Lecturers vote clears way for laws to create technological universities - Irish Examiner 15/6/17 Click here
TUI recommends rejection of proposed public service pay deal - Irish Independent 9/6/17 Click here
TUI recommends rejection of proposed agreement - RTE 8/6/17 Click here
TUI says deal 'wholly inadequate' in tackling two-tier pay - Irish Times 8/6/17 Click here
TUI heads say they will recommend membership reject new public service pay deal - thejournal.ie 8/6/17 Click here
Gardai and teachers criticise new public service pay deal - Irish Times 8/6/17 Click here
Groups have mixed views on new public pay agreement - Irish Times 8/6/17 Click here
Unanimous decision of TUI's Executive Committee to reject public service agreement carried on RTE's Nine news 8/6/17
Joanne Irwin interviewed on TV3 News ahead of Executive Committee meeting on proposed public service agreement 8/6/17
General Secretary John MacGabhann explains TUI's disappointment with proposed public service agreement on Newstalk's Drive programme 8/6/17
TUI President Joanne Irwin outlines TUI's position on proposed public service agreement on Today FM's Last Word programme 8/6/17
TUI President explains that pay equality was a red line issue for TUI on RTE's Drivetime programme Click here (from around 1.41) 8/6/17
TUI President Joanne Irwin expresses disappointment on RTE's Morning Ireland programme with proposed public service agreement 8/6/17 Click here (from around 5 mins)
Plan may see pupils take seat on boards - Irish Independent 18/5/17 Click here
10 effective tips to get through exam time with minimal stress 15/5/17 Click here
TUI concern over teacher mentoring scheme - Irish Examiner 22/4/17 Click here
TUI seeks removal of additional third level lecturing time - Irish Examiner 21/4/17 Click here
TUI backs ballot on strike action if pay 'gulf' not resolved - Irish Independent 20/4/17 Click here
Pay parity strike ballot passed - Irish Examiner 20/4/17 Click here
TUI to ballot if equal pay not restored by September - RTE 19/4/17 Click here
TV3 News report on TUI's Annual Congress featuring interviews with President Joanne Irwin and recent entrant Eileen Bowman - 19/4/17 Click here (From 6.20)
End two-tier system by autumn or face action, says teachers' union - Irish Times 19/4/17 Click here
Teachers' union will ballot for strike action if pay for newer teachers is not addressed - Irish Independent 19/4/17 Click here
RTE Drivetime report from TUI's Annual Congress 19/4/17 Click here
1% corporate tax 'would give us €550m more for education' - Irish Independent 19/4/17 Click here
Equal pay and greater protection against malicious allegations sought - Irish Examiner 19/4/17 Click here
Meeting all demands of teaching unions will be very costly - Irish Times 19/4/17 Click here
TUI members Mairéad Glynn and David Waters interviewed along with General Secretary John MacGabhann on vital importance of accelerating process of pay parity - RTE News television bulletins 18/4/17 Click here (From 10.30)
TUI urges 1% levy on corporate profits to fund higher education - Irish Times 18/4/17 Click here
TUI to seek pay parity for recent entrants in Government talks - Irish Times 18/4/17 Click here
TUI conference: It is 'ill-advised' to Facebook friend students - Irish Times 18/4/17 Click here
New tax levy proposed by teachers' union to add more than €550m per annum to education sector - Irish Independent 18/4/17 Click here
Secondary teachers see themselves in different jobs in ten years - Irish Examiner 18/4/17 Click here
Equal pay to dominate teachers' conferences - RTE 18/4/17 Click here
TUI President Joanne Irwin outlines TUI's key priorities on regional news bulletins - 18/4/17
TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann interviewed on key Annual Congress issues on Newstalk's Breakfast programme - Newstalk 18/4/17 Click here
One in three new teachers say they will leave profession - TUI survey findings - Irish Times 17/4/17 Click here
Gap between teachers' pay is affecting staff morale - www.thejournal.ie 17/4/17 Click here
Teachers' conferences: pay and conditions top the agenda - Irish Times 17/4/17 Click here
One in three of recent entrnats to teaching believe it is unlikely they will be in profession in ten years - Irish Independent 17/4/17 Click here
Teaching no longer a career for life - TUI President Joanne Irwin on survey findings, RTE's News At One 17/4/17 Click here
1% levy on corporate profits to bridge third level fund gap - Irish Examiner 14/4/17 Click here
Proper funding needed to add computer science to Leaving Cert - Irish Examiner 22/2/17 Click here
Funding must match goals in education - letter by TUI President Joanne Irwin in Irish Times 11/2/17 Click here
School use after hours is one of 400 actions in new plan - Irish Independent 7/2/17 Click here
Timeline for set-up of technological universities uncertain - Irish Examiner 2/2/17 Click here
'Union's view of feeder school lists' - Irish Times 10/12/16 A letter from TUI President Joanne Irwin on the publication of feeder school lists. 'For many, completion of the Leaving Certificate itself is a major achievement. Others may have special educational needs and more again may be relative newcomers to Ireland with a first language other than English. The struggles and achievements of such students cannot be translated into cold, empirical data.' Click here to read
Irish secondary students ranked fifth at reading in global survey - Irish Independent 6/12/16 Click here
Irish students near top of the world in reading literacy - RTE 6/12/16 Click here
On the day that the latest PISA rankings showed that Irish students were performing considerably above the international average in maths, science and reading, TUI Education/Research Officer said on TV3 News that the Government must now match the commitment of teachers and students by ensuring that the education system is appropriately resourced 6/12/16
ASTI to decide whether to ballot on deal - Irish Examiner 1/12/16 Click here
New teachers to get 22% pay rise under new proposals - Irish Times 30/11/16 Click here
ASTI executive council to consider 'final' offer - RTE 30/11/16 Click here
'Managed decline' at Institutes of Technology (featuring an interview on third level funding cuts with TUI Executive Committee member Susan Flannery) - Irish Times 4/11/16 Click here
TUI and INTO representatives held a press conference ahead of a major Equal Pay for Equal Work rally outside the Dáil on October 27th. The press conference and rally were covered by both national print and broadcast media.
TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann outlines union's pay strategy on Today FM's Last Word programme 26/10/16
TUI President Joanne Irwin interviewed on RTE's Morning Ireland on upcoming ASTI strike and ongoing TUI campaign for pay restoration 25/10/16 Click here to listen back
ASTI's leadership focused on conflict rather than compromise - Irish Times 25/10/16 Click here
How teacher unions have been divided and conquered - Irish Times 25/10/16 Click here
Some schools yet to advertise for supervision staff - Irish Examiner 22/10/16 Click here
TUI members will not carry out duties of ASTI members - Irish Times 22/10/16 Click here
TUI President Joanne Irwin interviewed on RTE Six and Nine television news bulletins - says that TUI members will not do the work of any striking ASTI members 21/10/16 Click here to listen back (from around 1.30). Joanne also interviewed on TV3 news bulletins on the same issue.
TUI President Joanne Irwin discusses TUI's strategy for pay restoration on RTE's Morning Ireland programme 21/10/16 Click here to listen back
It's hard to see how we can reopen, say school bosses as strikes loom - Irish Independent 20/10/16 Click here
TUI must cross ASTI picket lines in order to be paid - Irish Times 19/10/16 Click here
John MacMacGabhann interviewed on RTE's Six One News - states that TUI will protect any members threatened with disciplinary action for passing pickets 19/10/16 Click here (from around 9.40)
TUI President Joanne Irwin interviewed on TV3 news on TUI's position on upcoming strikes 19/10/16
John MacGabhann discusses TUI's strategy on pay restoration and the ASTI's industrial action in interview on RTE Radio 1's Today With Sean O' Rourke programme 19/10/16
Budget 2017: Threat to extra teaching posts - Irish Examiner 12/10/16 Click here
Budget 2017: Investment in education has long road ahead - Irish Times 11/10/16 Click here
Fear and loathing on campus - bullying at Irish universities - Irish Times 11/10/16 Click here
Staff at third level colleges back students in opposition of loans scheme - Irish Examiner 30/9/16 Click here
Longford teachers to stage lunchtime protest - Longford Leader 28/9/16 Click here
Teachers staging lunchtime protest - Westmeath Independent 28/9/16 Click here
TUI Deputy General Secretary Annette Dolan intervewed on Midlands 103 bulletins on lunchtime protests over LWETB's failure to adhere to agreed grievance policies 27/9/16
On day that it joined a national coalition of student and union bodies in demanding a publicly funded higher education system, TUI's call for a corporation tax levy to fund the sector features in national and regional news bulletins - 26/9/16
Funding and third level league tables - letter to the editor, Irish Times, 23/9/16 Click here
Young teachers to lose out on pay - Irish Examiner 16/9/16 Click here
Deal to increase new teachers salaries leads to new pay gaps - Irish Times 16/9/16 Click here
Recently recruited teachers to get €135,000 pay boost - Irish Times 16/9/16 Click here
Teacher deal reinforces pay gap between TUI, ASTI members - Irish Times 16/9/16 Click here
RTÉ Nine O'Clock News - TUI President Joanne Irwin on new significant new deal for new and recently qualified teachers -16/9/16. Click here (Scroll to 03:10m)
RTÉ Six One News - TUI President Joanne Irwin interviewed in package (from 3.50 ) and in studio (21.50) on significant deal for new and recently qualified teachers 16/9/16 Click here
€2k pay deal for newly qualified teachers - Irish Independent 16/9/16 Click here
Irish education spending low by OECD standards - Irish Times 16/9/16 Click here
Junior Cert results released today - Irish Independent 14/9/16 Click here
Wait over for 60,000 Junior Cert students as results to be received today - Irish Examiner 14/9/16 Click here
Government problems: Kicking the can of responsibility down the road - Irish Examiner 13/9/16 Click here
Extract: 'Just last month, the Teachers’ Union of Ireland said it may take industrial action over pay discrimination against newly recruited teachers, claiming the removal of qualification allowances from new entrants almost five years ago was effectively a 20% pay cut compared to their colleagues.'
