March 2010
INTO in the News
Tanaiste to address INTO COngress - Galway Independent
31st March 2010
Colin Bartley. An Tanaiste and Minister for Education and Science, Ms Mary Coughlan TD will be in Galway next week to address the 142nd Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) annual congress...
Pupils descend on Esplande to showcase handwriting talents - Bray People
31st March 2010
The Dublin South and Wicklow entrants for this year's National Handwriting Compe-tition were at the Esplanade in Bray...
Pupils show off their perfect penmanship - Drogheda Independent
31st March 2010
It was a case of 'let's hear it for the boys' at this year's EBS/INTO handwriting competition...
Six One News - RTE One
31st March 2010
The INTO has decided to ballot its 30,000 members on the public sector deal. The TUI is considering its options, and the ASTI will begin its formal deliberations tomorrow. Interview with John White (ASTI) and Moira Leydon (ASTI). Reporter: Emma O Kelly
Little scribes compete for title - Carlow People
30th March 2010
Elizabeth Lee. MORE THAN 2,000 youngsters from across the county entered a competition that aims to promote the skill of handwriting...
Children get to do the write thing - Clare People
30th March 2010
By: Ronan Judge. EBS Ennis, in conjunction with the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) last week celebrated with the Clare winners...
Let's Talk - Shannonside FM
30th March 2010
INTO representative Helen O’Gorman discusses the deal between government officials and members of the National Trade Union Movement last night.
Sue Nunn - KCLR
30th March 2010
Joe McKeown (Irish National Teachers' Organisation) discusses the agreement between Government and trade unions on public sector reform and pay.
Tensions arise over multi-faith religion classes - Irish Independent
30th March 2010
Tensions have arisen over how religion is taught in the new state-run community primary schools in west Dublin. The schools are models for a new type of educational provision to cater for the changing face of Ireland, and three more are due to open in September. The Irish National Teachers' Organisation said the issue of teaching religion needs to be addressed in an open and transparent way.
Coughlan facing a tough new curriculum - Sunday Business Post
28th March 2010
Tánaiste Mary Coughlan has been severely criticised over the past months for her handling of the crucial role of Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. However, if she thinks that her new role as Minister for Education and Skills will be an easy landing, she should think again.
John Carr, outgoing general secretary of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO), said the unions were hoping that a new minister would ‘‘bring fresh thinking in terms of the challenges that we face’’...
Cork teachers warn new Minister they feel 'betrayed' - Evening Echo
26th March 2010
Cork teachers have warned the new Minister for Education, Mary Coughlan, that she faces a workforce that feels betrayed. Cork-based Irish National Teachers' Organisation representative Pat Murphy said: "We are surprised by the appointment but we would welcome any new input...
Visiting teachers bring new cultures to Killarney - Kerry\'s Eye
25th March 2010
Pupils at Ballycasheen National School in Killarney have been learning about different cultures and traditions...
EBS/INTO Handwriting Competition Winners - The Avondhu
25th March 2010
Photo of winners...
Students honoured for handwriting skill - Wexford Echo
24th March 2010
Students from across County Wexford were awarded prizes in a national handwriting competition last week...
INTO Handwriting - Mayo News
24th March 2010
EBS Linenhall St, Castlebar in conjunction with the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) celebrated with the Mayo winners...
Students honoured for handwriting skill - New Ross Echo
24th March 2010
Students from across County Wexford were awarded prizes in a national hand writing competition last week.The EBS Building Society in conjunction with the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) last week awarded prizes to 21 County Wexford primary school children...
Students honoured for handwriting skill - Gorey Echo
24th March 2010
Students from across County Wexford were awarded prizes in a national handwriting competition last week...
Mayo winners of national EBS handwriting competition - Connaught Telegraph
23rd March 2010
EBS Linenhall Street, Castlebar, in conjunction with the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO), celebrated with the Mayo winners of this year's National Handwriting Competition. Speaking at the award ceremony, Pat Stenson, INTO representative for Mayo, said: "It is fantastic to have watched the popularity of this competition grow over the last number of years and we are grateful to EBS for continuing to partner with us in our pursuit to keep the art of handwriting alive...
