November 2011

Overcrowding could get even worse in schools - Sligo Champion
30th November 2011
With some of the harshest budget cuts in history to be announced over two days next week, a Sligo primary school fears it may lose the eighth mainstream teacher it is due to be allocated next September, despite the fact that the school is expecting another large enrolment next year. If the government increases the pupil/teacher ratio, Ransboro National School will not be allocated the additional teacher, resulting in what principal Siobhan Clarke said would be huge classes and split classes throughout the school. The school currently has seven mainstream teachers and eight classes. And like many other schools, all of its classes are above the European norm of one teacher for every 20 pupils. There are, for example, 33 pupils in junior infants and 30 in 6th Class. "We are hugely concerned that class size is an issue for budgetary discussions and we are very concerned at the impact of such large class sizes on our children," Ms. Clarke said. Mr. Pat Stenson, the INTO representative for the Sligo/Mayo region, recalled the Labour Party's previous commitment to not only maintaining but indeed reducing the current pupil teacher ratio. He pointed out that most of the children affected "were not even born when the seeds of economic mismanagement were sown," Mr. John Conlon, the INTO's media regional coordinator, said little progress has been made in County Sligo in reducing class size to the EU norm. "Everyone knows that younger children do not do as well in overcrowded classes and these shocking figures represent a wake-up call for parents in advance of the next budget," said Mr. Conlon. Increasing class sizes is a problem not only for primary schools but also for secondary schools, with one Sligo secondary teachers' union representative warning of the possibility of classes, subjects and programmes having to be dropped. Kieran Christie, a Sligo ASTI representative who teaches at St. Attracta's Community School in Ballyara, Tubbercurry, has urged local TDs to protect education in the forthcoming budget by voting against any plans to increase the pupil/teacher ratio or reduce resources to schools. A crowded classroom at Ransboro National School, one of several in County Sligo that is already feeling the pinch of education cutbacks.

Politicians fail to show for class size meeting - Wexford People
30th November 2011
Local politicians failed to show at a meeting held in Wexford this week to highlight the threat of bigger class sizes in primary schools. The public event organised by the Wexford branch of the INTO was entitled 'Education Cuts Don't Heal,' Wexford INTO representative Karen Rossiter said local T.D.s were invited to attend but not one of them showed up. The meeting was addressed by the national President of the INTO Noreen Flynn who said studies showed that smaller class sizes have a proven positive impact on children's development Ms. Flynn said both the previous and the current Government had promised to bring the pupil teacher ratio in primary schools down to 20 to 1 but this had not happened. If ratios are increased, as a result of measures in the forthcoming Budget, as is feared, Ireland will have the biggest class sizes in Europe, she told the audience. The INTO President said the Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn stood up in the Dail in 2008 when Labour was in opposition and declared that it would be a disaster to increase class sizes. 'Is he now preparing to go back on that stated conviction?' she asked. 'Increasing class sizes won't just result in more children in the classroom. It will also mean schools losing teachers,' she said. The meeting was attended by teachers, parents and school principals.
Karen Rossiter (Branch Organiser), Majella Kinsella (Branch Secretary), Claire Byrne (CEC Rep) and Noreen Flynn President INTO.

Cruinniú reáchtáilte maidir le ciorruithe oideachais - Foinse
Dé Céadaoin 30 Samhain 2011
Tionóladh cruinniú poiblí aréir i mBÁC chun aird a tharraingt ar an ‘damáiste a dhéanfadh ciorruithe oideachais sa cháinaisnéis don chéad ghlúin eile.’ Dhírigh an cruinniú ar chiorruithe ar lion na múinteoirí meánscoile agus bunscoile, athruithe ar dheontas mac léinn, ar an táille chlárúcháin agus eile. “Is é an phríomh-theachtaireacht atá againn gur cheart go dtabharfaí seans do gach uile pháiste,” arsa Peter Mullan, urlabhraí Chumann Múinteoirí Éireann. Bhí an tOllamh Ciaran Sugrue (Ollscoil na hÉireann, BÁC), Sheila Nunan (Cumann Múinteoirí Éireann, ar dheis) agus Ritva Semi (Oifigeach Oideachais san Fhionlainn) i measc na gcainteoirí ar an oíche.

Why tug-of- love parents spell big trouble for schools - Irish Independent
30th November 2011
Divorce and separation can be a minefield for schools as parents battle it out over their child's education....The INTO has issued guidelines to its members on how to deal with separation. Teachers are advised to keep in mind that parents, although separated after marriage breakdown, remain the legal guardians of their children. An INTO spokesman said: "The key principle is 'once a parent, always a parent'. Guardianship gives both parents a say in matters affecting children's welfare....

