Party commits to all levels of education ahead of crunch negotiations
(07 Oct 2009)
The Green Party have confirmed to the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) that they will be negotiating on issues at primary, second level, further and adult education with government partners in the coming days. TUI was concerned at some media reports which suggested that the Greens would be solely focussing on primary education issues. The union made representations to the party ahead of critical talks this weekend.
The party has stated to TUI that they are pushing for reversal of cuts in some areas, no further cuts in others and that they remain opposed to the re-introduction of third level fees.
The union has outlined areas in the frontline education service to the Green Party that it believes cannot sustain further cutbacks without severe repercussions for students.
Speaking today, TUI General Secretary Peter MacMenamin said:
“We are encouraged by the response of the Green Party to our representations ahead of the weekend negotiations and have been assured that they will seek to protect education at all levels.
We have outlined some of the most critical areas in education, such as a reversal of recent changes to the pupil teacher ratio, the removal of the cap that restricts numbers in PLC colleges and the maintenance of appropriate funding for third level.
Quite clearly, any further attacks in education would result in the Department being in clear breach of its mission statement “to enable individuals to achieve their full potential and to participate fully as members of society.”
TUI acknowledges the current economic crisis, but believes further attacks on the education service would only be counterproductive in terms of stimulating economic recovery. Economically, subsequent social welfare and health bills would also spiral.
The issues which are of immediate priority to the union which have been outlined to the Green Party are set out below. All are focussed on maintenance or preservation of frontline services that are of most importance to the learner."
At second level
· No further cuts in teacher numbers
· A commitment to restore staffing levels
· Easing of the moratorium on the filling of significant middle management posts
At Post Leaving Certificate level
· Recognition of the contribution of the sector to the government’s employment activation policy
· Increased numbers of places on PLC courses for the necessary upskilling and reskilling of the unemployed
At third level
· Recognition of the contribution of the sector to the government’s employment activation policy
· No further reductions in level of academic staff
· Easing of the moratorium on replacement of vital academic staff