Young people of Ireland declare daring strategy to improve state of the nation
Samhain 20, 2012
Legislation for the X case, a referendum on abortion, and a new approach to teaching Irish are among a list of proposals contained in a declaration unveiled by young people at a presidency seminar on Saturday.
President Michael D Higgins and 100 people aged 17 to 26 convened in Áras an Uachtaráin to consider the drafting of the “Take Charge of Change” declaration, the culmination of a six-month nationwide engagement with more than 700 young people.
The process, initiated by Mr Higgins in May, also resulted in the publication of a report titled Being Young in Ireland 2012. The report formed the basis of Saturday’s declaration and reveals concerns about employment, the future of the economy, political reform, citizen participation and education for a full life.
In particular it highlights a desire among young people to see greater equality and a wider acceptance of diversity in Irish society. It recommends diversity training in schools and calls for the drafting of a Constitution which “represents all members of our society regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation”.
Vision
The declaration was delivered before Mr Higgins, Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald and representatives of various State agencies.
It states: “Our vision for Ireland is [of] a secular, inclusive, multilingual, confident State with excellent and universally accessible education, health and social support systems; an Ireland of which we can be proud on the global stage; a place where people, arts, culture, heritage, sport and the Irish language are nurtured and developed.”
It outlines a vision of community co-operation, active citizenship and a “place where human rights are valued; where there is an acceptance and celebration of all citizens and where all people have equality of access, equality of opportunity in society and in the State”.
Afterwards the President said “any president of any country in the world would be enormously proud of the presentation”. He praised the focus on social justice, education, and the promotion of diversity.
“If anyone is in any doubt now about the myth that’s going around that young people are disengaged, disaffected and cynical, well there is your answer,” he added.
He expressed his wish that the proposals got a real, rapid and positive response at every level of politics and within institutions of State. “It must not be a lost conversation, a lost consultation,” he said.
The wide-ranging declaration called on legislators to extend equal marriage and adoption rights to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. It also urged the Government to increase its engagement with the diaspora by extending voting rights to emigrants.
The young people called for reform of the Leaving Certificate, saying the points system and emphasis on rote learning failed to prepare students for “active citizenship”.
Inspiring
Ms Fitzgerald said the submissions were inspiring. “Having your voice heard and bringing about change are not easily achieved,” she added.
She praised the participants for making a positive start in attempting to bring about change and promised to “work with the Government and the President to make sure full attention is given to your findings”.
She said she would study the views with a particular interest in drawing on them for the young people’s strategy, currently being drafted, and would pass on relevant proposals to the appropriate authorities.
Yesterday youth organisation spunout.iecalled on the Government to take action on the proposals or “risk alienating young people further from the democratic process”.
Declaration main proposals
Adopt a dual approach to teaching Irish at Leaving Certificate level: the first (compulsory) subject focused on speaking, the second (optional) subject focused on literature, driven by foundation of Gaelscoileanna.
Legislate for the X case.
Develop social opportunities for the Irish language.
Make marriage equality and adoption rights a reality.
Legislate for absentee voting for citizens outside of their constituencies and abroad.
Begin a campaign by young people to promote active citizenship.
Provide CAO points recognition for volunteering and community involvement.
Sustain and increase funding to the youth sector.
Reform Leaving Certificate (hands-on class participation) and opportunities for lifelong learning.
Empower local government so our national representatives do not engage in parochial politics.
Provide dedicated classes in primary and post primary schools to educating young people on diversity, tolerance and acceptance.
Provide more funding for special education needs and broaden IT curriculum at second level.
Pursue a secular Irish State.
Reform curriculum at second level to include greater emphasis on political education.
Create a graduate employment scheme based on relevant skills (not Job Bridge).
http://www.irishtimes.com/
Ceist na Gaeilge i gCáinaisnéis 2013
Samhain 20, 2012
Tá Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, an scátheagraíocht ar na heagrais dheonacha Gaeilge ag áitiú ar an Rialtas machnamh géar a dhéanamh ar cheisteanna na Gaeilge i gCáinaisnéis 2013, agus tacaíocht a léiriú don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht.