INTO branch's 'grave concern' over Budget cuts - Enniscorthy Echo
29th November 2011
Enniscorthy branch of the INTO is expressing 'grave concern' over any proposed cuts in the forthcoming Budget involving the primary education sector. The Government's proposals to increase the pupil-teacher ratio by two pupils per teacher will have 'serious implications' for primary schools in the town and throughout Enniscorthy district, a statement issued by the local INTO branch says...

Limerick Today - Limerick Live 95FM
29th November 2011
Education. Margaret Barnard (INTO Representative for Limerick and Kerry) outlines the press conference held with the aim providing parents with information on the consequences of the proposed measures in the forthcoming budget.

The Last Word - Today FM
29th November 2011
Teachers. Interview with Sheila Nunan (INTO) who discusses reports that up to 30,000 teachers will receive increments next year at a cost to the State of over €20m. Prof Ed Walsh (University of Limerick) also discusses. (37:39 mins in)

Five News - 4FM
29th November 2011
Teachers. INTO, TUI and ASTI anticipating loss of teachers and negative impact on classes due to education cuts - Interview: Sheila Nunan (INTO)

Lunchtime Show - Newstalk
29th November 2011
Teacher Unions. Teaching unions are to meet tonight to discuss the issue of education cuts. Sile Nunan (General Secretary, INTO) looks ahead to the meeting and what will be on the agenda.

Pay rises for 30,000 teachers to cost EUR22m - Irish Examiner
29th November 2011
More than 30,000 teachers will receive pay increases worth almost EUR22 million next year while students and their families suffer another round of cutbacks....Irish National Teachers' Organisation general secretary Sheila Nunan said primary teachers were delivering over 1 in hours of extra work under the Croke Park deal and they expected the Government to honour the commitment to employees...

Keith Finnegan - Galway Bay FM
28th November 2011
Education. Michael Gallagher (Local Representative, INTO) outlines the upcoming meeting for public representatives, members of the public and parents regarding the future of education

Dublin City Trade Union Protest - RTE 1 News
26th November 2011
Thousands of people from around the country took to the streets of Dublin in a protest against austerity. Gardaí said 2,000 people took part in the union led march in the city centre...

Up to 800 teachers leaving mid-year to take advantage of fatter pensions - Irish Daily Mail
28th November 2011
Schools are set to lose 800 teachers in February as public sector employees take advantage of better pension terms...The INTO believes around 400 primary schools teachers will leave, and it is understood to be similar for Secondary teachers. The INTO said there would be less disruption to pupils at primary level as students do not take exams. However, in some schools there could be three or four teachers retiring out of the school and that could become an issue, it said.

Far fewer retired teachers fill in as classroom substitutes - Irish Independent
26th November 2011
There has been a dramatic reduction in the number of retired teachers working in primary schools....Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) general secretary Sheila Nunan welcomed the significant reduction in the number of retired teachers working as substitute teachers in schools. "The new figures show that schools are prioritising qualified teachers without regular work for substitute work," she said.

Protest - The Journal.ie
26th November 2011
Protest: Thousands of people are expected to turn up to a protest march against austerity in Dublin today. Led by the Dublin Council of Trade Unions and supported by Siptu and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the rally will begin at the Garden of Remembrance at Parnell Square at noon...

Teacher shortage crisis on the cards - Limerick Post
26th November 2011
Limerick city is suffering a teacher drain, with experienced teachers rushing to take retirement before the February deadline and newly qualified teachers hitting the emigration trail. INTO representative, Joe Lyons, predicted a crisis in Limerick schools as 31 teachers were honoured on their retirement at the weekend. "There have never been so many teachers taking retirement. They have done the maths and if they go before the February deadline, they will have the better retirement deal. If they stay working, they will work for two years and be no better off," Mr Lyons told the Limerick Post...

Budget raises spectre of super-size classes - Clare Champion
25th November 2011
South Galway's parents, teachers and public representatives are being urged to attend a public meeting on Monday next to discuss difficulties facing schools and the "severe effects" of expected cuts in education as part of this year's Budget. The Irish National Teachers' Organisation launched its Pre-Budget Submission this week seeking to articulate an alternative to the austerity method currently being imposed on education. Thursday sees events across the country for student teachers and recent graduates. "With almost 2,000 graduates to qualify this year from university with degrees in education, the issue of newly qualified teachers is a pressing one and the INTO is seeking to help these people by holding a series of meetings on the issue. The issue of pay for recent graduates will also be discussed, particularly given that the INTO is to examine the legality of the new pay regime for recent graduates," Mr Killeen pointed out...