Three out of four parents say teachers do good job - survey - Mayo News
23rd March 2010
Aine Ryan. After nurses, teachers came second in levels of satisfaction amongl2 professions referenced in a recent nationwide survey...
Handwriting Competition - Clare People
23rd March 2010
Ennis, in conjunction with the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) yesterday celebrated with the Clare winners of this year's National Handwriting Competition...
Pupils deserve the best teachers - Irish Independent
23rd March 2010
Open letter to Batt O'Keeffe:
Irish boom & bust documentary on Radio New Zealand
21st March 2010
Nigel Stirling visits Ireland to look at how the global recession has turned the roar of the Celtic tiger into a whimper.
Major school campaign set to begin this week - Meath Weekender
20th March 2010
A major campaign, led by parents, teachers and boards of management, is to get underway across the county this week amid increasing concerns about the impact of education cuts on children...
Primary children get into national finals - Limerick Leader
20th March 2010
The art of neat handwriting, traditionally considered to be a sign of good manners, is celebrated each year at the National Handwriting Awards, rewarding primary school children for the precision and legibility of their prose...
Garda vetting wait leaves charities hit by helper hold-ups - Evening Herald
20th March 2010
Sheila Nunan from the INTO calls the scheme "basically cost neutral". Instead of axeing the scheme, she said, minister Bart O'Keefe, head of the Department of Education and Science, should be extending the scheme to include rural schools or schools in disadvantaged areas.
200 years of experience gone as six teachers finally hang up their gowns – The Nationalist
18th March 2010
Six local teachers, who combined have given a staggering 200 years to educating the children of Carlow, have bid a fond farewell to the classroom...
Midlands Today - Midlands Radio 103
18th March 2010
Schools granted approval in Midlands for funding for new development. Crinkle National School in Birr, Co. Offaly on the waiting list for more than ten years. Helen O’Gorman (Irish National Teachers’ Organisation) discusses.
More than half of promised schools still in planning limbo - Irish Independent
18th March 2010
More than half of the school projects promised by the Government last year have not seen a sod turned or a brick laid...
Drivetime - RTE Radio 1
16th March 2010
Feature on latest Church – Reporter: Michael O’Kelly (Irish Catholic) [4:30pm] 10min - Interviews: Maeve Lewis (One in Four) & Sen. Joe O’Toole who calls for mandatory reporting of child abuse [5:08pm] 10min Mention of INTO calls to same effect [5:15pm] - Mention of Ryan Report recommendations for more social workers that have not been appointed -Interview: Olivia O’Leary (Commentator) [5:24pm]
O'Keeffe orders cut in training support for teachers - Irish Independent
16th March 2010
Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has ordered 100 teachers - who were involved in training - back into the classroom. The teachers were on secondment from teaching duties to provide professional support for primary and second level schools...
Industrial unrest - Sunday Business Post
14th March 2010
Impact is the largest trade union representative of the public sector, which makes up the bulk of its 65,000 members. The first phase of action among members began on January 25 and applied to members in the health sector, local authorities, the civil service, education sector and non-commercial semi-state organisations...
Unions won't scale back action - Irish Independent
13th March 2010
Unions will not scale back plans to cause massive disruption to public services next week despite intense talks with the Government over public service pay cuts...
Morning Ireland - RTE Radio
12th March 2010
Fresh talks in public pay cuts dispute, David Begg, General Secretary of ICTU says outsourcing is a real and immediate issue for unions...
One in five primary principals has quit post since 2007 - Irish Independent
12th March 2010
One in five primary school principals has retired in the past three years, prompting fears about the exodus of experienced managers. The trend, which grew last year according to new figures, is expected to grow again this summer when it is forecast record numbers will retire...