In aighneacht réamhbhuiséid a sheoladh chuig an Aire Airgeadais, Michael Noonan T.D., an tseachtain seo caite, d’éiligh Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, lár-chomhairle phobal na Gaeilge, go gcosnófaí na struchtúir thacaíochta don Ghaeilge atá tógtha le dúthracht an phobail agus le tacaíocht an Stáit thar blianta fada.
Tarraingítear aird an Aire Airgeadais ar an Straitéis Fiche Bliain don Ghaeilge, agus deirtear nach féidir go mbeadh rath leis an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge gan infheistíocht agus tacaíocht an Stáit. Tagraítear go sonrach don Chlár Tacaíochta Teaghlaigh agus don Phróiseas Pleanála Teanga, beartais Stáit a fógraíodh níos túisce i mbliana faoi Acht na Gaeltachta 2012.
Ag tagairt don Chlár Tacaíochta Teaghlaigh deirtear gur gá infheistíocht chuí a dhéanamh ionas gur féidir leis an Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta díriú ar mhodhanna praiticiúla chun tacaíocht leanúnach a thabhairt do thuismitheoirí fud fad na tíre a theastaíonn uathu a bpáistí a thógáil le Gaeilge.
Maidir leis an bPróiseas Pleanála Teanga, dar le Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge go mbeidh gá le tuilleadh acmhainní agus tacaíochta, go háirithe acmhainní foirne, a chur ar fáil trí Údarás na Gaeltachta do na heagrais phobail a bhfuil cláir oibre dhúshlánacha rompu cheana féin, ionas go mbainfí spriocanna pleanála teanga amach. Deir An Chomhdháil gur gá go gcuirfí oiliúint phraiticiúil ar fáil do na heagrais phobalbhunaithe chun cabhrú leo dul i ngleic leis an bPróiseas Pleanála Teanga.
Cuirtear moltaí chun cinn san aighneacht i dtaca leis an athbhreithniú ar Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003, leis an easpa foirne ag an gComhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG), le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta agus le Ciste na Gaeilge. Anuas air sin, moltar gur cheart go dtabharfaí stádas carthanachta go huathoibríoch do na heagrais sin atá ag saothrú in earnáil dheonach na Gaeilge, agus go mbeadh ráta íslithe CBL le híoc acu dá bharr.
Pléitear cuíchóiriú na n-eagras Gaeilge mar mhír ar leith san aighneacht réamhbhuiséid, cuíchóiriú ar 19 n-eagraíocht Ghaeilge atá idir lámha ag Foras na Gaeilge ó 2008.
Dar le Kevin De Barra, Stiúrthóir Chomhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge “Níor tugadh faoi aon taighde ar obair na n-eagras sa tréimhse cheithre bliana ó cuireadh tús leis an gcuíchóiriú. Fad is atáimid ag fanacht ar an atheagar maoinithe, tá ciorruithe móra á gcur i bhfeidhm ar bhuiséid bhliantúla na n-eagraíochtaí de réir a chéile”.
Agus múnla nua maoinithe le cur faoi bhráid na Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas ar 12 Nollaig 2012, seachtain tar éis fógairt na Cáinaisnéise 2013, deir De Barra, “Éilímid go gcuirfí na hacmhainní cuí ar fáil sa bhliain 2013 chun tógáil ar an dea-obair atá á cur i gcrích ag earnáil dheonach na Gaeilge le blianta fada. Nílimid i gcoinne athruithe, ach is gá go gcruthófaí go mbeidh pé athruithe a mholtar chun leas na Gaeilge”.
Is féidir íoslódáil a dhéanamh ar aighneacht réamhbhuiséid na Comhdhála ag an nasc thíos: Aighneacht Réamhbhuiséid.
Preasráiteas de chuid Chomhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Young want secular State and more focus on Irish
Samhain 19, 2012
YOUNG people want major reforms of the education system to include a focus on learning Irish, more investment in special education, and extra classes in IT and new technologies.