Galway Advertiser - Galway public meeting on expected cuts to education
25th November 2011
The upcoming December Budget poses a very real and serious threat to our children’s education, according to the Galway branch of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO). As part of Education Week entitled ‘Give Kids Their Chance’ the INTO is calling on all teachers, parents/guardians, public representatives, and other interested parties to attend a public meeting at The Galway Bay Hotel on Monday, November 8, at 8pm to discuss the effects that the Budget will have on eduction

Teachers told to refuse intern jobs - Schooldays.ie
22nd November 2011
Members of one of the country's largest teaching unions have been told they should not accept positions under the government's JobBridge internship programme. The Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) has urged newly qualified educators to avoid the scheme and instead build their experience through temporary work covering sick or maternity leave, the Irish Independent reports...

The Last Word - Today FM
22nd November 2011
Teaching. Interview with Sheila Nunan (INTO) who discusses her organisation's opposition to the use of the Job-bridge internship scheme for internships for teachers. Senator Fidelma Healy Eams (Fine Gael) also discusses.

Shaun Doherty - Highland Radio
22nd November 2011
JobBridge. Liam McGowan (INTO, Leitrim) discusses how INTO has ordered members not to take jobs in the governments intern scheme amid suggestions that teachers are being exploited.

Michael Reade Show - LMFM
21st November 2011
Job Bridge. Colin Quiqley (INTO, Athboy and Trim) discusses the scheme Job Bridge and says it is exploitative to the teaching industry

INTO orders members to shun intern jobs scheme - Irish Independent
21st November 2011
One of the country's biggest teaching unions has ordered members not to take jobs in the Government's controversial internship scheme amid suggestions teachers are being exploited....The Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) union has until now been reluctant to dismiss the scheme. However, following a meeting over the weekend, it is to issue a directive to its 32,000 primary teacher members not get involved with the scheme at all...

Laureate Heaney is guest of honour at teacher conference - Irish Examiner
21st November 2011
Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney was applauded by dozens of primary teachers he once taught as he accepted a lifetime contribution to literature award. He was guest of honour in Athlone at the education conference of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation, whose president, Noreen Flynn, was a student of his at Carysfort College, Dublin, where he taught English in the 1970s and 1980s. She said the poet was an inspiration to today's teachers, who want to emphasise the joy of reading to children.

Quinn deserves credit for establishing forum even iftimeline was unrealistic - Irish Times
18th November 2011
When the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in primary schools was launched earlier this year, Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn was ambitious - some might say unrealistic - about what it could achieve...The idea had been long canvassed by the INTO...

Honey we blew up the kids - Sunday Times
13th November 2011
According to Noreen Flynn, the President of INTO the impact schools can have is limited if efforts to improve child health are not supported by the Department of Education. the minimum amount of time allocated to PE in Irish national schools is 30 minutes a week, which along with the UK's allocation, is the lowest in the EU. By contract, French pupils exercise for at least two hours a week and Polish and Estonian children for a minimum of 135 minutes. INTO claims many Irish Schools cannot even meet the 30 minute target for scheduled PE classes every week "because of poor or non-existent facilities and resources" which make lessons dependent on good weather. "Schools teach he benefits of healthy eating but have to compete with huge advertising budgets that promote junk food to children," Flynn said. "This issue goes way beyond the school gates."

Mixed reactions to early retirement scheme - Sunday Business Post
13th November 2011
Many public servants have still to decide whether to take early retirement, while the repercussions of an exodus are potentially huge...The INTO predicted that around 500 primary teachers would retire by February. A spokesman said it was likely that the numbers retiring would increase as the deadline for applications approached. "Over recent months, our officials have been handling a greatly increased number of retirement enquiries. The union also ran information meetings throughout the country for teachers to help them to decide whether to stay or go, and there was a lot of interest in them," said the spokesman. "The vacancies created by retiring teachers will be good news for the hundreds of fully qualified primary teachers without regular work, who will be able to step into their roles at greatly reduced salaries."...

Quinn to spend €2bn on building schools... - Irish Daily Mail
11th November 2011
But he warns there'll be no more money for repairs...The Irish National Teachers' Organsiation welcomed the investment in new buildings but said it would be dangerous to implement a 'blanket approach' to funding improvements...

No decision on cuffing student numbers - Irish Times
10th November 2011
Taoiseach says more teachers will be needed. No decision had been made on a recommendation to cut student numbers in third-level colleges, Taoiseach Enda Kenny told the Dail....Mr McGrath said a recent Irish National Teachers' Organisation survey of principals in disadvantaged schools showed 20 schools experienced losses of 59 teachers. In 10 of the schools, 16 teachers were taken specifically from children with special needs. He added 22 teachers had been taken from Traveller children in 18 schools and 74 per cent of principals reported increased challenges for such children...

Blackboard jungle - Cork Independent
10th November 2011
Cork could lose up to 200 teachers If plans to cut the number of primary and secondary positions are enacted by the Government, according to estimates from an Irish National Teachers' Organisation spokesperson (INTO). The losses would be divided equally between primary and secondary teachers. The Government reportedly plans to cut nationwide teacher numbers by between 1,500 and 2,000 next year. The cuts are almost double what the Department of Education offered in spending review talks this August...