Pay deal is on way to bring equality to 7,000 young teachers - Irish Independent 9/9/16 Click here
ASTI face strike closure in row over payment for supervision - Irish Independent 2/9/16 Click here
TUI Education/Research Officer David Duffy was interviewed about the issue of voluntary contributions payable by parents on Today FM's Last Word programme. TUI's belief that that the education system should be free at all levels and appropriately funded by the state was reaffirmed 30/8/16
TUI President also interviewed on RTE television news on Wednesday 24th August
TUI President Joanne Irwin was interviewed on RTE's Morning Ireland programme on Wednesday, 24th August. She expressed the union's frustration with the recent pace of progress in recent weeks on the issue of pay inequality and highlighted that the union already has a mandate for industrial action on this issue. Click here to listen back to the piece.
Progress in talks on restoring new allowances to teachers worth €5,000 to new teachers - Irish Independent 24/8/16 Click here
Teachers pushing for resolution of pay talks - Irish Examiner 24/8/16 Click here
TUI warns of industrial action over new teacher pay - Irish Times 23/8/16 Click here
Speaking on the Right Hook programme on Newstalk on August 9th on the issue of second level school places, TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann said that every school should be a school for the community in which is located. He criticised the exclusionary tactics of some schools in not taking students with special educational needs. He also said that progression rates to third level are only predictors of socioeconomic background and say nothing about the quality of a school.
In the Irish Daily Mail on August 9th, a TUI spokesperson said that the issue of pay equality is a key priority for the union. The spokesperson said: ‘Over the summer, TUI and INTO representatives have held meetings with officials from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and Department of Education and Skills to scope out the issues around pay equality with further engagement scheduled for the coming weeks.’
Teacher talks explore restoration of allowances - Irish Times 29/7/16 Click here
TUI representatives were interviewed on the national media on 25/7/16 on the day that the Fitness to Teach provisions of the Teaching Council Acts were commenced by Education Minister Richard Bruton. In interviews on TV3 and UTV, TUI Deputy General Secretary Annette Dolan said that any fitness to teach issues should be dealt with in schools in the first instance, utilising the existing procedures.
'An old girls and boys network' - Retired teachers 'hogging' posts from graduates - Irish Independent 17/7/16 Click here
Government to talk with teachers over new entrants' pay - Irish Times 6/7/16 Click here
***Throughout the state examinations, TUI subject representatives offered expert advice to the national media on a daily basis***
Rise in college points likely as more students seek places - Irish Times 7/6/16 Click here
TUI decision on deal averts all-out war with teachers - Irish Times 31/5/16 Click here
Teachers' Union of Ireland votes in favour of new deal - Irish Times 30/5/16 Click here
TUI votes to accept Government proposals - RTE 30/5/16 Click here
Teachers in dispute - a collective agreement is the best way to restore pay and conditions (editorial) - Irish Times 30/5/16 Click here
Secondary school strikes loom over pay dispute - Irish Examiner 26/5/16 Click here
'Pick a topic you'd tell your friends about' - advice for the junior cycle assessment - Irish Independent 25/5/16 Click here
TUI faction calls on teachers to reject additional hours - Irish Times 23/5/16 Click here
TUI urges yes vote after allowances breakthrough - Irish Independent 11/5/16 Click here
Deal may avert strikes planned by teachers for autumn - Irish Times 11/5/16 Click here
TUI to ballot members on agreement with Department - RTE 10/5/16 Click here
Look back at an interview with TUI member David Waters on RTE's Prime Time (26/4/16) on discriminatory pay rates which affect new and recent entrants to the teaching profession Click here
Expenditure chief rules out extra wage hikes for civil servants - Irish Independent 6/4/16 Click here
TUI President interviewed on the income poverty of younger teachers on RTE Six and Nine news
'I know of many teachers who have left the profession because they can't sustain a livelihood,' he says. 'The situation is urgent and needs to be addressed.' 5/4/16
Listen back to interview with TUI President Gerry Quinn on today's Morning Ireland programme, where he states that Lansdowne Road Agreement in its current form 'copper-fastens' the exploitation of younger and newly qualified teachers and lecturers. The interview followed comments by Workplace Relations Commission head Kieran Mulvey that the Agreement may have to be revisited over serious entry grade pay issues. RTE's Morning Ireland, 5/4/16 Click here to listen back
Teachers told defending bullied colleagues could provent suicides - Irish Independent 1/4/16 Click here
Teachers 'examining neighbours' children' because of cutbacks - Irish Independent 1/4/16 Click here
Teachers must prioritise narrowing of pay gap between new entrants and established personnel - Irish Times editorial 1/4/6 Click here
Jobs 'risk' as junior cycle row intensifies - Irish Examiner 1/4/16 Click here
Calls for a national audit to ensure schools fire safety - Irish Examiner 1/4/16 Click here
Industrial action to begin at ITs next week - Irish Independent 31/3/16 Click here
'Poorer students will suffer if Institutes of Technology mergers goes ahead' - Irish Examiner 31/3/16 Click here
'Women do not progress beyond entry level' - Irish Independent 31/3/16 Click here
Warning over prioritising part-time teachers 31/3/16 Click here
TUI conference told contracts of 30 minutes duration on offer - Irish Times 31/3/16 Click here
TUI to oppose merger plans for institutes of technology - Irish Times 31/3/16 Click here
TUI President calls for Lansdowne Road replacement - RTE 30/3/16 Click here
TUI chief claims young teachers are being treated as 'galley slaves' - Irish Independent 30/3/16 Click here
Young teachers face 'perfect storm' of cuts and costs - Irish Times 30/3/16 Click here
New teachers are 'like galley slaves' - Irish Examiner 30/3/16 Click here
Institute of Technology mergers 'a byword for cuts,' TUI told- - Irish Times 30/3/16 Click here
Teachers giving up jobs as they can't afford rent says union - Irish Examinter 29/3/16 Click here
New teachers to loser €300,000 over pay cuts, TUI warns - Irish Times 29/3/16 Click here
TUI President Gerry Quinn discusses TUI conference, particularly the plight of recent entrants to the profession on RTE's Morning Ireland programme 29/3/16 Click here to listen
'Business must pay levy for colleges' - Irish Independent 25/3/16 Click here
Teachers' union wants 1% levy on corporate profits - Irish Examiner 25/3/16 Click here
Should businesses help to fund higher education? The TUI thinks so thejournal.ie 24/3/16 Click here
Five time-bombs facing a new Minister for Education - Irish Times 22/3/16 Click here
Lansdowne Road pact 'creaking at the edges' - Irish Times 22/3/16 Click here
Time to reimagine social partnership as Luas dispute and other pay claims raise prospect of further strike action - Irish Times 21/3/16 Click here
New government faces wave of school and college strikes - Irish Examiner 18/3/16 Click here
Listen back to a feature on RTE's Morning Ireland on TUI's grave concerns over third level funding 18/3/16 Click here
Technological universities - are they really such a good idea? - Irish Times 15/3/16 Click here
TUI motions may spark fresh industrial unrest in schools - Irish Times 14/3/16 Click here
Jan O' Sullivan will not attend teachers' conferences - Irish Times 12/3/16 Click here
Higher education sector under pressure as never before - Irish Times 10/3/16 Click here
Caretaker ministers must not deflect higher education - Irish Times 7/3/16 Click here
Schools to close for three days for Junior Cert reform - Irish Independent 3/3/16 Click here
No country for young teachers: the two-tier pay problem - Irish Times 1/3/16 Click here
WIT withdraws memo to unions regarding redundancy scheme - RTE 25/2/16 Click here
Where now for junior cycle reform? - Irish Times 22/2/16 Click here
TUI votes for industrial action over planned mergers - RTE 19/2/16 Click here
TUI announcement of overwheming mandate for industrial action from third level memberes over merger concerns covered on all major news bulletins 19/2/16
TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann discusses Junior Cycle reform on Today FM's Anton Savage programme 16/2/16
Planned strike by teachers called off - Irish Times 12/2/16 Click here
TUI decision to call off second levels strike action scheduled for 24/2/16 covered on all major news bulletins 12/2/16
CIT staff escalate industrial action - Irish Examiner 10/2/16 Click here
Schools to close as unions approve teachers' strike - Irish Examiner 8/2/16 Click here
TUI plans one-day February strike without 'meaningful' talks - Irish Times 6/2/16 Click here
Teachers to go on strike over 'crisis issues' - RTE 5/2/16 Gerry Quinn explains that plight of young teachers is central to decision to take strike action Click here
Teachers' strike could shut down 350 schools - Irish Independent 4/2/16 Click here
4,000 IT lecturers go on strike - UTV News - features interviews with TUI Area Representative Martin Marjoram and TUI President Gerry Quinn 3/2/16 Click here
Colleges 'economic value cut' say striking lecturers and researchers - Irish Examiner 4/2/16 Click here
RTE's Six One News report on strike - features interviews with CIT lecturers, footage from LIT and an interview with TUI President Gerry Quinn Click here (from around 15 mins) 3/2/16
'We come back to work every year to find fewer and fewer lecturers' - thejournal.ie 3/2/16 Click here
Lecturers 'living on poverty line' as Institute of Technology colleges go on strike - Irish Independent 3/2/16 Click here
TUI warns of more lecturer strikes at Institutes of Technology - Irish Times 3/2/16 Click here
Students 'supportive of lecturers' - Gerry Quinn interview on Newstalk 3/2/16 Click here
Classes at institutes of Technology stop as lecturers strike - Irish Times 3/2/16 Click here
On the national morning programmes, CIT lecturer Dr Tom O' Connor explained the effects of cutbacks on service in Institutes on RTE's Morning Ireland. Meanwhile, Gerry Quinn explained why lecturers were striking on Newstalk's Breakfast programme 3/2/16
TUI President Gerry Quinn explains why 4,000 Institute of Technology lecturers are taking strike action in an Irish Times opinion editorial 2/2/16 Click here to read
Listen back to CIT lecturer June O' Reilly discuss the effects of cutbacks on the IoT sector on RTE's Morning Ireland 1/2/16 Click here to listen
Minister rejects union 'veto' on Institutes of Technology Bill - Irish Times 28/1/16 Click here
Council: Halt IT merger plans - Irish Examiner 27/1/16 Click here
TUI calls for halt to Technological Universities Bill - TUI President Gerry Quinn interviewed on RTE's Morning Ireland programme on 26/1/16 Click here to listen back
CAO point increases likely with applications set for record level - Irish Times 26/1/16 Click here
CIT industrial action is about downgrading of staff, not proposed university status (by Dr Tom O' Connor) - Irish Examiner 25/1/16 Click here
TUI to ballot over technological university bill - RTE 22/1/16 Click here
Institute of Technology lecturers to ballot for strike action - Irish Times 22/1/16 Click here
Government facing strikes in run-up to election - Irish Times 19/1/16 Click here
Second level teachers to stage one day strike before election - Irish Times 15/1/16 Click here
Secondary teachers threaten strike before election - RTE 15/1/16 Click here
January 15th: TUI President Gerry Quinn interviewed on numerous national and regional news bulletins in relation to TUI decision to strike at second level before general election unless key concerns are met. Also interviewed on TV3 News and Today FM's Last Word programme.