Teachers fear for pupils' safety – Northside People
11th March 2010
Teachers are warning that the safety and welfare of pupils in Ballymun and Finglas may be at risk because a scheme that provides vetted substitute teachers to the 22 primary schools in the area has been axed...
Schools out for retiring teachers - Anglo Celt
11th March 2010
The Belturbet Branch of the Irish National Teachers'Organisation hosted a dinner dance in the Slieve Russell Hotel last Friday night...
Principals hit out at axing of subs - Dundalk Democrat
10th March 2010
Dundalk primary school principals have hit out at the government's decision to axe the teacher supply panel at the end of the current academic year...
Information sought on INTO's Michael Doyle - Sligo Champion
10th March 2010
2010 IS the centenary of the election of Michael Doyle as central secretary of the INTO. He was principal teacher of Ballymote N.S. from 1868 until 1913...
Coleman at Large - Newstalk
10th March 2010
Discussion on issues relating to education in Ireland with Cllr Mary Mitchell O’Connor (Fine Gael), Cllr Rebecca Moynihan (Labour Party), Peter Mullan (INTO) and Eleanor Petrie (National Parents Council)
Let's Talk - Shannonside FM
10th March 2010
Helen O’Gorman, INTO, discusses industrial action announced by unions.
Morning Ireland - RTE Radio 1
10th March 2010
Emma O Kelly, Education & Science Correspondent, reports that a huge shortage of multi or non-denominational schools is forcing many parents to send their children to religious-run schools...
Schools, hospitals to be hit by dispute - Evening Echo
10th March 2010
Schools, hospitals and the courts in Cork are to be severely disrupted after trade unions agreed to step up their industrial action...
Principals Angry at Supply Panel Axing- Claim It Will Damage Children's Education - Argus
10th March 2010
Angry primary school principals hit out at the axing of the Dundalk Teacher Supply Panel which provides cover for teachers on sick leave in local schools...
Midlands Today - Midlands Radio 103
9th March 2010
Helen O’Gorman (Midlands Representative, INTO) discusses public sector plans for a mass walk-out to affect hospitals, schools, courts and social welfare offices, and specifically how the strike action could affect primary schools. Denis Rohan (Assistant General Secretary, IMPACT Trade Union) comments.
Cabinet considers unions' plan for strikes - Irish Times
9th March 2010
The Cabinet is to consider today plans by trade unions for a series of strikes across the public service in protest at pay cuts. The move comes as Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe warned that threatened school closures envisaged as part of the new escalated protest would lead to conflict with the Government...
Stoppages - What will be affected - Irish Times
9th March 2010
Schools around the country face closure for periods as part of the escalated campaign of industrial action announced by the Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions...
Online teacher training goes the distance - Irish Times
9th March 2010
Paudie O'Neill gave up a high-flying career as an engineer to train to be a primary teacher and online training allowed him to manage the change...
Baby steps towards empathy – Irish Times
9th March 2010
A school-based programme aims to give children valuable life skills in resilience and adaptability…
Schools, courts and hospitals in strike frontline - Irish Examiner
9th March 2010
Schools, courts and hospitals face crippling mass walkouts as they became the frontline in a rapidly escalating war of attrition between unions and the Government over public sector pay cuts. More than 300,000 workers were set to take part in coordinated waves of industrial action as the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) warned ministers to restore wage rates or deal with the consequences...
Pay cuts may be reconsidered if reforms accepted - Irish Examiner
9th March 2010
The Government may be able to lift the threat of further pay cuts, if unions representing public servants agree to reforms, but there will be no reversal of cuts already made, Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe said yesterday...
Blinkers and brinkmanship – Irish Independent (Editorial)
9th March 2010
When immovable objects encounter irresistible forces, progress is an unlikely outcome. The current stand-off between the Government and the unions is a case in point. There is merit on both sides and each have argued their positions coherently...