Equal marriage and adoption rights for gay and transgender couples and the creation of a secular State are also among the rights demanded by 17- to 26- year- olds who took part in an initiative by President Michael D Higgins to help reshape the country.
The ‘ Take Charge of Change’ declaration says that Ireland should become a secular, inclusive and multi- lingual State with excellent education and health systems.
But it says that political reform is needed to bring about the necessary changes.
“Our vision for Ireland is a secular, inclusive, multilingual, confident State with excellent and universally accessible education, health and social support systems; an Ireland of which we can be proud on the global stage,” it says. “We have to engage in a process of systematic political reform.
“Our vision includes economic prosperity, an enterprise culture and the opportunity for education and employment for all, a place where young people reach their potential, have a solid future and a valued voice, free from forced emigration and the burden of national debt.”
It comes after Mr Higgins invited young people last May to take part in a national discussion on how Ireland should develop.
Regional workshops were held in Dublin, Cork, Monaghan and Galway last September.
It resulted in a report called ‘ Being Young and Irish’, which was launched by the president over the weekend.
Myth
“If anyone is in any doubt now about the myth that young people are disengaged, disaffected and cynical, well, there is your answer,” Mr Higgins said.
Concerns about employment, the future of the economy and a belief that university courses should be free have also been identified as major priorities for the 800 people who took part.
Reform of the Leaving Certificate was needed because it emphasised rote learning and failed to prepare students for “active citizenship”. Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald said the views would be taken into account for the young people’s strategy, which is currently being drafted.
http://www.independent.ie/
President praises youth declaration
Samhain 19, 2012
David Berry joined the President and other young people at Aras an Uachtarain for the first of a series of seminars.
Legislation for the X case, a referendum on abortion and a new approach to teaching Irish are among a list of proposals contained in a declaration unveiled yesterday at a presidency seminar for young people.
President Michael D Higgins and 100 young people convened in Áras an Uachtaráin to consider the drafting of the ‘Take Charge of Change’ declaration, the culmination of a six-month nationwide engagement with 700 or so 17 to 26-year-olds.
The process, initiated by President Higgins in May, also resulted in the publication of a report titled Being Young in Ireland 2012. The report formed the basis of yesterday’s declaration and reveals concerns about employment, the future of the economy, political reform, citizen participation and education for a full life.
In particular it highlights a desire among young people to see greater equality and a wider acceptance of diversity. It recommends diversity training in schools and calls for the drafting of a constitution which “represents all members of our society regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation”.
The declaration was delivered before President Higgins, Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald and representatives from various State agencies at Áras an Uachtaráin.
It states: “Our vision for Ireland is a secular inclusive, multilingual, confident state with excellent and universally accessible education, health and social support systems; an Ireland of which we can be proud on the global stage; a place where people, arts, culture, heritage, sport and the Irish language are nurtured and developed.
It goes on to outline a vision of community co-operation, active citizenship and a “place where human rights are valued; where there is an acceptance and celebration of all citizens and where all people have equality of access, equality of opportunity in society and in the State.”
Afterwards the President said “any president of any country in the world would be enormously proud of the presentation.” In particular he praised the focus on social justice, education, and the promotion of diversity.
“If anyone is in any doubt now about the myth that’s going around that young people are disengaged, disaffected and cynical, well there is your answer,” he added.
He stressed that it was his wish as President that the proposals get a real, rapid and positive response at every level of politics and within institutions of State. “It must not be a lost conversation, a lost consultation,” he said.
The declaration called on legislators to allow for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender marriage and adoption rights.
The report outlined a belief that young people at home and abroad have a role to play in promoting Ireland and creating a positive image of the country. The declaration urged the government to increase its engagement with the diaspora by extending voting rights to Irish people living abroad.
The young people called for reform of the Leaving Certificate, saying the points system and emphasis on rote learning fails to prepare students for “active citizenship”.
Ms Fitzgerald said the submissions were wonderful, positive and inspiring. “Having your voice heard and bringing about change are not easily achieved,” she added.
