognise the extraordinary contribution of the Catholic Church to Irish education over many decades but the truth of the matter is that if you were devising a new model of school patronage you wouldn’t start out from the model we have now. The Catholic Church is the patron for 92% of all primary schools.
Full Story: www.finegael.org
Minister Haughey launches National Skills Strategy Implementation Statement [education.ie]
- Published: 20 March 2010
The Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Seán Haughey TD, today launched a progress update on meeting the National Skills Strategy objectives which were announced in 2007.
Minister Haughey said that today's update shows that significant progress has already been made towards meeting the objectives set out in the National Skills Strategy.
The Update finds that:
The percentage of those in the labour force with Higher Education qualifications has increased from 33% in 2005 to 39% in 2009, compared with the target of 48% by 2020.
In relation to Upper Secondary including Leaving Certificate qualifications, the percentage of the labour force with this educational level between 2005 and 2009 remained at 40%, compared to a target by 2020 of 45%.
Full Story: www.education.ie
Teachers to step up action if talks fail [Independent.ie]
- Published: 20 March 2010
TEACHER unions will vote to step up their campaign over pay at their Easter conferences if current ICTU talks with the Government fail.
Emergency motions will be tabled looking for tougher industrial action and strikes if there is no breakthrough within the next two weeks. Other actions could include withdrawal of all co-operation and a ban on non-contractual teaching duties.
Little progress has been made at the sectoral meeting attended this week by the Department of Education and seven unions -- ASTI, TUI, INTO, the Irish Federation of University Teachers, IMPACT, SIPTU and UNITE -- representing teachers, secretaries, special needs assistants, caretakers, administrators and others.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
Teacher's pet [IrishTimes]
- Published: 19 March 2010
An insider's guide to education
THE REPORT of the Innovation Task Force, launched by Taoiseach Brian Cowen last Thursday, is an impressive document, full of hope and ambition for a new Ireland.
The task force says its report is not just for people in white coats in laboratories; it has a relevance for all citizens. The report also name-checks a long list of people who demonstrate Irish talent on the world stage – including U2 (of course) and actors Saoirse Ronan and Colin Farrell (pictured below). Did the former Castleknock College bad boy ever think he would merit this official seal of approval?
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Over 60 school principal retirements at Schools in Shannonside region [shannonside.ie]
- Published: 19 March 2010