In an Irish Times article on January 13th, the TUI’s deputy general secretary Annette Dolan said the Institute of Technology sector had been battered by an era of anti-educational cutbacks. She said funding had been cut by 35 per between 2008 and 2015. During this time, student numbers had risen by some 32 per cent. Lecturer numbers, meanwhile, had fallen by almost 10 per cent over the same period.
“This has had a direct effect on the quality of service to students and the working conditions of academics,” she said. Students now faced larger class sizes, reduced access to laboratories and libraries and sharp cuts to tutorials and other student supports. Click here for article
In an article entitled ‘How our teachers are lured abroad’ in the Irish Independent on January 13th , TUI President Gerry Quinn outlined how second level teachers in Ireland ‘have been forced to apply for fragments of jobs with no guarantee of being retained. Such teachers experience income poverty, often struggling and sometimes failing to pay the rent,’ he said. Click here for article
On January 12th, the announcement of a strike day to be taken by Institute of Technology lecturers received extensive coverage. The union highlighted the crisis situation that a cut in funding and lecturer numbers at a time of huge increase in student numbers had created.
In the Sunday Business Post on January 10th, TUI commented on political party Renua’s stated plan to have only 30% of the Junior Cert and Leaving Cert examinations dependent on the written examinations. “The rationale and reasoning behind Renua’s proposal is at best unclear and poses considerably more questions than answers,’ a spokesman said.
On January 6th, the Irish Times and the Evening Echo reported that the Union of Students in Ireland had joined forces with TUI as part of a campaign against the erosion of the publicly funded higher education system. The ‘iValue Higher Education’ campaign invites students, their families and teachers to sign a petition. The campaign calls for the resourcing of a higher education infrastructure which can best meet contemporary national and international challenges and demands.“The USI is proud to join with TUI on the ‘I Value Higher Education’ campaign which seeks to promote the value of higher education in Irish society. The campaign acknowledges higher education as a central function within the social, cultural and economic fabrics of Irish society," USI president Kevin Donoghue said. Click here for Irish Times article
Lecturers in institutes of technology vote for strike action - Irish Independent 15/12/15 Click here
IT lecturers vote in favour of industrial action - RTE 15/12/15 Click here
TUI warns of strikes at institutes of technology after vote - Irish Times 15/12/15 Click here
TUI President Gerry Quinn interviewed on Newstalk's Breakfast programme and warns of industrial unrest if the key concerns of teachers and lecturers are not met - 1/12/15
Schools facing industrial action 'as sure as night follows day' says union - Irish Examiner 1/12/15 Click here
Gerry Quinn interview on casualised nature of teaching - Newstalk Breakfast programme 27/11/15
Revenue may collect student loans under proposed scheme - Irish Times 27/11/15 Click here
ITs are underfunded so education standards are already suffering - Irish Examiner 27/11/15 Click here
RTE news report on Institute of Technology lunchtime protests - interviews and footage from CIT and DIT Bolton Street - RTE 26/11/15 Click here
Institute of Technology lecturers were interviewed on regional radio stations on the lunchtime protests taking place outside institutes aound the country. 26/11/15
Irish teachers well paid, but work longer hours in larger classes - Irish Times 24/11/15 Click here
Gerry Quinn discusses concerns of teachers and lecturers on Newstalk's Breakfast programme 19/11/15
Institutes of technology may face unrest over pay, union warns - Irish Times 18/11/15 Click here
TUI set to ballot members for industrial action - RTE 18/11/15 Click here
TUI President Gerry Quinn interviewed on Newstalk's Lunchtime programme about TUI's pre-general election campaign 18/11/15
Young teachers leaving profession over 'rampant' casualisation - Irish Times 13/11/15 Click here to read
Student teachers defecting to jobs in industry – Sunday Business Post 8/11/15
(Extract) Teachers’ Union of Ireland president, Gerry Quinn, confirmed that his union was also aware that recently trained teachers were opting for other industries, and said that the pay and conditions on offer to young teachers was a key factor.
Newly qualified secondary school teachers can expect to start with a full-time salary of €30,000.
‘The income on offer and lack of job security for younger teachers is being compounded by the fact that they are only offered low-hour contracts as opposed to full-time jobs,’ he said. ‘Young teachers are often now being offered just two to three hour contracts per week, so it doesn’t surprise me that take opportunities in other industries.’
Quinn said there is a chronic teacher supply problem in England, and that many of the reasons for that are now at play in Ireland, too.
Teachers threaten strike during election - Sunday Business Post 25/10/15
(Extract) 'But the TUI is also demanding that the government deal with what Gerry Quinn described as a series of crises that need to be addressed in education. Half of second level teachers under the age of 35 who are represented by TUI face huge problems with low pay, insecure employment or both, claimed Quinn.'
Teachers' union for strike ballot over 'discriminatory' pay - Irish Times 16/10/15 Click here to read
Extract from letter by TUI President Gerry Quinn published in Irish Independent:
'With regard to Junior Cycle reform more generally, Mr Byrne’s comments patronise the many educationalists who took a principled stand for restoration of an externally assessed Junior Certificate. Does he not understand how meaningful educational reform can be delivered through partnership with teachers? Of course, such managerialism is the product of the same mindset which provoked the Junior Cycle dispute in the first place. If this dismissive approach to teachers continues then more serious disputes in our education system are inevitable.' - Irish Independent 16/10/15
TUI President interviewed on TV3 News regarding TUI decision to reject Lansdowne Road Agreement 15/10/15
TUI President interviewed on Newstalk's Lunchtime programme regarding emphatic TUI decision to reject Lansdowne Road Agreement 15/10/15
TUI President interviewed on Today FM and regional news bulletins on reasons behind rejection of Lansdowne Road Agreement 15/10/15
TUI's decision to reject LRA discussed on RTE's Morning Ireland programme 15/10/15 Click here to listen
ASTI, TUI members reject Lansdowne Road pay deal - Irish Times 15/10/15 Click here
Pay cut reversal up in air as teacher unions reject pay deal - Irish Independent 15/10/15 Click here
TUI decision to reject LRA by margin of 92% featured on various news bulletins 14/10/15
Budget reaction - TUI weclomes alleviation of guidance provision cut and calls for full reinstatement of the provision in the next Budget - Irish Daily Mail 14/10/15
TUI President Gerry Quinn responds to Ivan Yates article in Irish Independent 3/10/15 Click here
ASTI rejection throws Junior Cert into turmoil - Irish Independent 25/9/15 Click here
Junior Cert reform at risk after poll - Irish Examiner 25/9/15 Click here
TUI President Gerry Quinn interviewed on TUI's acceptance of Junior Cycle proposals - TV3 News, 24/9/15
ASTI rejects, TUI accepts junior cycle - RTE News, 24/9/15 - includes interview with TUI President Gerry Quinn Click here
ASTI members reject proposals on new Junior Cert - Irish Independent 24/9/15 Click here
Teachers threaten further industrial action after split vote - Irish Times 24/9/15 Click here
Half of secondary teachers under 30 lack job security - Irish Times 31/8/15 Click here
Gerry Quinn explains decision of TUI Executive Committee to accept Junior Cycle proposals - RTE Radio I's Drivetime programme, 28/8/15 Click here (From 47.50)
TUI to recommend acceptance of new Junior Cycle - RTE 28/8/15 Click here
Union leaders accept Junior Certifcate reform - Irish Examiner 29/8/15 Click here
TUI recommends members accept latest Junior Cycle proposals - Irish Independent 28/8/15 Click here
TUI recommends accepting Junior Cycle reform plan - Irish Times 28/8/15 Click here
Teachers yet to vote on Junior Cycle reform - Irish Examiner 24/8/15 Click here
Southeast college leaders willing to resume merger talks - Irish Examiner 28/7/15 Click here
Third level 'focus on money has hit quality' - Irish Examine 23/6/15 Click here
College lecturers say they are spending more time teaching 'basic skills' - Irish Times 22/6/15 Click here
TUI to recommend rejection of new public sector pay deal - RTE 3/6/15 Click here
TUI to urge members to reject Lansdowne Road pay deal - Irish Times 3/6/15 Click here
TUI President Gerry Quinn explains TUI's decision to recommend no vote in ballot on new pay agreement proposals - RTE's Sean O' Rourke programme 3/6/15 Click here to listen
Both sides save face with deal - analysis - Irish Times 23/5/15 Click here
Teacher unions agree to put Junior Cycle plan to ballot - Irish Times 23/5/15 Click here
Students to do extra written tasks for new Junior Cert - Irish Independent 23/5/15 Click here
Further talks key to Junior Cert deal - Irish Examiner 23/5/15 Click here
TUI President Gerry Quinn interviewed on RTE Radio's Drivetime programme re decision of TUI's Executive Committee decision to put the new Junior Cycle proposals to a ballot of members (from 1hr 16mins into programme) 22/5/15 Click here
Ireland ranked 15th in global league table for maths, science - Irish Times 14/5/15 Click here
Shortage of skills in graduates a concern for firms - Irish Examiner 14/5/15 Click here
The increasingly precarious life of an acdemic - Irish Times 12/5/15 Click here
Teachers threaten more strikes in the autumn - The Herald 8/5/15 Click here
Secondary school teachers protest over Junior Cycle reform - Irish Times 7/5/15 Click here
Gerry Quinn interviewd on Today FM's The Last Word programme re: lunchtime protest 7/5/15 Click here to listen
Gerry Quinn interviewed on RTE Radio's Today With Sean O' Rourke programme re: lunchtime protest - 7/5/15 Click here to listen
Teachers and strike action - a letter from the Presidents of TUI and ASTI published in the Irish Times - 29/4/15 Click here
Department issues apology over incorrect teacher strike figures - Irish Times 28/4/15 Click here
