TUI welcomes commitment to fund all costs associated with re-opening of FET facilities safely and in line with public health guidelines

By piofficer, Tuesday, 11th August 2020 | 0 comments



Documentation:

Implementation Guidelines for Public Health Measures in ETB Further Education and Training Institutions (FET)

Additional Supporting material to Implementation Guidelines for Public Health Measures in ETB Further Education and Training Institutions (FET).

TUI statement:

TUI welcomes commitment to fund all costs associated with re-opening of FET facilities safely and in line with public health guidelines

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) notes the publication of the Implementation Guidelines for Public Health Measures in ETB Further Education and Training Institutions (FET).

In particular, we welcome the commitment of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) and SOLAS to funding all costs associated with re-opening FET facilities safely and in line with public health guidelines.

However, there can be no delay in the provision of the required resources for the sector. Youthreach centres, for example, are scheduled to re-open before the end of August and these workplaces must be made safe, fit for purpose and compliant with the relevant public health advice.

The health and safety of students, staff, their families and communities must remain the key concern for all and the TUI, therefore, will continue to address any arising issues with the Department and ETBI ahead of the re-opening. We must all remain vigilant.

FET Institutions will plan for returning to education and training on the basis of the following sequence, with planning taking a phased return of learners into consideration:

    1. Learners awaiting assessment who have their course substantially completed, those who require additional tuition and practical instruction in order to complete their FET programme and continuing learners, e.g. PLC Colleges, Youthreach.
    2. New Learners

We welcome the provision of two hours from contracted teaching time for grades with teaching responsibilities for the role of Lead Workplace Representative. We also welcome the commitment to providing more staff, if needed, to ensure that social distancing is observed.

Crucially, it has also been agreed that any delay in the reopening of FET institutions cannot result in FET staff being adversely affected in relation to contractual entitlements.

;