Public sector action - Recovery threatened by strikes – Irish Examiner (Editorial)
9th March 2010
As the brinkmanship around public sector industrial unrest intensifies it is important that people be absolutely clear about the consequences of their actions...
Threat of public sector strikes- Irish Times (Editorial)
9th March 2010
There can be no winners in strike action involving the Government and various public sector unions. But those citizens who rely most heavily on the provision of health, education and other social services will certainly lose. At a time when restraint and careful judgment have become an overriding priority, because of a collapse in Government income and an inability to pay its way, the parties should return to the negotiating table...
We'll teach Govt lesson by striking - Sun
9th March 2010
Unions plan school walk-outs...
Schools to be hit hard inpay row - Star
9th March 2010
Schools and hospitals are expected to be hit hardest as union chiefs step-up a row over pay cuts with a series of strikes. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has vowed to escalate industrial action in the civil and public service through tactical strikes. It means primary schools could close for half or full days on a rolling or regional basis. Hospitals will also be hit badly as nurses threaten to walk off wards...
The Morning Show - East Coast FM
9th March 2010
Peter Mullan (PRO, INTO) discusses his members’ protests against the cuts imposed by government. Stephen Kiernan (Fianna Fáil) debates the issue.
Dublin's Talking - Dublin's Country
9th March 2010
Temporary school closeures are amongst measures likely under escalation of industrial action – Interview: Peter Mullan (INTO)
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9th March 2010
Joe McKeown (Irish National Teachers’ Organisation) discusses public sector plans for strike action and its effect on primary schools.
Breakfast Show - Newstalk
9th March 2010
Cabinet to consider plans for a series of strikes in the public service as Education Minister warns that school closures would lead to conflict with the government - Sheila Nunan (General Secretary, INTO) and Mark Fielding (Chief Executive, ISME) debate the issue.
Tonight with Vincent Browne - TV3
8th March 2010
Studio panel discuss industrial action by public sector workers – Ailbhe Smith (Feminist Open Forum), Eamon Delaney (Journalist), Sheila Nunan (INTO), Eoin O’Broin (Sinn Fein) and Senator Ivana Bacik (Labour Party)...
Six One News - RTE One
8th March 2010
Public sector unions say they will step up their protests, to include strike action. Reporter: Ingrid Miley, Sheila Nunan (INTO) is interviewed live...
The Last Word- Today FM
8th March 2010
Interview with Sheila Nunan (INTO) and Brian Hayes TD (Fine Gael) who discuss planned industrial action by teachers...
Drivetime - RTE Radio 1
8th March 2010
Public sector workers to escalate action – Reporter: Martin Wall [5:07pm] 13min - Brief mention of dispruption at Social Welfare offices - Impact on schools to include half or full day closures on regional or local basis [5:08pm] Gardaí will refuse to use their own phones for Garda business - Interview: Damien McCarthy (GRA) [5:14pm] Issues affecting teachers following budget cuts - Interview: Aidan Goughran (Teacher) [5:17pm]...
Five News - Today FM
8th March 2010
Full day closures at schools likely in escalated action – Interview: Sheila Nunan (INTO).
News at 5.30 - Radio Kerry
8th March 2010
Disruption to the public service is said to be widespread following the decision of union bosses today to escalate industrial action against budget pay cuts. Sheila Nunan of the INTO (interview).
Five News - Dublin's 98
8th March 2010
Work stoppages are being planned by teachers unions following a decision by union bosses today to escalate industrial action against pay cuts. Sheila Nunan of the INTO (interview). Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe (interview).
Five News - Newstalk
8th March 2010
Widespread disruption at schools, hospitals and across the civil service is expected to be confirmed in the coming days following the decision of union bosses to escalate industrial action against budget pay cuts. Sheila Nunan, General Secretary of the INTO (interview). Minister for Education, Batt O’Keeffe (interview).