EU-US trade deal to undermine education as 'public good' - Irish Times 25/4/15 Click here
Teacher boycott holds firm with training sessions cancelled - Irish Times 20/4/15 Click here
Barely a handful of teachers turn up for junior cycle training - Irish Independent 14/4/15 Click here
Union pickets stop junior-cycle courses for teachers - Irish Examiner 14/4/15 Click here
Apprenticeships are a vital rung on the ladder - profile of TUI Assistant General Secretary Aidan Kenny in Irish Independent 13/4/15 Click here
Megaphone man replaced by quiet anger - Irish Independent 11/4/15 Click here
How did Jan O' Sullivan do at teachers' conferences? - Irish Times 11/4/15 Click here
TUI backs off from solo run on Junior Cycle dispute - Irish Times 10/4/15 Click here
Fears cuts to further education will result in dumbed down courses - Irish Independent 10/4/15 Click here
NUI Galway urged to attend talks - Irish Examiner - 10/4/15 Click here
Ballot threat at 'dumbing down' of courses - Irish Examiner 10/4/15 Click here
No break in Junior Cert row as Minister meets union - Irish Independent 9/4/15 Click here
Standing ovation for Minister as she defends Sligo college staff - Irish Times 9/4/15 Click here
Minister urges teachers to attend junior cycle training - Irish Times 9/4/15 Click here
Look back at RTE's coverage of TUI's Congress on Wednesday 8th April - lead story on Six One News Click here
Extensive coverage of the day's Congress proceedings on RTE's Drivetime programme 8/4/15 (From around 40.30) Click here
Listen back to TUI members talking to Valerie Cox about issues of concern and union President Gerry Quinn being interviewed on RTE's Today With Sean O' Rourke programme 8/4/15 Click here
General Secretary John MacGabhann interviewed on RTE's Morning Ireland ahead of Minister's visit 8/4/15 Click here to listen
Gerry Quinn interviewed on TV3's Ireland AM programme - 8/4/15
Teachers to demonstrate during April over Junior Cycle syllabus - 8/4/15 Click here
Gerry Quinn interviewed on Today FM's Last Word programme - 7/4/15
TUI and ASTI plan protest over Junior Cycle reform - RTE 7/4/15 Click here
Teachers and lecturers may take strike action if not equally paid, TUI forum told - Irish Times 8/4/15 Click here
What teachers want - TUI members outline where they would spend additional education funding - Irish Times 7/4/15 Click here
TUI Congress featured on RTE 6 and 9 news bulletins - 7/4/15
Half of young teachers work part-time - Irish Independent 7/4/15 Click here
TUI President Gerry Quinn interviewed on Newstalk's Breakfast programme - 7/4/15
Extra two hours lecturing a week adds to college stress levels - Irish Times 6/4/15 Click here
Lecturers experience high level of work-related stress - Irish Independent 6/4/15 Click here
Survey finds rise in IT stress levels due to cutbacks 5/4/15 Click here
TUI Past President Gerard Craughwell discussed the Junior Cycle dispute and TUI's upcoming Annual Congress on RTE Radio's Claire Byrne Show 4/4/15
Paperwork means less teaching time: TUI - Irish Examiner 4/4/15 Click here
Technology is increasing teacher workload, survey shows - Irish Times 4/4/15 Click here
TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann interviewed on Newstalk and local news bulletins re teacher workload issues 3/4/15
TUI President Gerry Quinn previews next week's Annual Congress on Newstalk's Lunchtime programme - from around 13.55 in link 1/4/15 http://tinyurl.com/nfrec9z
O' Sullivan challenges union ban on reform training - Irish Independent 27/3/15 Click here
Teachers offered 16 training days for Junior Cycle programme - Irish Times 27/3/15 Click here
Teacher unions pressed on overhaul - Irish Examiner 27/3/15 Click here
Staff at Sligo college to stage second strike over NUIG merger - Irish Times 24/3/15 Click here
TUI Assistant General Secretary Aidan Kenny was interviewed on RTE's Drivetime programme regarding strong opposition among institute of technology lecturers to forced mergers in the move towards technological universities 19th March 2015 Click here to listen (From around 1.55.30 in programme)
Lecturers at Waterford IT vote for industrial action over merger plan - Irish Times 19/3/15 Click here
Jailing of teacher union leader in Bahrain 17th March 2015 Click here
On the day that St Angela’s College lecturers took a one day strike over concerns related to the incorporation of the college into NUIG, a press conference was held in Sligo. The event was covered by RTE News At One, RTE Nuacht and by the Sligo Champion, Sligo Weekender and Ocean FM 10th March 2015
Coverage of St Angela’s College strike on RTE News (March 10th) Click here
TG4 coverage. Piece begins in the 2nd half, click on the box, when Nuacht starts, drag the time to 14:34 minutes. In second half of programme, go to 2.05 minutes. Click here
Interview with TUI DGS Annette Dolan on Ocean FM (March 10th) Click here
Strike action also covered in Sligo Champion and Sligo Weekender.
Additional coverage:
http://connachttribune.ie/nuig-urged-to-help-avert-strike-action-at-st-angelas-sligo/
http://www.sligotoday.ie/details.php?id=35400
Recent coverage of dispute in national newspapers:
St Angela’s College staff back strike over NUIG merger – Irish Times 25/2/15 Click here
College lecturers to strike over ‘demotion’ proposals – Irish Independent 25/2/15 Click here
St Angela’s College staff back strike over NUIG merger – Irish Times 23/2/15 Click here
Minister for education asked to intervene in row over college merger – Irish Times 19/2/15 Click here
Staff at St Angela’s angry over aspects of merger with NUIG – Irish Times 17/2/15 Click here
Sligo lecturers concerned over plans to demote job titles – Irish Times 13/2/15 Click here
Union ban on teacher training under fire – Irish Examiner 9th March 2015 Click here
Give me a crash course in Junior Cert reform – Irish Times 7th March 2015 Click here
Teacher unions to consider merger – Irish Times 6th March 2015 Click here
Colleges vote for action over merger bid – Irish Examiner 6th March 2015 Click here
Junior Cert row rumbles on as O' Sullivan rebuffs union bid for trade-off - Irish Independent 4th March 2015 Click here
Gerry Quinn discusses current situation regarding Junior Cycle dispute with Ivan Yates on Newstalk's Breakfast programme - 2nd March 2015 Click here to listen back - section begins at around 17 minutes
Call for suspension of Junior Cycle teacher training rejected - Irish Examiner 2nd March 2015 Click here
Seeking a sensible end to the impasse on Junior Cert reform - Irish Examiner 2nd March 2015 Click here
Teachers, O' Sullivan remain locked on Junior Cycle reform - Irish Times 2nd March 2015 Click here
Teachers stand firm on Junior Cert reform plan - Irish Independent 2nd March 2015 Click here
We'll reform without you, O' Sullivan tells teachers - Sunday Independent 1st March 2015 Click here
TUI President Gerry Quinn and ASTI President Philip Irwin were interviewed on RTE television news bulletins on Saturday, February 28th. Both stressed that while the Travers document does not represent a basis for agreement, unions are open to further engagement to resolve dispute. Gerry Quinn also interviewed on Newstalk and local radio bulletins.
Minister says Junior Cycle reforms will go ahead despite protests - Irish Times 28th February 2015 Click here
Minister urges teachers to accept 'very fair' junior cycle deal - Irish Times 27th February 2015 Click here
Unions to give verdict on Junior Cert deal - Irish Independent 27th February 2015 Click here
Talks aimed at ending long-running dispute around planned Junior Cert reform end tonight - Irish Independent 19th February 2015 Click here
Teachers' unions to consider Junior Cycle reform proposals - Irish Times 20th February 2015 Click here
Teachers in talks stalemate over Junior Cycle reform - Irish Examiner 19th February 2015 Click here
Working days lost to disputes trebled in 2014 - Irish Times 19th February 2015 Click here
Talks to avert second level strike to go down to the wire - Irish Examiner 14th February 2015 Click here
Teachers strike threat still on as peace plan rebuffed - Irish Independent, 14th February 2015 Click here
TUI President Gerry Quinn and ASTI President Philip Irwin interviewed on RTE's Six One and Nine news bulletins. Click here for 9 bulletin - lead story.
Gerry Quinn interviewed by Mary Wilson on RTE's Drivetime programme (from around 3.25) - 13th February 2015 Click here
TG4 Nuacht - Declan Glynn, TUI Assistant General Secretary interviewed - 13th February, 2015. Click here to watch. (From around 3.00)
Unions reject proposal to break Junior Cycle assessment in two - Irish Times 14th February 2015 Click here
Hopes for breakthrough in Junior Cycle dispute - Irish Examiner 10th February 2015 Click here
Teacher unions agree to hear Junior Cycle proposals - Irish Examiner 7th February 2015 Click here
Unions to decide on further talks over Junior Cycle plans - Irish Examiner 4th February 2015 Click here
Talks to avert teacher strike end without agreement - Irish Times 3rd February 2015 Click here
No signs of progress in Junior Cert reform talks - Irish Examiner 3rd February 2015 Click here
Teachers say report cards a way to end strike - Irish Times - 23rd January, 2015. Click here to read.
'We're doing what's right for our students - that's why we're here' - Irish Independent - 23rd January, 2015. Click here to read.
Teachers fear change in pupil relationships - Irish Examiner - 23rd January, 2015. Click here to read.
Now the teachers' phoney war is over talks can really begin - Irish Times - 23rd January, 2015. Click here to read.
New bid to resolve Junior Cert row likely next week - Irish Independent - 23rd January, 2015. Click here to read.
Teacher unions and minister set for talks to stop third strike - Evening Herald - 23rd January, 2015. Click here to read.
Teachers says report cards a way to end strike - Irish Times - 23rd January, 2015. Click here to read.
Hopes of a breakthrough in row remains slim - Irish Examiner, 23rd January, 2015. Click here to read
TUI Assistant General Secretary Declan Glynn interviewed on a range of Irish language news and current affairs programmes on TG4's Nuacht, RTE's Nuacht and Raidió na Gaeltachta - 22nd January, 2015.
TUI President Gerry Quinn interviewed on TV3 and UTV news bulletins 22nd January 2015
RTE Nine O'Clock News Programme - Click here to watch (From around 06:30) - 22nd January, 2015.
A range of TUI representatives were interviewed in relation to the Junior Cycle dispute on January 22nd 2015.
