‘Education system must be protected’ – TUI offers congratulations to students

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) today offered its congratulations to students who received their Leaving Certificate results, and warned that the education system must be protected to allow all students the opportunity to participate in further and higher education in the coming years.

Speaking today, TUI President Bernie Ruane said:

“We congratulate all students who completed their Leaving Certificate on their hard work and achievements. In the current economic climate, it has never been more important that all students at least reach this level of academic attainment. Furthermore, the education system should be ring-fenced from further cuts to afford all students the opportunity of reaching their potential. Attacks over the last two years have left schools and colleges reeling at a time when the importance of education should be paramount.

In relation to options, even though some further and higher education institutions are offering more courses and places than ever before, some students who wish to do a Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course may find it difficult to get their choice of course. This is due to the artificial cap on numbers in this sector. It is time for the government to lift this cap to allow all students to further their education. Economically, savings in social welfare payments to potential students would greatly offset the cost of doing so. Courses should be available to all students to plot a pathway to the career of their choice.

Institutes of Technology offer a spectrum of cutting-edge courses that cater for a large proportion of school-leavers. Students can also avail of a variety of PLC options and have the same grant eligibility of third level students.

We understand the need to celebrate examination success, but we would urge students to avoid behaviour that may ruin this special occasion for themselves. They should make sure that nobody in their group strays off alone and that everyone arrives home safely.”