Future of Irish organisations to be decided Wednesday

December 11, 2012

Ministers from the Irish government and the Northern Ireland executive will meet together in Armagh tomorrow, December 12th to decide the fate of 19 Irish language organisations currently core-funded by language body Foras na Gaeilge.

Organisations have expressed their dismay that the new funding model for the voluntary sector was not presented to organisations prior to the meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) tomorrow.

The proposed funding model is the latest structure to be proffered by Foras na Gaeilge as a solution to the direction of the NSMC in 2009 to review the method by which funding is provided to groups core-funded by Foras na Gaeilge.

The 19 organisations include a wide range of educational, community, childcare, arts and advocacy groups.

A new funding model

Earlier this month, members of Fóram na nEagras Gaeilge, which represents 80% of the core-funded groups, wrote to both Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs Dinny McGinley TD and his northern counterpart Minister for Arts and Culture Carál Ní Chuilín MLA. The letter expressed dismay at the lack of consultation on the latest funding structure.

The letter stated that the organisations were “deeply concerned that the core-funded bodies have had no input into the process, the outcome of which will have significant implications for the sector, for the services we provide, and for the future of the Irish language on the island of Ireland”.

The letter also criticises manner by which this new funding model was created, which followed the side-lining of an earlier competitive model in the spring.

“Although there have been a number of individual and themed meetings between organisations and Foras na Gaeilge, An Fóram wishes to put it on record that there has been no meaningful engagement with the Sector regarding any new proposal/proposals. Requests for a meeting between the Sector and Foras na Gaeilge were not granted, and our requests for further information were repeatedly denied”.

Foras na Gaeilge has in the meantime taken the next steps in the process and has written to the management of the Irish language organisations instructing them not to enter in or engage in any temporary or permanent contracts with any other parties.

It has also come to light that a committee of Foras na Gaeilge recently explored its role in the pay-out of redundancy claims in the event of the closure of the organisations at a meeting of a steering committee on November 19th last.

What is the new funding structure?
Foras na Gaeilge has declined to publish any details of the new funding model but it is understood that that the new model is based around developing partnerships with a number of organisations in specific strategic areas.

It would appear that Foras na Gaeilge have selected the strategic areas in the context of the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish language, the proposed Draft Strategy for Protecting and Enhancing the Development of the Irish language in Northern Ireland, as well as the Gaeltacht Act 2012.

It is understood the below are the strategic work areas chosen by Foras na Gaeilge:

• Irish medium education
• Education through English and for Adult Learners.
• Community Development
• Development of Network and Usage Opportunities for Young People
• Activities to Support the Usage of Irish
• Language Awareness, and Representation

The work areas will be core-funded and the lead partner in each area will be allowed to pro-vide service level agreements for a period not longer than 18 months.

Foras na Gaeilge don’t expect the service level agreements to be still in place by January 2015, and by this time the lead partners will be expected to have accrued the necessary expe-rience, expertise and resources to carryout the work of the strategic area.

It has also come to light that none of the organisations who are based solely in Northern Ireland have been approached in relation to becoming a lead partner in any of the six strategic areas.

The ‘new’ funding model
Another model, ‘An tSamhail Nua Mhaoinithe’ was the focus of two public consultations in the past two years after it was first announced by Foras na Gaeilge in May 2010, following the prior approval of the NSMC.

The competitive model would see organisations compete for funding within separate portfo-lios including the arts, education, family support, community support, childcare and advocacy.

Fóram na nEagras Gaeilge and other Irish language groups expressed their disappointment at the lack of public consultation prior to this point and organisations disagreed with the new funding model criticising its competitive structure which would pit organisations against one each other for funding. They also highlighted a lack of understanding of the voluntary sector, the work of the volunteer and the lack of consideration for the principles of language planning.

The model was later subject to public scrutiny in another consultation period early in 2012 and was the subject of a review by an Oireachtas committee.

The Committee recommended that restructuring should take place but that provision had to be made for core-funding as well as partnership and co-operation between organisations. The report also acknowledged that the ‘new funding model’ would increase the control of Foras na Gaeilge over the resources of the organisations while reducing their independence.

Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com

Posted by clare | Filed Under Stories from the School Community | Leave a Comment

Parental Survey on Cross Border Education

December 11, 2012

Education in the Border Area – Attitudinal Survey

The North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) brings together Ministers from the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government. Its aim is to develop consultation, cooperation and action within the island of Ireland on matters of mutual interest such as education. Ministers recognise the importance of facilitating parental preference in participation in schools. The change in population on both sides of the border and how this might impact on schools has been noted.

To take forward greater parental preference in schools in the border region, the Council decided to conduct a joint survey to inform cross-border pupil movement and school planning. The purpose of the survey is to provide the best possible indication of how much interest there would be in cross-border primary and post-primary schooling, assuming no restrictions.

This survey is being undertaken in respect of specific students as follows:

families with Junior Infants and/or 6th Class children attending any of the primary schools within 6 miles of the border; and
families with 1st Year children attending any of the post-primary schools within 12 miles of the border.
Our colleagues in the Department of Education Northern Ireland are conducting a similar survey.

We would be grateful if you would fill out the online survey.

The surveys should be submitted by January 18th 2013.

All information collected in the survey will be treated as strictly confidential. Individualized data will not be made available to third parties. Aggregate data will be used only for statistical purposes and to inform policy. Security standards will be implemented to prevent unauthorised access, and it will be subject to the Data Protection Act.

A paper version (in both English and Irish) of the survey is available for anyone who wishes. Please contact Forward Planning section of the Department of Education and Skills at (057) 932 4447 and we will arrange to have one sent out to you.

EDUCATION.IE

Posted by clare | Filed Under Stories from the School Community | Leave a Comment

Minister Quinn announces 50 major school building projects as part of €2bn five year plan

December 10, 2012

Projects to provide over 25,000 permanent school places and 4,000 jobs

The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn, T.D., has today announced the 50 school projects which are scheduled for construction in 2013.

A €2 billion five-year capital investment programme, launched by Minister Quinn last March, gave details of 275 new major school building projects to begin over the period 2012-2016.

The projects being announced today are part of the five year plan.

Some €370 million will be spent on primary and post-primary infrastructure next year, with a projected expenditure on large scale projects of more than €240 million.

The major projects scheduled to proceed to construction in 2013 comprise:

22 new schools at primary level
12 extensions at primary level
13 new schools at second-level
3 extensions at second-level

Together with ongoing projects from 2012, this means that a total of 113 major school projects will be on site next year.

In addition, the Minister confirmed that a total of 53 major school projects have now reached substantial completion in 2012.

The 2013 construction plan will deliver over 25,000 permanent school places. Of these, almost 21,000 will be additional places and the remainder will replace temporary or unsatisfactory accommodation.

Announcing details of the building programme Minister Quinn said, “These major school projects are great news for communities the length and breadth of the country.

“Alongside the 25,000 permanent school places that are being built, this significant investment will lead to the creation of some 3,400 direct jobs and 680 indirect jobs. This is a welcome boost not only to the construction industry but to the communities where building will take place.”

Minister Quinn continued, “We are facing massive increases in our school going population in the coming years. Total enrolment in both primary and post-primary schools is expected to grow by over 70,000 between now and 2017 – over 45,000 at primary level and 25,000 at post primary – and will continue to grow up to at least 2024 at second level.”

“We have to ensure that every child growing up in Ireland can access a place in a classroom when they go to school.

“Today’s announcement is part of the Government’s plan to provide more than 100,000 permanent school places over the course of the five year plan.”

As 2013 progresses, projects scheduled to begin building in 2014/15 will be assessed to see if they are ready to go to construction earlier than planned, and if there is financial scope to do so.

Details of the progress of all major projects listed in the Five Year Plan will continue to be maintained and updated on the Department’s website, www.education.ie

Projects for 2013

Substantial completions- 2012

Ongoing projects- 2012

Posted by clare | Filed Under Stories from the School Community | Leave a Comment

Seachtain na Gaeilge 2013

December 10, 2012

This year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge will take place from 4-17 March 2013 and promises to be the longest week of the years packed with cultural and Irish language events all over Ireland and around the world.

Seachtain na Gaeilge promotes the use of Irish language and culture both at home and abroad with a two-week festival held in March every year. The festival gives everyone a chance to experiment and have fun with Irish, whether they are fluent speakers or only dipping their toe in the language for the first time.

