Sheila Nunan: Unions have no option but to fight back after cuts [Independent.ie]
- Published: 18 December 2009
EARLIER this week I said the Government had crashed social partnership by ending talks with its own employees and the Budget torched the wreckage.
The first casualties of this crash are public servants and those on social welfare. They won't be the only victims.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
State-funded schools must be separate from religions [IrishTimes]
- Published: 17 December 2009
ANALYSIS: THE ANNOUNCEMENT that the Saudi Arabian government will seek to open a school in Ireland brings into sharp focus problems inherent in the relationship between religious groups and our education system, writes RONAN McCREA
Irish education, though largely State-funded is, for the most part, controlled by religious organisations. More than 90 per cent of primary schools, for example, operate under the patronage of the local bishop.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Protestant school grants explored [Independent.ie]
- Published: 17 December 2009
The Irish Government will examine how vital grants to Protestant secondary schools in the Republic could be reinstated, it has emerged.
Education Minister Batt O'Keefe revealed payments to fee-paying schools could be restructured after he held talks with the Royal Black Institution in Dublin.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
ASTI to mount 'campaign of resistance' [IrishExaminer]
- Published: 17 December 2009
The union said it has no interest in engaging with the Government on any issue following the announcement of cuts to public sector pay.
Role of bishops as school patrons [IrishTimes]
- Published: 17 December 2009
Madam, – Oliver Mahon (December 15th) takes Fintan O’Toole to task over his article (“Agents of foreign state should not control our schools”, Opinion, December 8th).
He claims Mr O’Toole misrepresents the Education Act 1998 and the Oireachtas by stating, “The chairperson shall be appointed by the patron and his/her authority shall derive from such appointment”.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