The TUI President debated the day’s strike action with Minister Jan O’ Sullivan on TV3’s Ireland AM programme. Click here
RTE Radio 1 - News at One Programme - TUI & ASTI Members at Mayfield Community School, Cork discuss reasons along with comments from parents. 22nd January, 2015. Click here to listen
Gerry Quinn debated the Junior Cycle strike with NPCPP representative Don Myers on Newstalk’s Pat Kenny Show 22/1/15
Teachers from Maynooth Post Primary School were interviewed on RTE’s Morning Ireland programme 22/1/15 Click here
Gerry Quinn was interviewed on RTE’s Drivetime programme on the eve of the Junior Cycle strike. He was also interviewed on UTV News that evening 21/1/15
TUI President Gerry Quinn was interviewed on RTE’s Morning Ireland about the upcoming Junior Cycle strike 21/1/15
Further strike looms as talks fail to resolve exam reform row - Irish Examiner 15/1/15 Click here
Teachers set to strike after talks fail to break impasse - Irish Times 15/1/15 Click here
Little hope talks will avert teachers' strike - Irish Independent 14/1/15 Click here
Union says austerity behind Junior Cert reforms – Irish Times 16/12/14 Click here
Unions set strike date for closing schools - Irish Independent, 13/12/14. Click here
Teachers to hold second strike day, January 22nd - Irish Times, 12/12/14. Click here
TUI President Gerry Quinn interviewed on RTE's Six One and Nine news bulletins as TUI and ASTI announce January strike date 12/12/14
Gerry Quinn also interviewed on TV3 News regarding announcement of January strike date 12/12/14
First year in college wasted breaking bad learning habits - Irish Independent 11/12/14 Click here
Extra payments to retiring teachers take up €25m of budget overrun - Minister seeks third-party intervention to avert another strike by secondary teachers - Irish Times 11/12/14 Click here
New talks in bid to break impasse over Junior Cert - Irish Independent 11/12/14 Click here
Fresh talks in bid to avert second teachers' strike in January - Irish Examiner 11/12/14 Click here
Parents seek talks with teachers before any further strikes - Irish Examiner 10/12/14 Click here
Speaking on RTE’s Six One News, TUI Education & Research Officer David Duffy cautions that comparisons between the Irish and Finnish education systems must take account of Finland’s greater financial investment in education and lower pupil-teacher ratio.8/12/14
'Change due' in oral Irish marking - Irish Examiner 4/12/14 Click here
Teachers strike reaction: We’re trying to protect the integrity of the Junior Cert - Irish Times 3/12/14 Click here
Teachers hoping for new talks before Christmas - Irish Independent 3/12/14 Click here
Teachers prepare for second strike date in January - Irish Times 3/12/14 Click here
RTE’s Six One and Nine news bulletins featured interviews with TUI President Gerry Quinn, Vice President Joanne Irwin and various teachers on picket lines around the country 2/12/14
Gerry Quinn debates Junior Cycle issues with John Walshe on Today FM's Last Word programme 2/12/14 Click here to listen back (from around 4.00)
Gerry Quinn interviewed on RTE's Drivetime programme (from around 3.00) 2/12/14 Click here to listen back
RTE News At One - teachers around the country interviewed on picket lines 2/12/14 Click here to listen back
TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann appears on RTE's Prime Time programme to explain the reasons behind Junior Cycle strike 1/12/14 Click here to watch back
TUI President interviewed on TV3 News regarding Junior Cycle strike 1/12/14
Gerry Quinn discusses upcoming strike on RTE's Drivetime programme 28/11/14
TUI President explains why teachers are opposed to marking own students work for certification purposes - Click here to listen Newstalk's Breakfast programme 28/11/14
Teachers stand firm on marking as strike looks - Irish Examiner 26/11/14 Click here for article
Click here to listen back to TUI President Gerry Quinn discuss the reasons behind the Junior Cycle strike on Newstalk's Lunchtime programme 25/11/14
'We believe a solution exists which meets the need for improvement of the Junior Cycle, but which protects education standards, is student-centred, and which does not undermine the integrity of our State exams system.' - Letter from Presidents of TUI & ASTI - Irish Times 24/11/14 Click here for full text
External correction of school exams is best - Letter to Editor from TUI Presidents - Irish Examiner - 24/11/14 Click here for text
730 schools will close as talks fail to break impasse - Irish Independent 20/11/14 Click here
TUI President Gerry Quinn interviewed on Junior Cycle talks breakdown - Midlands 103
TUI Assistant General Secretary Declan Glynn outlines why teachers are taking strike action over Junior Cycle on TG4's 7 Lá programme 18/11/14
Parents' group says teacher unions using children as pawns, Irish Times – 17/11/14. -. Click here to read.
Parents' body calls on teachers to drop strike plan in junior cert row, Irish Independent, 17/11/14. Click here to read.
TUI President Gerry Quinn interviewed about Junior Cycle strike on Limerick 95FM - 17/11/14
TUI Vice President Joanne Irwin explains why second level teachers are set to strike over Junior Cycle – Highland Radio, 17/11/14
Listen back to TUI Past President Gerard Craughwell discussing Junior Cycle dispute on Marian Finucane show 16/11/14- in second hour, from 01.04 Click here
Listen back to TUI President debating Junior Cycle issues with Minister on RTE's Saturday With Brian Dowling 15/11/14 Click here
O' Sullivan 'cannot offer more concessions' to teachers' unions - Irish Times 15/11/14 Click here
Teachers want new Junior Cycle offer to halt strike, Irish Independent – 15/11/14. Click here to read.
Teachers to strike amid reform impasse, Irish Examiner, 15/11/14. Click here to read.
Listen back to Gerry Quinn discussing strike over Junior Cycle on RTE's Drivetime 14/11/14 from around 2.30 mins Click here to listen
TUI and ASTI Presidents interviewed on various RTE, Today FM, Newstalk and regional radio stations over the course of the day 14/11/14
TUI President Gerry Quinn and ASTI President Philip Irwin interviewed on RTE and TV3 news bulletins throughout day over Junior Cycle strike, including live interview with Gerry Quinn from Athlone studio 14/11/14
TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann discusses Junior Cycle concerns on Newstalk's Breakfast programme - 12/11/14 (begins around 8.50) http://tinyurl.com/lo2kuz7
Gerry Quinn, TUI President discusses ending of talks on Junior Cycle on RTE's Morning Ireland this morning - 12/11/14 http://tinyurl.com/p2eg5n5
Fear of school strikes as union talks break down - Irish Independent 12/11/14 Click here for article
Jan O Sullivan rules out more junior cycle reform concessions - Irish Times 12/11/14 Click here for article
TUI President Gerry Quinn and ASTI President Philip Irwin interviewed on RTE's Nine News over Junior Cycle impasse 11/11/14
TUI President expresses serious concerns over DIT employee engagement survey - Irish Times 10/11/14
(Extract) 'It is somewhat ironic that the first staff heard about the results was through the national media and is completely unacceptable that the response from the institute’s president is that the worrying findings are merely a case of staff “getting things off their chest” rather than being indicative of deeper systemic problems in terms of communication and consultation.' Click here for full letter
Lecturers seek rethink on technological universities plan – Irish Times 30/10/14
TUI says insistence on mergers ‘is more related to rationalisation’ than academic merit (Click here for full article)
More issues than marking exams - Irish Examiner 22/10/14 (Click here for full article)
Letter on Junior Cycle from Presidents of TUI and ASTI – Irish Times 20/10/14 (letter also published in Irish Examiner and Irish Independent and various local newspapers)
(Extract) ‘Our main areas of opposition to Junior Cycle changes relate to the planned removal of national certification and external assessment, both of which provide status and credibility to the assessment process. Such credibility is linked with the high level of public trust in our education system. Indeed, a recent OECD survey placed Ireland first among countries measured for public confidence in their education system.’
‘We are also opposed to the imposition of further pressure on the capacity of schools to provide a quality education service in the wake of several years of austerity cuts, none of which were reversed in this year’s Budget.
More than 1,700 staff to be recruited in education Irish Times 14/10/14
General secretary of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland John MacGabhann said the budget “leaves the public education system treading water, despite the positive spin.”
“We welcome any increase in teacher numbers, yet today’s announcement must be put in its proper context as a measure that only takes account of changing demographics,” he said.
“The school-going population is increasing sharply and more teachers are needed. TUI estimates that 3,700 additional full-time teachers will be required at second level over the next decade just to maintain the current teacher pupil ratio.”
Remember what teachers do for students - joint letter from TUI/ASTI/IFUT/INTO published in Irish Independent and Irish Examiner 6/10/14 Click here
Two thirds of schools cut guidance support 'to keep subject choices' - Irish Examiner 23/9/14 Click here for article
TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann was interviewed on RTE’s Prime Time programme on the call from some quarters for the Budget to improve the pupil-teacher ratio in fee paying schools.
‘It is not a function of the state to place more privilege where privilege already exists,’ he said. ‘It is the function of the state to look after those who are most at risk and those who are most vulnerable, and they are legion.’ RTE's Prime Time programme 16/9/14
Click here to view programme - from 44 mins
TUI Deputy General Secretary Annette Dolan interviewed on RTE’s Morning Ireland programme re Section 37.1 of the Employment Equality Act, which can be used to justify discrimination against employees on the grounds of their sexual orientation, marital status or gender identity. She welcomes Minister O’ Ríordáin’s stated commitment to repeal of the section and urges that this repeal happen as a matter of urgency. 10/9/14
TUI reaction to OECD’s Education At A Glance report featured in Irish Examiner and Irish Times 10/9/14
TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann interviewed by Matt Cooper on Today FM's Last Word programme on latest OECD Education At A Glance report. Highlights that Irish teachers work longer hours and work with larger class groups that most other OECD countries. Also points out that Irish teachers - if lucky enough to be full-time - earn just 81% of salary that counterparts with similar qualifications in other sectors earn within Ireland. 9/9/14
TUI General Secretary discusses initial meeting with new Minister on Junior Cycle on RTE's Morning Ireland programme. He says unions will insist that any new version of Junior Cycle must be externally assessed and nationally certified.3/9/14
Click here to listen back.