She praised the participants for making a positive start in attempting to bring about change and promised to “work with the Government and the President to make sure full attention is given to your findings.”
She said she would study the views with a particular interest in drawing upon them for the young people’s strategy, which is currently being drafted. She said she would also pass on any other relevant proposals to the appropriate authorities.
A summary of the Being Young and Irish Report realesed yesterday afternoon identifies the following themes as being of particular concern to the participants:
Employment, enterprise, social security, concern with the economy : The participants expressed concern about graduate job opportunities and the long-term impact of Ireland’s banking debt. They called for “the economy to be stimulated, with an emphasis on job creation and the need to integrate welfare and social protection more closely with inclusivity, enterprise culture and social solidarity”.
Political reform : A perceived disconnect between young people and politicians needs to be addressed. Respondents felt greater engagement and communication is a responsibility of both young people and politicians.
Education : The emphasis on rote learning in the Leaving Certificate was criticised by many who felt secondary education fails to prepare students for “active citizenship”. The introduction of university fees was unanimously rejected, while there was “an overwhelming sense that access to third level should be free of cost”.
Equality : One of the most prominent submissions. There was a heavy emphasis on the need for respect for individual rights and freedom of expression.
Involve young people : There is a prevailing sense that young people are not being listened to and that, consequently, “many opportunities are missed by those who ignore the youth”. Participants identified a need for a “structured forum where the youth voice can be promoted, encouraged and fostered”.
Being positive : “Young people expressed a strong need for optimism in envisaging an Ireland of the future and a sense of disillusionment with the negativity they experience around them.”
Health : Overall, respondents believe the healthcare system is “wrong”. Submissions on mental health, suicide, and mental health services featured, as did issues of alcohol, smoking and drug use. One participant noted: “Too many people are dying because they aren’t aware of the help that’s there and too often they can’t get the help they need when they look.”
Community and civil society : Young people believe Ireland lost some of its sense of community during the boom years. They believe community spirit can empower individuals and contribute to Ireland’s recover.
Identity as Irish : The economic situation, unemployment and emigration have raised the question of what constitutes Irish identity. Young people said students, graduates and the diaspora had a role to play in promoting Ireland. The need to incorporate the Irish Language into everyday life was also underlined.
http://www.irishtimes.com/
An Triail for Leaving Cert Students
Samhain 16, 2012
The popular Gaeltacht company Fíbín bring their nationwide tour for schools, particularly for Leaving Certificate Curriculum to the Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo on November 15 & 16 at 10.30am and 1.30pm.
This year the award winning company brings you ‘An Triail’, but this is An Triail as you’ve never seen it before. Prepare for puppets, high entertainment and such engaging visuals that you’ll actually WANT to answer questions on it. Bringing a seemingly outdated plot into the context of our modern society, Fíbín seek to address issues highlighted by both teachers and students alike. Difficulties in relating to the characters as the drama unfolds, comprehending the confinements of 1950’s Ireland and seeing beyond the black and white nature of dialogue are all dealt with in this snappy Fibín production. Come and see for yourselves!
Directed by Brendan Murray, tickets for An Triail are available at the Hawk’s Well Theatre Box Office on 071 916 1518.
http://www.leitrimobserver.ie/
Dhá Aip nua ó Chúla4
Samhain 15, 2012
Bainfidh paistí óga lán na súl as an dá Aip nua, Cúlacaint2 agus OLLY an Veain Bheag Bhán a sheol TG4 ag an Oireachtas.
