TUI calls on Minister Harris to bring clarity to Youthreach re-opening
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has condemned the failure of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide clear guidance to Youthreach centres regarding re-opening after the Christmas break.
Speaking today, the TUI President, Martin Marjoram, described as deplorable and dangerous the confusion that reigns in regard to when Youthreach centres are to re-open.
“There is no clear guidance from either the DFHERIS or the Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI). Both have been asleep at the wheel. Meanwhile, our members who work in Youthreach, their students and their families have been put at risk as different ETBs have taken different approaches. Some, bizarrely and unacceptably, were insisting on re-opening Youthreach centres today for corporeal teaching and learning, in spite of the government decision that schools should not re-open this week. There is no magical immunity that applies to the teaching and learning community in a Youthreach centre.”
Calling on Minister Simon Harris to issue clear guidance that reflects decisions already taken by government, Mr Marjoram stated “In the ongoing absence of the requisite guidance from the Department and the ETBI, the TUI has told members who work in Youthreach that, while they are available to work from home this week, attendance at centres will not be required.”
“The cavalier disregard being shown for the health and safety of all in the Youthreach community is intolerable. They expect and are entitled to better,” he added.