Cúrsa Bainistíochta Inmheánach Scoile
July 7, 2008
Eagraithe ag: GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. i gcomhpháirtíocht le hIonad Oideachais Bhaile Átha Cliath Thiar.
Dátaí: 18ú – 22ú Lúnasa 2008
Am: 09.30 – 14.00
Ionad: Óstán Plaza, Tamhlacht, Baile Átha Cliath 24
Costas: €50 (seic iniata le hIonad Oideachais, Baile Átha Cliath Thiar
OIriúnach do: Príomhoidí nua, Leas-phríomhoidí agus múinteoirí le dualgais bhainistíochta orthu
Cainteoirí: Anita Nic Amhlaoibh, Máirín Ní Chéilleachair, Sinéad Ní Nualáin, Mícheál Ó Broin, Dónal Ó Conaill, agus Foireann GAELSCOILEANNA TEO.
Faoi chaibidil:
- Ceisteanna T1 agus an Tumoideachas
- Míniú ar an sainmheon lán-ghaelach agus conas “pobal lán-ghaelach” a bhunú i measc an scoilphobail
- Poiblíocht agus ocáidí scoile a eagrú
- Ról an Bhoird Bainistíochta agus ról an phátrúin mínithe don mhúinteoir
- Conas Féilire riaracháin na bliana a chur le chéile. Spriocdhátaí tábhachta a aimsiú
- Cóiríocht Scoile: cóiríocht bhuan. Léiriú ar chonas suíomh a aimsiú agus iarratas a dhéanamh ar scoil bhuan
- An córas pleanála agus tógála a mhíniú
- Ag cothú gaoil dearfacha sa scoil; scileanna bainistíochta coimhlinte éagsúla a chur in oiriúint do shuíomhanna agus d’ocáidí chuí
- Conas aire a thabhairt duit féin, strus agus brú oibre a sheachaint
- Ag plé le tuismitheoirí, conas córas cumarsáide éifeachteach a fhorbairt sa scoil
- Gaelscoileanna mar eagras, conas gur féidir leis tacú le scoileanna
- Earcaíocht: conas tabhairt faoin bpróiseas ó thús go deireadh
Áirithintí chuig:
Clare Walsh
Leas-Ardfheidhmeannach Gníomhach
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO.
Teach Regus, Bóthar Fhearchair
BÁC 2
Teil. 00353 1 4773158
clare@gaelscoileanna.ie
www.gaelscoileanna.ie
Kilkenny to Host Gaelscoileanna Teo.’s Annual Education Conference and Annual General Meeting 2009
July 1, 2008
In light of the increasing demand for Irish-medium education in Kilkenny in recent years, GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. is delighted to announce that Kilkenny has been chosen to host the organisation’s Annual Education Conference and Annual General Meeting for 2009. The above conferences will take place in the Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny on 20th and 21st November 2009.
Plans are going ahead for a second Irish-medium primary school in Kilkenny city and the newly appointed founding committee for this school has welcomed the news. Secretary Eimear Ní Laoí remarked: ‘we’re working towards a September 2009 opening and we warmly welcome GAELSCOILEANNA TEO.’s decision to bring the conference to Kilkenny in 2009. We understand that this is a significant event for Kilkenny city which will bring parents, teachers and principals from gaelscoileanna all over the country together’.
Members of the Founding Committee met with members of GAELSCOILEANNA TEO.’s Standing Committee in the Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny on the 28th June to discuss the practical aspects of setting up a school.
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. is the national co-ordinating body for schools teaching through the medium of Irish. It helps parents and local groups to set up new schools and supports the established all-Irish schools. There are 169 primary schools and 43 secondary schools currently providing education through the medium of Irish.
ENDS.
Further information: Clare Walsh clare@gaelscoileanna.ie, +35314773158 / +353 86-373 1908.
Gaelscoil Uí Earcáin awarded Permanent Recognition
June 26, 2008
The Board of Management are delighted to announce that the Department of Education and Science have decided to award Gaelscoil Uí Earcáin permanent recognition. This good news was received yesterday over the phone, and the Department have indicated that confirmation in writing of this decision has been issued to the school.