Tá siad dírithe ar pháistí réamhscoile agus iad ar fáil saor in aisce ó iTunes don iPhone agus iPad trí “Cula4” nó “TG4” a chur isteach mar fhocal cuardaigh. Tá an dá Aip ag cur leis an stór ábhar atá ar fáil ó TG4 do pháistí, mar atá; Cúlacaint; na cluichí idirghníomhacha Gaeilge atá ar fáil ar www.cula4.com agus ábhar ar an Seinnteoir www.tg4.tv. Deir Lís Ní Dhálaigh ó TG4 gur forbairtí suntasacha iad seo “tá páistí na linne seo thar a bheith grinnchúiseach ina roghanna féachana agus ní foláir ábhar den scoth a bheith againn le cur ina láthair. Is ardú croí dúinn an úsáid fhorleathan atá á baint as Cúlacaint – an chéad Aip a chuireamar ar fáil. Seolfar ceann eile, Ag Spraoi le Claude, dírithe ar an aoisghrúpa céanna seo, roimh dheireadh na Samhna.”
www.advertiser.ie
Just 40pc vote on handover of schools
Samhain 14, 2012
THE first surveys on the possible handover of Catholic primary schools to other patron bodies have resulted in a low turnout by parents.
At most, 40pc of parents have had their say – and the actual number could be much lower.
An expert group will now analyse the results and will give recommendations to the Department of Education on whether there is a demand for change. The department is also considering whether they need to make any changes before similar surveys are conducted in 39 other areas.
Parents in five areas were asked to vote in recent weeks on whether they would like a greater choice of patron for their local schools. The move is designed to reflect the growing diversity in Irish society and to give parents an opportunity to reduce the dominance of the Catholic Church in primary education.
The church, which controls about 90pc of primary schools, agrees that greater choice is required and is willing to hand over schools in line with parental preferences.
In the first instance, parents were asked to say whether they favoured any change, and, if, so, to give their preference of an alternative patron body from a list provided. The list included all-Irish and multi-denominational schools
The surveys were conducted in Arklow, Co Wicklow; Trim, Co Meath; Whitehall, Dublin; Castlebar, Co Mayo, and Tramore, Co Waterford, and were open to parents of preschool and primary-aged children.
www.independent.ie
Weak response to pilot survey on parents’ preferred patrons of schools
Samhain 14, 2012
Parents have been slow to engage with a Department of Education survey on their preferred choice of patron for primary schools.
Figures released by the Department of Education indicate that less than 40 per cent of parents took part in an online survey in five pilot areas. The actual results of the surveys will not be known until next week.
These surveys are the first step in a process in which the Catholic Church could be divested of control of schools in 44 areas. Despite the low turnout, the department insists there was “an encouraging level of interest from parents”. It says the pilot surveys will allow it to identify the level of parental demand for a wider diversity of school choice in the selected areas. The remaining 39 areas – where there is a stable population and demand for diversity of school types – are to be surveyed next year.
The survey was confined to parents living in the area, parents of pre-school children and of children in primary school. A code of conduct – worked out in consultation with the patron bodies – limited excessive spending by any one side. This limited the capacity of patrons to alert parents to the survey through public relations.
Number of responses
Five pilot areas
Arklow: 384 responses, representing 706 of the 1,965 pupils in primary schools in the area.
Castlebar: 465 responses, representing 932 of the 2,261 pupils in the area.
Tramore: 276 responses , representing 563 of the 1,644 pupils in the area.
Trim: 300 responses, representing 588 of the 1,540 pupils in the area.
Whitehall: 546 responses, representing 987 of the 2,449 pupils in the area.
www.irishtimes.com
Beirt as Corcaigh le bua an dlí agus na díospóireachta
Samhain 14, 2012
Foireann Choláiste na hOllscoile, Corcaigh – Gearóidín Ní Fhíobhuí agus Audrey Ní Loingsigh – a bhuaigh Bréagchúirt Uí Dhálaigh sna Ceithre Chúirt, Baile Átha Cliath, Dé hAoine seo caite.
Is é Gael Linn a eagraíonn an comórtas bliantúil seo do mhic léinn dlí i gcuimhne an Bhreithimh Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh. Triúr breithiúna – Mary Laffoy, Roderick Murphy agus Adrian Hardiman – a bhí mar mholtóirí i mbliana.
Dúirt ceannasaí Ghael Linn, Antoine Ó Coileáin, go raibh níos mó deiseanna fostaíochta ar fáil do lucht dlí de thairbhe stádais dhlíthiúil na Gaeilge sa Stát agus san Aontas Eorpach. Ba léiriú ar stádas na teanga é fosta go raibh breithiúna sinsearacha sásta bheith ina moltóirí.