Seachtain na Gaeilge 2013 festival will have its most international flavour to date. Learners from abroad will be invited to Ireland to take part in the fun from 4 – 17 March 2013, where there will be a range of exciting new and innovative events organised to get everyone speaking Irish.

The 2013 celebrations will not only have one or two ambassadors but three and they hope to motivate thousands of people to speak their native language during Seachtain na Gaeilge in 2013. Ambassadors include Róisín Ní Thiomáin from Galway who presents the Jig Gig on TG4, the Kilkenny native and Sports Presenter with RTÉ, Evanne Ní Chuilinn and the renowned Belfast boxer Paddy Barnes who represented Ireland at the Olympic Games in London in summer 2012.

Seachtain na Gaeilge will be celebrated all over Ireland in many other locations all over the world where the community have embraced a love the Irish language. In Ireland many local libraries and the National Museum of Ireland will hold many historical and various events which will give people the opportunity to practice their Irish.

Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrates the Irish language each years and also celebrates tour heritage, culture through various events such as concerts, conversation gatherings, traditional music, sean-nós and Irish dancing plus much more. Other events include historic walks. Poetry reading, surfing lessons, speed dating as Gaeilge, children’s event, storytelling, concerts, Irish language conversational gathering in many café’s plus much more.

To find out what’s happening in your area this Seachtain na Gaeilge visit: www.snag.ie

Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com

Posted by clare | Filed Under Stories from the School Community | Leave a Comment

Tóstal na Gaeilge 2013

December 10, 2012

Tóstal na Gaeilge 2013 will be held on Saturday, 16th February 2013 in the Hilton Hotel, Charlemont Place, Dublin 2.

An Tóstal is a biannual conference which brings together Irish speakers from around the globe as well as friends of the language to discuss the most pertinent issues currently facing the language.

During An Tóstal, national and international experts and various guest speakers will discuss the ways in which the status of the Irish language can be fortified under the Constitution and other issues regarding to the Gaeltacht will alos be under discussion throughout the day.

Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com

Posted by clare | Filed Under Stories from the School Community | Leave a Comment

Tg4 launches a fourth app for children

December 10, 2012

Tg4 launched a new app last week for young children; ‘Ag Spraoi le Claude’ based on the popular series shown on Cúla4 and is now available for download on iTunes.
The cartoon ‘Ag Spraoi le Claude’ centres on Claude, the polar bear, who moves from the North Pole to a sunny town and the way in which he deals with the huge culture shock. Brian, Claude’s best friend, is always there for him and helps him adapt to his new life.

Children can get help from Brian themselves with fun games in a range of levels in this new app. Pre-school kids learn crucial skills such as counting, sound measurement, painting and discovery all as Gaeilge with a very easy to use layout.

The app only costs €1.79 and follows a series of apps which were released this month – CúlaCaint 2 and Olly an Veain Bheag Bhán, which are free to download. Type in the keywords Gaeilge, Cúla4 or TG4 to find the app on iTunes.

Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com

Posted by clare | Filed Under Stories from the School Community | Leave a Comment

Minister Quinn protects frontline education services in Budget 2013

December 10, 2012

Class sizes in primary and free second level schools remain unchanged

The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D. today outlined how he has protected frontline services in schools and higher education institutions to the greatest extent possible in the Budget.

Despite the need to find considerable savings in the Department, Minister Quinn has announced that there will be no reduction in teacher numbers for primary schools and free second level schools as a result of this Budget. In addition, he is protecting special needs services, which means there will be no reduction in the number of Resource Teachers or Special Needs Assistants (SNAs). The DEIS scheme for disadvantaged schools is also fully protected with no overall changes to staffing levels or funding as a result of this Budget.

The DES current expenditure budget for 2013 is €8.514 billion. Savings of some €90 million are needed for next year. This is made up of €77 million of savings announced under last year’s Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, together with a further €13 million in order to meet upward pressures mainly associated with the pay costs for teachers and SNAs.

“Given that four in every five euro in my Gross Current Budget is spent on pay and pensions, it has not been an easy task to identify the savings of €90 million needed. However, I have sought as far as possible to meet the Programme for Government commitment to prioritise education and to protect frontline services,” said Minister Quinn.