Kildare Today- KFM
8th March 2010
Susan McKay (Director, National Women’s Council) discusses International Women’s Day, discrimination against pregnant women in the workplace, and the continuing fight for equality. Mention of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation’s Equality Conference.
Newsbeat - 2FM
8th March 2010
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has said that public service unions are to escalate their industrial action. Interview with Sheila Nunan, INTO.
Public sector workers to escalate action - RTE News
8th March 2010
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has said public service unions have decided to escalate their industrial action, including the withdrawal of labour...
One News - RTE One
8th March 2010
Public sector unions have voted to escalate action to include work withdrawal of labor – Interviews: Paul Bell (SIPTU), Blair Horan (CPSU) -Reporter: Ingrid Miley [3min] - Brief mention of Sheila Nunan (INTO) in regard to Education sector action that will involve Primary and Second level school closures for half or full day on regional or local basis - Meniton of likely two-hour rolling stoppages in Health Service...
FG to urge teachers to end action - Irish Examiner
8th March 2010
Teacher unions will be urged today by Fine Gael’s education spokesman to end industrial action in schools which has the potential to impact on students and damage public support. Brian Hayes will also be critical of the Government’s decision before Christmas to walk away from talks with public service unions which could have brought about much-need reforms in the running of schools and other services...
Fine Gael and Labour reaction - Irish Times
6th March 2010
Education spokesmen for the two main Opposition parties have called for a national forum on school patronage, while the Irish National Teachers' Organisation has said detailed public debate and consultation is needed on planned changes in education. They were responding to the speech by Minister for Education Batt O'Keeffe in Dublin yesterday at the agm of the Catholic Primary School Management Association...
Church-State row breaks out over control of primary schools - Irish Independent
6th March 2010
A row has broken out between Church and State over how many schools will remain under Catholic control in the future. The bishops last night disputed claims by Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe that they would relinquish control of up to 1,500 of their primary schools within two to three decades...
Primary schools to be closed as Church role in education changes - Daily Mail
6th March 2010
Catholic primary schools are to be cut back in ten urban areas as part of a review of the Church's role in education...
Call to consult parents in handover of schools - Irish Examiner
6th March 2010
Moves to begin the first handover of some Catholic primary schools to other patrons is to begin shortly but Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has been urged to ensure parents and other interested parties are fully consulted...
Competition to win class free zoo day pass - Nenagh Guardian
6th March 2010
The INTO welcomes the introduction of the Meningitis Trust Teachers Handbook' and would encourage schools to download the information at the earliest opportunity. Meningitis is a frightening disease and unfortunately the children in our care are at an age when they are particularly at risk," Maire Ni Chuinneagain, President INTO and a primary principal teacher in Galway...
A little learning - Southern Star
6th March 2010
Batt O'Keefe, that political kite-flier 'par excellence' (Return of Fees, Abolition of NUI, Extra Points for Maths, Dumbing Down of Leaving Cert, etc., etc.) recently got up the nostrils of his former butties in the Regional Tech (now CIT), where he once worked as a humble teacher...
Science invitation for primary pupils - Wicklow People
3rd March 2010
Wicklow schools are being urged to take part in the Discover Primary Science programme...
Another twist in Government-union relations - Irish Times
3rd March 2010
It is certain that public sector unions will want the issue of pensions to be on the agenda for any future talks. The Governments new National Pensions Framework repeats the commitment made in the budget last December that the current system of retired public servants receiving an increase in pension based on rises awarded to serving staff is to be reviewed...
Huge increase in college students to cost State Eurlbn - Irish Independent
3rd March 2010
The Government faces a massive EUR1bn bill to pay for an explosion in third-level student numbers. The Department of Finance has been told of new projections for enrolments which are far greater than previously expected...
Emergency talks aim to avert chaos in schools - Irish Independent
5th March 2010
Urgent talks are taking place to avert school chaos in the autumn when teachers step up their work to rule. Figures revealed yesterday show that primary and secondary schools have already lost more than 1,100 middle management positions at assistant principal and special duties level...