Cabhair don Aifreann
Is minic Gaeil na hardchathrach ag gearán faoina dheacra agus atá sé Aifreann Gaeilge a fháil, a scríobhann Máiréad Ní Chinnéide. Bíonn deacracht freisin ag na Gaelscoileanna teacht ar shéiplínigh chun freastal ar riachtanais spioradálta na ndaltaí iontu. Ganntanas sagart le cumas Gaeilge an chúis a thugtar.
Ach is beag sagart a chuaigh ar scoil i mBaile Átha Cliath nach bhfuil, ar a laghad, Gaeilge na hArdteistiméireachta aige. Chun cuidiú leosan a bhfuil meirg tagtha ar a gcuid Gaeilge leis an Aifreann a léamh i nGaeilge tá leabhrán dátheangach le téacs leasaithe an Aifrinn (móide dlúthdhiosca) eisithe ag Coiste Tréadach na hArd-Deoise.
Is é Ard-Easpag Bhaile Átha Cliath, Diarmuid Martin, a sheol é i gColáiste na Croise Naofa, arú aréir. Ag cur fáilte roimh an fhoilseachán dúirt an Seanadóir Ronan Mullen gur “i gcás mionlaigh, agus is mionlach tábhachtach é, de dhaonra na hard-deoise, is í an Ghaeilge an teanga is gaire don chroí nó is mó a úsáidtear nuair a bhíonn rudaí tábhachtacha le rá … tá sé fíorthábhachtach dóibh siúd a d’fhoghlaim paidreacha i nGaeilge, nó a bhfuil grá acu don Ghaeilge, go mbeadh an tAifreann ann agus go mbeadh ar chumas an tsagairt é a cheiliúradh i nGaeilge”.
Bonn aitheantais tugtha don scríbhneoir Breandán Ó Doibhlin
Bhronn an scríbhneoir agus colúnaí leis an nuachtán seo, Alan Titley, bonn aitheantais ar an údar, an Moinsíneoir Breandán Ó Doibhlin, ag searmanas i mBaile Átha Cliath oíche Luain.
Thar ceann Chraobh Aimhirgin a rinneadh an bronnadh le haitheantas a thabhairt don Doibhlineach as a raibh déanta aige ar son na litríochta.
Dúirt Titley gur dhuine “de ghaiscígh mhóra na Gaeilge é Breandán. Is beag gné de litríocht ná de smaointeoi reacht na Gaeilge nach bhfuil comaoin curtha aige orthu, agus níl rud ar bith a scríobh sé nach raibh ar an gcaighdeán is airde. Scríobh sé úrscéalta sainiúla a bhfuil ardmheas i gcónaí orthu agus d’aistrigh sciar maith mór de chlaisicí na Fraincise go Gaeilge”.
www.irishtimes.com
Harkin hails EU loan for new Letterkenny school
Samhain 13, 2012
Independent MEP Marian Harkin today welcomed the European Investment Bank loan for the construction of the new Gaelcholáiste Ailigh in Letterkenny, describing it as a “marvellous example of European added value”.
The school will be built as part of a Public Private Partnership, using Irish state funds as well as the loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB). Coláiste Ailigh will accommodate 350 pupils (mixed girls and boys) with general teaching spaces, specialist classrooms and workshops, as well as a sports hall and playing courts.
Harkin noted that “in a time of great fiscal difficulty, it is encouraging thatIrelandcan avail of these targeted EIB loans for worthwhile infrastructure projects such as this school. Maintaining investment in education is one of the single most important steps we as a nation can take to restoring our economy to full, vibrant health, and the EIB is providing much-needed EU ‘added value’ at the right time”.
She added that “as well as the value to Donegal’s education system, this project will provide employment for architects, engineers, contracts managers and quantity surveyors, and the contractor BAM will maintain the schools under a 25 year service contract”.
www.donegaldemocrat.ie
