Big fall in teacher sick leave saves State €25m [Independent.ie]
- Published: 20 November 2009
The number of uncertified sick days taken by teachers has dropped by as much as 38pc since changes were introduced to the substitution scheme.
It has led to savings of around €25m for the Department of Education which, since last January, has restricted the funding available to schools for replacing teachers who are absent.
Uncertified sick leave among primary teachers has decreased by 28pc and it has fallen by 38pc in secondary schools and VECs. And there has only been a "marginal increase" in certified sick leave.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
900,000 schoolchildren to receive swine flu vaccination [IrishExaminer]
- Published: 19 November 2009
THE vaccination of over 900,000 school children, teachers and other education staff against swine flu will begin next week.
However, some pupils and staff will have to attend neighbouring schools or local HSE vaccination clinics as it will not be logistically possible to provide a vaccination programme in all 4,000 primary and second level schools.
Full Story: www.irishexaminer.com
Schoolchildren to start getting swine flu vaccinations next week [IrishTimes]
- Published: 19 November 2009
SCHOOLCHILDREN ARE expected to start receiving swine flu vaccinations next week, the Health Service Executive has said.
More than 800,000 students aged between five and 18 years will be invited to receive the vaccinations in special clinics to be set up in some schools across the country in the coming days.
Some students will be invited to neighbouring schools to receive the vaccine, while others will be asked to attend their local HSE vaccination clinic.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Secondary teachers defend 90-minute picket decision [IrishTimes]
- Published: 19 November 2009
SECONDARY TEACHERS have defended their decision to mount only a 90-minute picket next Tuesday – even though schools will be closed for the full day.
Most other unions are planning a day-long picket on Tuesday in support of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions one-day stoppage.
But picketing duties for most members of the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) will be completed by 10am next Tuesday. Its website advises members the picket will be from 8.30am until 10am outside the main school entrance.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Unions contradict each other on strike [Independent.ie]
- Published: 19 November 2009
SCHOOL managers are angry over conflicting advice given to principals by their unions about Tuesday's national strike.
The Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) has told its members, including principals, that they cannot enter the school premises for any reason for the 24-hour period. The union represents teachers in vocational schools, community schools and colleges. Striking TUI members won't be able to answer a call of nature in their own schools. According to a notice on the union's website: "Tea breaks or bathrooms breaks must be taken elsewhere."
Full Story: www.independent.ie