In the The Herald’s Tea Interview with Andrea Smith, TUI President Gerry Quinn outlined the challenges ahead in his new role. Speaking about Junior Cycle, he said that standardisation across the country ‘is very effective for measuring the progress, and the external system of correction that we currently have has public confidence and our confidence. It removes any doubt.’ Speaking about teacher activism, he said that it was important to explain that ‘teachers are frustrated at the way the profession has gone, because there has been a lot of damage done to the education system in the last few years through cuts.’ The Herald 20/8/14
Higher level As down in key subjects as students opt for tougher papers – Irish Times 13/8/14
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland said teachers have shown dedication and innovation in ensuring the continued provision of a first class public education service during cutbacks in education.
Calls to reverse cuts to guidance counselling – Irish Times 13/8/14
TUI President Gerry Quinn also called for the restoration of posts ‘as a matter of urgency’ saying ‘it is clear that the most vulnerable have been targeted by this cut in provision.’ He noted the report also endorsed alternative post-school pathways to higher education, which now was the responsibility of Solas. As the main union representing practitioners of further education, he said it was ‘completely unacceptable’ that TUI was not represented on the board of the training agency that replaced Fás.
Call to reverse cut to guidance counselling – Irish Examiner 13/8/14
TUI president Gerry Quinn said: “Of great concern in this report are the issues raised regarding constraints on time for guidance counselling, particularly for more personalised, one-to-one discussion. This situation has been exacerbated by the cutback to guidance counselling provision in schools which is no longer provided as an addition to teacher allocation. This needs to be reversed as a matter of urgency.”
TUI President Gerry Quinn interviewed on Red FM, Galway Bay FM, Midlands 103, Highland FM and Shannonside about hugely damaging effects of cut to guidance provision 12/8/14
Gerry Quinn discussed the challenges ahead for his term as TUI President with on Newstalk's Pat Kenny Show this morning (1/8/14). Junior Cycle, workload and the plight of young teachers were identified as being key issues. Teachers' fears over the damage the proposed new Junior Cycle could pose to education standards were outlined, and he urged the new Minister to engage meaningfully with unions on the issue. Responding to a listener's text on teacher holidays, Gerry highlighted that the class contact hours of Irish second level teachers exceed the OECD average by 49 hours.
Ministers already facing up to advice and pressure - Irish Examiner 12/7/14
‘It is crucial that the new Minister recognises the need for full and meaningful consultation with the relevant unions in the development of any new education policies or on any matters affecting the terms and conditions of teachers and lecturers,’ said TUI Deputy General Secretary Annette Dolan.
TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann interviewed on RTE television news bulletins on resignation of Minister Ruairi Quinn. He acknowledges some of the good work that Minister did but says that union had serious differences of opinion with him on Junior Cycle issues – RTE 3/7/14
TUI President Gerard Craughwell discusses school league tables on RTE's Drivetime programme, describing them as a crude and misleading measure of a school. He also highlights the value of PLC courses. 26/6/14
Staff-student ratios ‘considerably out of line’ with international norms - Irish Times
12/6/14
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland also warned of “the damaging effects that cutbacks are having on the quality of experience for students”. The union’s deputy general secretary, Annette Dolan, said institute of technology lecturers taught 18-20 hours per week in contrast with the international norm of 10-12.For each hour of teaching, a multiple was spent in preparation, evaluation and other academic responsibilities, she said."
Annette Dolan interviewed on TV3 News about third level about ‘chronic underfunding’ of Institutes of Technology 11/6/14
Underperforming courses to lose funds in further education shake-up - Irish Times 13/5/14
(Extract) The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) criticised the strategy for being “utilitarian and narrow” and expressed concern that “the needs of industry and commerce will over-power the second-chance education needs of individuals”.
Assistant General Secretary Declan Glynn said the union was also “very gravely” concerned that future further education provision “will be allocated to private organisations established to provide profit for their owners, and for whom the holistic education needs of learners is a distant, lesser priority to ‘the bottom line’."
TUI Assistant General Secretary Declan Glynn responds to launch of Further Education and Training Strategy on RTE's Six One News 12/5/14
Annual Congress 2014
The union’s Annual Congress received extensive media coverage in the days before and during the event.
Press statements in advance on health and safety concerns, the need for 4,000 additional teachers in the next decade, poor PLC course provision in many counties and a survey of lecturers on the move towards Technological Universities were well covered in the national media. 
Daithi Sims, Bernie Ruane, Claire Markey and John MacGabhann discussed the concerns of teachers and lecturers across the sectors on RTE’s Today With Sean O’ Rourke on the morning of March 22nd.
An opinion editorial by the TUI President in the Irish Times on the same day highlighted the plight of teachers suffering from the hugely damaging effects of casualisation. RTE’s Drivetime was broadcast live from the hotel lobby the following day, with Gerard Craughwell interviewed following his response to Minister Quinn’s address.
TUI representatives were interviewed on a range of RTE, Today FM, Newstalk and regional radio programmes and news bulletins. RTE, TV3 and TG4 television news reported from Kilkenny and Congress also received extensive print coverage throughout the week, including the lead story in the Irish Times on Thursday March 24th (Teachers ‘horrified’ at Quinn’s lack of consultation).
No resolution in sight as teachers step up action – Irish Independent 8/4/14 (Click here)
(Extract) Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) general secretary John MacGabhann responded: "We need state certification and external assessment.
"We believe state certification is necessary to maintain consistent standards; we believe children and parents deserve no less."
He said that unless there was a significant change in approach by the minister, the issue would not easily be resolved.
TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann says it would be 'preposterous' for teachers as educators not to express their serious concerns about elements of Junior Cycle change - Newstalk's Breakfast programme (from around 10.00). 7/4/14 (Click here)
On the day that the latest OECD PISA results ranked Irish students at an average level after an online problem solving exercise, TUI emphasised that Irish schools require a vastly improved ICT infrastructure. TUI’s position was covered in the Irish Times, Irish Examiner and Irish Independent and TUI President was interviewed on Newstalk’s Lunchtime programme and RTE’s Drivetime. 1/4/14
Click here to listen to the 1st April Drivetime interview (from 52.00)
The result of TUI’s ballot of members on Junior Cycle industrial action received extensive media coverage on March 26th and 27th across all print and broadcast outlets.
Click here to listen to an interview with TUI President Gerard Craughwell on 26th March's RTE Drivetime programme (from 1.58.18) .
Letter from TUI President published in Irish Examiner responding to article on Junior Cycle proposals. 'Creativity should complement rather than substitute for fully funded system.' 18/3/14
The TUI/ASTI lunchtime protest over Junior Cycle concerns outside schools around the country received extensive media coverage across national and regional media. Dual union Newpark Comprehensive School was used as a flagship for the Dublin protest and this was extremely well attended by media. Wherever possible, regional media were also furnished with details of local events and template press statements were issued to branches from head office.
The TUI President was interviewed live on RTE Radio 1's News at One, while both RTE and TV3 covered the event on their news bulletins. TUI representatives were interviewed on a range of radio news bulletins each day, while Assistant General Secretary Declan Glynn debated the issues with Minister Quinn on Today FM's Last Word programme. All national newspapers gave the event extensive coverage. 11/3/14
TUI President Gerard Craughwell debates Junior Cycle changes with Minister Ruairi Quinn on Today With Sean O' Rourke (presented by Keelin Shanley) 10/3/14 Click here to listen
What's wrong with the Junior Cycle proposals - TUI President writes in Galway Independent 26/2/14
Teacher pressure – Chalk Talk, Irish Times 25/2/14
(extract) The latest figures show almost 30 per cent of the TUI’s second level members are on part-time or casual contracts of less than full hours, and the union estimates that this percentage is much higher among teachers under 35.
The TUI is seeking sustainable teaching career paths, and general secretary John MacGabhann comments: “It was once the case that second level teachers were appointed to permanent, full-time jobs, but regrettably it has become the recent norm for young teachers to spend many years on low hours and low incomes with no guarantee of being retained from year to year. Having only fragments of jobs, many experience income poverty and regularly struggle to meet basic financial commitments.”….
TUI Education and Research Officer Bernie Judge discusses planned protest over Junior Cycle changes and teacher concerns over the new programme RTE's Morning Ireland, 24/2/14 Click here to listen
TUI advocates that with regard to education related to sensitive issues such as relationships and sexuality, students should be provided with neutral, non-biased and accurate information and guidance. TUI Education & Research Officer Bernie Judge interviewed on RTE Radio’s Drivetime programme 18/2/14 Click here to listen (from around 2.17)
Principals warn over secondary teacher shortage – Irish Daily Mail 17/2/14
Principals have expressed concern that a 15 per cent increase in secondary level student population by 2020 will lead to a shortage of teachers. The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals has called on the Department of Education to implement plans to meet the challenge of an expected 10,000 extra secondary students by 2020…..A spokesman for the Teachers’ Union of Ireland said the TUI brought out figures last week showing that 30 per cent of secondary school teachers were on less than full-time hours. The coming surge in student numbers should ensure teaching can become a job of full hours again which should provide a ‘huge opportunity to graduates.’
Teachers to vote on strike action over Junior Cert - Irish Independent 15/2/14 Click here
Teachers to be balloted for action over junior cycle reforms - Irish Examiner 15/2/14 Click here (Also covered in Irish Daily Mail and Irish Daily Star)
Teachers to vote on Junior Cycle plan in March - RTE 15/2/14
TUI Education and Research Officer Bernie Judge discusses the challenges schools and teachers face in providing sex education, including the effect of cutbacks and loss of posts – Today FM’s Last Word programme 4/2/14
TUI calls for the scrappage of a tax break that resulted in eight of Ireland's most affluent schools receiving an average of almost €50,000 in additional funding each from the State in 2012. Speaking on RTE News, TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann said that TUI’s ‘issue is with the State conferring further advantage on the school that receives those donations through the tax code, so this is an issue that has to do with advantage being conferred on advantage. ‘ 3/2/14 Click here to view video
TUI President Gerard Craughwell discusses disciplinary hearings for teachers on KFM's Kildare Today programme 28/1/14 and on Cork Today on C103FM 29/1/14
TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann discusses possiblity of public disciplinary hearings for teachers - Minister and Department must fully consult with TUI - Today FM's Last Word programme 27/1/14
Holding schools and teachers to account - Irish Times letter by TUI President 27/1/14
'It is important to emphasise that teachers are already subject to multiple levels of accountability...' Click here for full text
Two out of three unions back public hearings for teachers - Irish Independent 27/1/14
(extract) John MacGabhann, general secretary of the TUI, said that his body wanted discussion on the matter with the minister and the Teaching Council about its concerns.