In order to promote fairness in funding second level schools, a 2 point increase in the pupil teacher ratio in fee charging second level schools will be introduced in September 2013. There are currently 55 schools, out of 723 post primary schools, that charge fees ranging from €2,550 to €10,065 for day pupils. At present the state pays the salaries of one teacher for every 21 pupils in these schools compared with one teacher for every 19 pupils in schools in the Free Education scheme.

This will rise to 23:1 in schools that charge fees. However, these schools have the resources, through fees charged, to employ teachers privately, an option which is not available to schools in the free education scheme. A report on the analysis of the tuition income of fee-charging schools carried out by the Department will be published in the New Year.

Two measures are being taken in order to reduce the substitution costs for teachers and SNAs in schools. Firstly, sick leave referrals will be harmonised with those that apply in the civil service. This will mean that schools will be required to refer teachers and SNAs to the occupational health service, the equivalent of the company doctor, after four weeks of sick leave. Secondly, arrangements for maternity leave-in-lieu for teachers and SNAs will be revised, with teachers’ annual leave entitlements covered by school closures. This move will not affect their statutory entitlement to 6 months’ fully paid maternity leave and to 16 weeks of unpaid leave. A similar change will take place in respect of adoptive leave in lieu.

By taking these two measures together, Minister Quinn has been able to save enough money to avoid having to reduce the number of teachers in mainstream schools.

The PTR in Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programmes is to be equalised with the PTR in mainstream second level schools, changing from 17:1 at present to 19:1. However, the number of PLC places should not be affected.

Participants on VTOS, Youthreach and FAS further education and training programmes who move from Jobseekers payments will no longer have their new payments increased to the maximum €188 per week, in cases where their Jobseekers allowance is less than this. However, people under 25 will continue to receive a top-up rate of up to €160 per week. While a reduction is necessary, given the difficult economic circumstances, there will still be a financial incentive for young people to take up further education and training opportunities. This measure will be replicated by the Department of Social Protection in respect of the Back to Education Allowance Scheme.

As Minister Quinn has already signalled, the student contribution at third level will rise by €250 in 2013 to €2,500 and by €250 for the following two years to a maximum of €3,000 by 2015. The Budget will also see a 3% reduction in the income threshold for entitlement to student grants. This threshold rose every year from 1997 to 2009, in line with average industrial earnings. However, average incomes fell by 7.9% over the past few years but there has been no corresponding decrease in income thresholds for grant purposes since the economic downturn. Minister Quinn has, however, been able to maintain the existing rates of grant support for those qualifying in 2013.

Minister Quinn is seeking more prudent management of existing cash balances by the Higher Education Institutions by reducing their allocation on a one off basis by €25 million. He is requesting the Higher Education Authority ensures this measure will not impact on frontline student services. Similarly, the allocation to VECs will be reduced by €13.2 in 2013 which again should not reduce service levels.

“While it has been difficult to secure the level of savings required, I have sought to be as fair as I can throughout, to protect frontline education services as much as possible and to prioritise those sectors in the education system that cater for disadvantaged and special needs students,” said Minister Quinn.

“Alongside savings which I had to find, I have also secured the resources to continue our ambitious reform agenda to ensure better outcomes for all of our students.”

A complete overhaul of the Junior Cycle is now underway, and will be supported by an investment of €3 million in 2013, and €8.7 million in 2014. The Literacy and Numeracy Strategy continues to be rolled out, at a cost of €6.5 million in 2013. The Schools Building programme for 2013 will see work begin on 50 projects for new schools and major extensions. This will bring the number of planned major school projects on site in 2013 to 113 as part of an overall capital expenditure on schools of almost €370 million.

The roll-out of high-speed broadband to second level schools continues, with a further 200 schools expected to be connected by September of 2013. The Action Plan on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary sector is being implemented, which will ensure greater parental choice. With rising enrolments at both primary and post primary levels, next year will also see approximately 900 jobs net for teachers created – 450 at primary and 450 at second level.

A total of €48 million has also been provided in the National Training Fund for labour activation measures for the unemployed and targeted skills training in 2013.

www.education.ie

Posted by clare | Filed Under Stories from the School Community | Leave a Comment