New entrant age equality claim threatens restructuring practices - Industrial Relations News
10th November 2011
While the INTO plans an age discrimination challenge to lower pay for new entrant public servants, the Equality Authority says that lower pay for new entrants is not discriminatory...However, if the teacher union does succeed in establishing that equality law prevents employers from hiring new entrants on lower rates than existing workers, this would have far-reaching effects in the private sector, where the hiring of new entrants on lower rates is a common feature of many restructuring agreements. All new public servants since January 1 , 2011 , start on a new pay scale that is 10% below the pay scale for those who started before that date. This 10% cut for post- January 2011 entrants is on top of the December 2009 pay cuts which affected all existing public servants. The INTO, which represents primary level teachers, has invited any of its members on this lower pay scale to come forward and be named in a challenge to the new lower entry rates, under the Equality Act, which bars discrimination on the basis of age. The union argues that not only has there been a 10% pay cut, but the ending of the practice of placing new teachers above the first point of the scale means that the actual cut for new entrants is more like 12-14%. It disagrees with the position taken by the Equality Authority, arguing that it has legal advice to back its case...

Pupils face another winter in prefabs as Quinn fails to deliver - Irish Daily Mail
8th November 2011
Thousands of school children will have to suffer another winter in chilly prefabs as election promises to replace the dilapidated units with permanent building go unfulfilled...Peter Mullan of the INTO said the Government is 'sending a signal to children that education is not a priority'. 'We are very concerned about the proliferation of prefabs that were menat as temporary accommodation,' said the spokesman. He said that some of these prefabs had been there so long that 'it was a stretch by anyone's standards' to refer to them as temporary accommodation. 'We have children being taught in the same prefabs that their parents were taught in...

We must take the burden off young shoulders - Irish Times
8th November 2011
The young are paying the heaviest price for our economic madness - this must be reversed. Noel Ward, Assistant General Secretary INTO, Perverse things are happening in the sharing of recession pain. It's not just the immorality of all of us having to repay bank debts we did not incur while bank boards argue that top pay for their managers is inadequate at 13 times the average industrial wage...

The Last Word - Today FM
7th November 2011
Teaching Jobs
Interview with Sheila Nunan (INTO) and Thomas Begley (Former Dean of UCD School of Business) who discuss reports that up to 2,000 teachers could lose their jobs. [16:42]

Dublin's Talking - Sunshine 106.8
7th November 2011
Education Cuts
Reaction to Education Minister's plan to cut teaching numbers by 2,000 - Interview: Sheila Nunan (INTO) says class sizes are already very large

Louth Meath FM
7th November 2011
Interview with Peter Mullan (INTO) on report that 2,000 teachers could lose their jobs

Quarter of Meath primary school pupils now in classes of over 30 - Meath Chronicle
5th November 2011
The economic recession has led to austerity measures which are having a negative impact on those who played no part in the "extravagance and waste" which has "foisted these hard times on everyone's shoulders", a meeting of members of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) was told in Trim....Bryan O'Reilly, representing the central executive committee of the INTO, was present at each of the venues to deliver a comprehensive report on the state of affairs in primary education today. The impact of the cutbacks in the education budget was the major focus of the presentation. "The economic downturn has lead to austerity measures which are having a negative impact on those who had no play or part in the extravagance and waste which has foisted these 'hard times' on everyone's shoulders. One in four primary school children in Meath are now being taught in classrooms of more than 30 pupils," he said. "It has been proven unequivocally that investment in education in the early years will have a positive economic kickback in to the future. This fact has been consistently ignored by successive Irish governments," Mr O'Reilly added. The INTO said that primary school teachers in Meath will be taking part in a series of events at school and parish level during the next couple of months, championing the concept of "giving kids their chance"...

INTO chief at Steiner School - Clare Champion
4th November 2011
Mol an Oige Steiner National School in Ennisytmon welcomed Noreen Flynn, INTO president to launch its new website recently. The school was formed by a group of local parents and teachers keen to educate their children using the Steiner-Waldorf approach and aims to provide a holistic education. The school has grown rapidly in its three years of existence and now has an attendance of 116 children....Ms Flynn was taken on a tour of the school to experience the children's work first hand. It was also an opportunity for the INTO president to gain an insight into the 1 effects of department cutbacks on children's learning, such as SNA and resource hours...

TD: Do you pension sums again - Union Post
November 2011
...Reacting to the legislation published on September 29, INTO accused the government of walking away from any responsibility for pension provision. General Secretary Sheila Nunan described the measures in the Bill as “devastating” for new teachers. She said: “There will be no net benefit from being in a pension scheme as many will pay in far
more than they will ever get out.”