"We want a highly competent, well-respected teaching profession. In the few cases, where people are not fit for the profession, for whatever reason, either for reasons of serious incompetence or for reasons of serious misconduct, what we want is a system that deals with such cases, but that in dealing with them also provides fair and due process." Click here for full article
Hearings for teachers not up to the job - Sunday Times front page 26/1/14
...The Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) has reacted with alarm to the proposal, and wants 'serious consultation' with Quinn before the plan is finalised in legislation...John MacGabhann, general secretary of the TUI said it would be 'extremely unfair' if teachers were brought before a public hearing except in serious cases. 'We want this proposal to be the subject of serious discussions between teachers, the Teaching Council and Minister Quinn,' he said.
Unions insist on external assessment of Junior Cycle - Irish Examiner 25/1/14 Click here
Teachers to ballot for strike action over Junior Cert - Irish Independent 25/1/14 Click here
TUI confirms ballot over Junior Cycle reforms - RTE 24/1/14 Click here
Teacher unions and Department on collision course over Junior Cert changes - Irish Times 21/1/14 Click here
Fresh blow to Quinn's reform plans - Irish Independent 21/1/14 Click here
Schools may lack capacity to assess students, Quinn told - Irish Examiner 21/1/14 Click here
Learning a lesson on curriculum reform - Irish Examiner 21/1/14 Click here
Gerard Craughwell interviewed on RTE's One News - warns that TUI will not engage with Junior Cycle changes if they are rushed through 20/1/14
TUI President Gerard Craughwell interviewed on RTE’s Morning Ireland on ballot of TUI members on Junior Cycle reform 20/1/14 Click here
Second level unions to ballot teachers on Junior Cert reforms – Irish Times 19/1/14 Click here
Teachers to vote on Junior Cycle co-operation - Irish Examiner 18/1/14 Click here
(Extract) TUI general secretary John MacGabhann said: “With less than nine months left before implementation is scheduled to commence, today was set as a deadline for the Department of Education and Skills to provide concrete information that could be objectively considered by the unions. Regrettably, key questions on standards, capacity and equity which we have repeatedly posed were not satisfactorily answered and the level of detail required on a number of crucial matters was not provided.”
The TUI has already confirmed that it will be balloting for non-cooperation with the implementation of the proposed changes. The ASTI will meet in the coming days to decide if it will carry out a ballot.
Teachers reject latest offer on Junior Cert reforms - Irish Times 18/1/14 Click here
Teacher unions warn of ballot on exam reforms – Irish Independent 18/1/14 Click here
RTE News coverage of TUI and ASTI disappointment with Junior Cycle working group outcome and TUI’s decision to ballot members on non-cooperation. Click here for news item and video – 17/1/14
TUI general secretary John MacGabhann discusses Junior Cycle change concerns on RTE's Morning Ireland http://tinyurl.com/pouph9a 16/1/14
TUI position on Junior Cycle set out in following newspaper articles:
Unions wary of Junior Cert reform plan – Irish Times 16/1/14
Quinn’s ‘holistic’ Junior Cycle leads to teachers’ threat – Irish Daily Mail 16/1/14
Teachers threat on Junior Cert plans – The Herald 16/1/14
Pupils starting second level in 2014 will sit Junior Cycle Student Award 16/1/14
TUI President Gerard Craughwell interviewed on RTE News television bulletin regarding concerns over system readiness for Junior Cycle change 15/1/14
http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0115/497994-junior-cert/
Gerard Craughwell interviewed on TV3 News and on Today FM’s Last Word and Newstalk’s Right Hook programmes regarding potential ballot of members on Junior Cycle 15/1/14
Doubts over TUI's role in Junior Cycle reforms - Irish Examiner 9/1/14
There is still uncertainty over whether teachers at almost 400 second-level schools will take part in junior cycle reforms as their union awaits assurances on issues of concern from the Department of Education.The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) set a deadline three weeks ago for Education Minister Ruairi Quinn’s officials to address concerns about the changes by the end of next week..... click here for full article
Here is your homework for tonight -- watch School of Rock – Irish Independent 8/1/14
(Extract) Teachers have mixed feelings about the Junior Cycle innovations.
"There are a lot of good things in the new Junior Cycle programme and we hope it will help to engage students," says Bernie Judge, education and research officer at the Teachers' Union of Ireland." However we also have a lot of reservations about its implementation."
The most common complaint is about the assessment system that will be used. Until now, students have largely been assessed using state exams, but now the focus will switch to school-based moderation.
Judge says: "Many teachers are reluctant to assess their own students, and there are fears that there will be variations in standards between schools."
With the majority of students staying on for the Leaving Cert, the Junior Cycle exams are not as important a qualification as they once were, and they are often described as "low-stakes exams".
However, Judge explains: "The assessment still needs to be credible. You have to recognise that 15pc of students still leave after the Junior Cycle.
"It also has to be reliable, because students have to make decisions about subject choices in the Leaving Cert."
……Judge adds that there is some concern that smaller schools may lose out, because they will be unable to provide the widest possible variety of courses.
TUI warns that under amended legislation to increase powers available to Teaching Council, any new measures must give due process to teachers. Also highlighted that robust system to deal with incompetence or professional misconduct at local level has been long available under Education Act. TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann interviewed on Newstalk's Breakfast Show, Today FM, Tipp FM, 98FM, SE Radio, WLR FM and East Coast Radio 3/1/14
TUI Education & Research Officer Bernie Judge discusses TUI's position on Junior Cycle reform on Newstalk's Pat Kenny Show 19/12/13
Listen back - from around 5.50 onwards
TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann discusses potential action over Junior Cycle changes with presenter Clem Ryan on Kildare FM's Kildare Today programme 19/12/13
TUI warns of potential action over Junior Cert reform - RTE 18/12/13 Click here for article
TUI position on Junior Cycle reported on and representatives interviewed on various media including RTE Radio 1, TV3, 2FM, FM104, Cork96FM, RedFM, FM104, Q102, Today FM, UTV Radio Network. 18/12/13
Irish Times report on TUI deadline over Junior Cycle reform details - Irish Times 18/12/13
The department is also under pressure after the TUI threatened to ballot members. The union had “repeatedly sought concrete practical details” of the proposed Junior Cert reform but the department had not provided this, TUI president Gerard Craughwell said yesterday. “The department has scheduled a meeting of the Working Group on Junior Cycle for 17th January 2014,” he said. “If the department has still not addressed our concerns after the meeting of this working group, TUI will without delay ballot members to secure agreement not to co-operate with the implementation of the proposed Junior Cycle programme.” Click here for full article
TUI warns of resistance to Junior Certificate reforms - Irish Examiner 18/12/13
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has warned Education Minister Ruairi Quinn its members could refuse to co-operate with the replacement of the Junior Certificate if he does not give a commitment for the necessary supports and funding in the next month........Click here for full article
TUI to ballot on Junior Cycle disruption if conerns are not addressed - www.thejournal.ie 18/12/13 Click here for article
Letter from TUI President Gerard Craughwell in Irish Times 13/12/13
'The system's capacity for change has been largely removed by austerity cuts and schools are considerably less well equipped now than five years ago to deal with new initiatives including the proposed reform of the Junior Cycle.' Click here for full letter
Third level students need more high-end skills 13/12/13
...The Teachers’ Union of Ireland warned this week that lecturers have less time to give academic support because of rising workload due to 8% fewer staff and 15% more students in five years.
TUI figures on fall in lecturer numbers, increase in student numbers – Irish Examiner 13/12/13
Meanwhile, the Teachers’ Union of Ireland has said lecturers at institutes of technology have less time to provide academic support because of an 8% cut in their numbers in the past five years, while student numbers have gone up by 17%.
General secretary John MacGabhann said having 385 fewer lecturers to teach 11,400 more students means lectures are often overcrowded and the issues will particularly impact on college completion rates.
“While increase student participation at third-level is always a positive, we are concerned by the severe effects that cutbacks are having on the quality of educational experience for students,” he said.
Lecturers are thinning out – Irish Mirror 13/12/13
THE number of lecturers in Irish colleges is dropping – despite a surge in student numbers. Figures from the Teachers’ Union of Ireland revealed there were 385 fewer lecturers and a surge of 11,400 in student numbers at institutes of technology. Spokesman for the TUI, John MacGabhann, said the body was “concerned by the severe effects cutbacks are having on students’ educational experience.” He added: “Class sizes have increased and lectures are often overcrowded.
TUI President Gerard Craughwell interviewed on Newstalk and Galway Bay FM radio news bulletins on fall in Institute lecturer numbers 12/12/13
Student numbers rise while lecturer numbers fall in Institutes of Technology – Newstalk 12/12/13
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland says there's been a significant drop in the number of lecturers in the Institutes of Technology sector, despite a rise in the number of students attending the third level institutes in Ireland…… click for link to full story and interview clip with Gerard Craughwell
What should parents know about schools? – Irish Times 11/12/13
Once again, the response to ‘The Irish Times’ 2013 School League Tables was enormous, with the topic dominating the airwaves and letters’ pages, as well as being a hot-button issue on social media……The Teachers’ Union of Ireland said that “If third-level access rates were the only indicator of the success or otherwise of a school, the true meaning of education would be severely distorted.”
Irish students doing better in science, study reveals – Irish Times 4/12/13
‘The Teachers’ Union of Ireland believed the scores represented signification achievements in spite of the austerity agenda, said general secretary John MacGabhann.’
Reaction to Ireland’s PISA 2012 results – Irish Examiner 4/12/13
‘The scores represent significant achievements by students and teachers and are a tribute to their resilience at a time when the austerity agenda has sidelined the irrefutable, clear case for progressive and appropriate investment in education.’
TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann describes PISA study results as endorsing the excellent work being done in schools by teachers on RTE televisions Six and Nine news bulletins. 3/12/13
Click here to view.
Change One Thing: TUI president Gerard Craughwell says the timeframe for Junior Cert reform should be changed - Irish Times Opinion Editorial 3/12/13
"Teachers, including principal and deputy principal teachers, have never been more stretched, with workloads already dramatically increased as a consequence of larger class groups, reduced staffing and a plethora of new bureaucratic demands and initiatives. Furthermore, the capacity of schools to raise any private funds has diminished significantly." Click here for full article
TUI President Gerard Craughwell interviewed by Daily Telegraph for profile on Irish 3/12/12
"I think the Irish education system is pretty good at what it does. But of course we've suffered draconian cuts since 2008, with a reduction in salaries by about 13 per cent since then. And it's hard to attract people to the profession – there is no such thing as a permanent job any more.”
"One of the things that worries us, looking at our British friends, is the amount of paperwork and administration they have to do. We hear all the stories and are worried that the same is going to come over here – where as we still place great emphasis on the pastoral care within schools, and time spent with pupils. That can only be a good thing.”
"If there is anything that Britain can learn from the Irish system, it's to fight back against ticking boxes.”
TUI Deputy General Secretary Annette Dolan welcomes the building of new school in Carrick-on-Suir, but highlights damage of cutbacks and warns that education system must also be properly resourced with appropriate numbers of teachers – Tipp Today programme, Tipp FM 2/12/13
John MacGabhann outlines that school league tables do not show the reality of a school's work -'Tables completely omit those students who do not progress to third level...there is a huge variety of entirely valid reasons why many students will not progress.' TV3 News 26/11/13
TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann says that Feeder School lists do not fairly represent the true work of schools and the achievements of all students – RTE’s Morning Ireland 26/11/13
Click here to listen
Unions still unhappy at planned Junior Cert reform – Irish Times 26/11/13
Union dissatisfaction remains over the planned reform of the Junior Cert following a fresh round of meetings between union representatives and officials from the Department of Education and Skills.
The Teachers Union of Ireland and the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland held separate meetings yesterday, with both emerging afterwards to express their dissatisfaction.
This was the TUI’s third bilateral meeting on the issues involved in Junior Cycle reform. It focused on its concerns over the credibility and integrity of school-based assessments. These would be a requirement under proposals put by the department.
Its general secretary John MacGabhann challenged what it called “the false assumption that such significant and far-reaching reform can be implemented in circumstances where schools are denied the teaching and time resources that would be absolutely necessary”.
TUI concerns over Junior Cert also set out in following articles:
Teachers warn of concerns about Junior Cert reforms - Irish Daily Mail 26/11/13
Cuts make new junior cycle plan 'impossible' - Irish Daily Star
TUI regional media campaign on damage done to Institute of Technology sector by cutbacks - October/November 2013
In recent weeks, TUI has engaged in a regional media campaign to highlight the damage done to the Institute of Technology sector by cutbacks. The union has outlined the net loss of lecturers, the net increase in student numbers and cut in funding for each institute. An overview of the coverage to date is available from this link.
Fee paying pupils more likely to attend college – Irish Independent 26/11/13
As the table is published, a teachers' union has warned that such lists are hugely damaging to the inclusive school that admits all the children of the community.
The Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) said inclusive schools were unfairly represented by so narrow a focus on third-level progression. TUI general secretary John MacGabhann said the lists promoted a view that a school's success was solely dependent on students achieving entry to third-level courses that required high points.
"We believe that a school's mission is more expansive, inclusive and generous than such a narrow vision suggests," he said.
Mr MacGabhann said each individual student was unique and each had an individual set of talents. For many, completion of the Leaving Certificate itself was a major achievement.
"They may, for example, be the first generation of their family to do so. Others may have special educational needs and more again may be relative newcomers to Ireland with a first language other than English.
"The struggles and hugely impressive personal achievements of such students cannot be translated into cold, tabulated data," he said. Mr MacGabhann noted that the lists did not provide information on whether individual schools offered programmes such as the Leaving Certificate Applied or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme. Nor did they provide information on students who had successfully progressed to apprenticeships, or to further education, such as Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses, he said.
"If third level access rates were the only indicator of the success or otherwise of a school, the true meaning of education would be severely distorted. "The publication of these lists inevitably leads to unfair comparison that is hugely damaging," he said.
RTE's Education Correspondent Emma O' Kelly states on RTE News at One that talks have taken place between TUI and Department of Education and Skills officials 25/11/13
Strikes to cause 'Christmas of discontent' - Irish Independent 25/11/13
Separately, Department of Education officials are meeting today with representatives of the ASTI and the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI), to explore how concerns about changes to the Junior Cycle can be addressed.
The talks may give pointers to what teachers can expect from a Working Group on Junior Cert reform that is being set up.
TUI President Gerard Craughwell outlines TUI’s concerns with Junior Cert reform in Irish Independent opinion editorial 20/11/13
‘Reform should provide certainty and confidence for the future. It should improve upon the status quo for all and not risk diminishing quality. Regrettably, the Junior Cycle proposals pose more questions than they answer. It is, we believe, a case of too much, too soon.’
Click link to read full article:
http://tinyurl.com/qdzdplg
Teachers get backdated pay incentive - Irish Times 14/11/13
The proposal on opting out of supervision and substitution duties will also apply to members of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland, whose members accepted Haddington Road and were working the agreement since mid-October. It said it had also been pressing for such changes.
The TUI also indicated that its members would not work any more of the additional hours required under the agreement than those to be worked by members of the ASTI if they accepted the deal at this stage.
The union told members: “Issues that arise for the TUI in the event of acceptance by the ASTI of the Haddington Road agreement concern an equalisation of delivery. The position must be that, if the ASTI accepts the agreement, TUI members in a given school will do the same number of hours under the 33-hour commitment as their ASTI colleagues over the course of the 2013/14 school year.”
The Department of Education said: “Issues regarding the details will be worked out between the parties involved in due course.”
RTE’s Industrial and Employment correspondent Ingrid Miley states that TUI has welcomed the clarifications provided to the union today on the implementation of the Haddington Road Agreement by the Department of Education and Skills and states that the union had sought the clarifications for a number of weeks – RTE’s Six One and Nine news bulletins 12/11/13
Quinn goes to top of class for move to cut uniform bill - The Herald 12/11/13
Teachers' Union of Ireland President Gerard Craughwell insisted any uniform should be reasonably priced and locally available, and the price should not soar with the addition of the school crest. He added: 'We welcome any move to engage in consultation with parents on the issue of school uniforms. This is a matter for each individual school community, and clearly parents are part of this community.'
Parents to be balloted on school uniforms – Irish Times 12/11/13
Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) president Gerard Craughwell said it welcomed any move to consult parents on school uniforms. This is a matter for each individual school community, and clearly parents are part of this community. It is TUI’s position that any uniform should be reasonably priced and locally available and the cost should not soar with the addition of the school crest,’ he said.
Plan to ease burden on households welcome – Irish Independent 12/11/13
Teachers’ Union of Ireland president Gerard Craughwell welcomed any move to engage in consultation with parents on the issue. ‘It is TUI’s position that any uniform should be reasonably priced and locally available and the cost should not soar with the addition of the school crest,’ he said.
School uniform vote for parents – The Star 12/11/13
Teachers’ Union of Ireland President Gerard Craughwell said his union welcomed any move to engage in consultation with parents on the issue of school uniforms. ‘This is a matter for each individual school community, and clearly parents are part of this community. It is TUI’s position that any uniform should be reasonably priced and locally available and the cost should not soar with the addition of the school crest,’ he said.
Low marks for Irish and maths teaching in inspector's report - Evening Herald 5/11/13
Teachers unions reacted positively to the report – the TUI said that it endorsed the "high quality of teachers and teaching in Ireland, with 87pc of parents at second-level happy with the teaching standards in schools".
But the TUI said that there were major challenges for schools and teachers with growing student numbers and the increase in pupil-teacher ratios.
RTE's Primetime programme discusses Junior Cycle reform. TUI Education & Research Officer Bernie Judge outlines some of TUI's concerns over resources, equity and assment model - RTE 1 Monday 29/10/13 Click here to watch video
Teachers' union 'deeply concerned' by Junior Cert reforms - Irish Times 29/10/13
TUI teachers warn over new Junior Cert syllabus - RTE 29/10/13
Bernie Judge also interviewed on Newstalk bulletins 29/10/13
TUI Education and Research Officer Bernie Judge outlines TUI's concerns with Junior Certificate revamp Morning Ireland, RTE Radio 1, 29/10/13 Click here to listen
Way opens for talks on secondary teachers’ dispute – Irish Times 19/10/13
In relation to provisions of Haddington Road, the Teachers’ Union of Ireland has said its members are being professionally demeaned by the way that schools’ management is using the 33 additional hours agreed to as part of the agreement.
There was growing frustration and professional slight “at the bureaucratic and coerced nature of the usage of the hours”, said the TUI’s president Gerard Craughwell. In too many cases the way in which the hours are being used were regarded as “professionally demeaning” he said.
There was more an obsession ticking off these blocks of time than using them in support of education within the school.
Talks possible between Quinn and secondary school teachers – Irish Examiner 19/10/13
TUI president Gerard Craughwell said there is growing frustration that the hours could be used to the greater benefit of students instead of being assigned to bureaucratic work. He said both second-level unions were at pains to impress this on the department in talks that led to the HRA last May.
Trainees and apprentices will lose allowances or face charges – Irish Examiner 16/10/13
‘From next year, the department will no longer pay the contribution charge to colleges for Fás apprentices for the two 10-week periods they spend in Institutes of Technologies. The measure means two €540 payments due by around 10,000 apprentices during their four years of training, bringing an annual saving of €1.6m for the department. It was described by the Teachers’ Union of Ireland as a swingeing attack on student participation, upskilling and re-skilling.’
Students suffer – Irish Mirror 16/10/13
TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann said: ‘Last year’s Budget reduced the funding allocation to third level colleges by €25m with the understanding that it was to be restored in this Budget. The draconian decision not to restore this for another year is damaging in the extreme.’
Schools are at breaking point – The Star 16/10/13
The Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI)hit out at a new measure which will force apprentices attending Institutes of Technology to pay a student contribution of €540, which was previously paid by the State. General Secretary John MacGabhann described it as "a swingeing attack on student participation, upskilling and reskilling. This will only add to existing logjams in the apprenticeship area," he said.
TUI members to be asked to identify themselves to get increments - Irish Times 10/10/13
TUI says it cannot provide Department of Education with list of its members - Irish Times 9/10/13
Literacy and numeracy among Irish average or below, according to survey - Irish Times 9/10/13
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) warned that the State could fall further behind if education programmes were cut, while the National Adult Literacy Agency said the study provided evidence that mainstream education was insufficient to develop these skills for life.