This positive news ensures that the school has a strong standing into the future as we endeavour to promote Irish language education as the best choice for parents and children in Finglas.
Much work has gone into achieving permanent recognition, by parents and teachers, mainly on a voluntary basis, and by public representatives in the area. I welcome the opportunity to thank all of these for their commitment and loyalty to the school. I would like to say a special word of thanks on behalf of the Board of Management to Leah Ní Mhaoláin, our Principal, and to Pat Carey, T.D., for their dedicated work towards ensuring a strong future for Gaelscoil Uí Earcáin.
We have taken a very positive step in the right direction, and this progress confirms that the growth and development of the school will continue on an ongoing basis into the future with the goodwill of the community, the hard work of the parents and teachers, and the full support of the Patron and the Board of Management. We are also very grateful to the Department of Education and Science for their continuing cooperation with us on establishing and developing our school. I wish Gaelscoil Uí Earcáin every success always.
Pádraig Mac Criostail
Cathaoirleach
Bord Bainistíochta Ghaelscoil Uí Earcáin
26 Meitheamh 2008
Appointment of New Minister for Education
May 8, 2008
A Statement of Congratulations from GAELSCOILEANNA TEO.
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. congratulates Batt O’Keeffe, T.D. on his appointment as Minister for Education and Science. The new Minister for Education hails from Cork, the largest stronghold of Irish-medium education in the country. We welcome him as he embarks upon this challenging new post.
This new appointment affords the nation the chance to re-examine the crucial issues and the greatest concerns currently facing the education and the Irish-medium sectors. Amongst these are the early immersion education crisis, class size, capitation grants, autism and strategic planning for provision of education.
Bláthnaid ní Ghréacháin, Chief Executive of the organisation commented, “We are presented with an excellent opportunity for strategic dialogue with Minister O’Keeffe concerning the protection of the early immersion model, the accommodation needs of Irish-medium schools and the provision of all the support essential to the development of the Irish-medium sector. With good will, deep awareness of the specific needs of the sector and a co-operative approach, we are very hopeful that the Irish-medium sector will go from strength to strength under the new Minister.
Minister O’ Keeffe succeeds Minister Hanafin who worked diligently throughout her tenure as Minister for Education. We wish her the best of luck in her new appointment with the Department of Social Welfare.
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. heartily congratulates the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, TD on his re-appointment. GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. President Mícheál Ó Broin welcomed this continuity by adding “I look forward to the opportunities that this brings about for inter-departmental co-operation for the Irish-medium sector. The appointment of the new Taoiseach inspires hope and shows a deep understanding and respect for the Irish-medium sector and the Irish language in general.”
The organisation extends the new Taoiseach and his new cabinet every good wish. In the words of ní Ghréacháin, “We are certain that the new government will rise to the challenges with dedication, ability and in a spirit of partnership.”
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. is the national co-ordinating body for schools teaching through the medium of Irish. It helps parents and local groups to set up new schools and supports the established Irish-medium schools. There are 169 primary schools and 43 secondary schools currently providing education through the medium of Irish.
Further information:
Oifig GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. 01-4773155
Mícheál Ó Broin 087-9467700
Entrance Policies for Gaelscoileanna
May 7, 2008
ENTRANCE POLICY FOR GAELSCOILEANNA –
AN EDUCATIONAL MODEL WHICH WELCOMES ALL
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. welcomes the opportunity to pay tribute to Irish-medium schools the length and breadth of the country for their comprehensive enrolment policies and practices in relation to the provision of Irish-medium education for any child whose parents seek it. Irish-medium education is recognised as an attractive choice for every child in Ireland including children from varied socio-economic backgrounds, children newly arrived in the country from different linguistic backgrounds, children in disadvantaged areas and children with special educational needs. The profile of pupils in the Irish-medium schools clearly shows that the Irish-medium sector is open to all.
In spite of the huge demand for Irish-medium education, the Gaelscoileanna are faced with many challenges. Challenges include predominantly the accommodation crisis in primary schools, the protection of the early-immersion education system, meeting rising demand and the continuation of Irish-medium education from level to level. A particularly acute challenge is providing suitable support and resources to cater for special needs children within the Irish-medium sector. We look forward to the continued co-operation of the Department of Education and Science in helping to overcome this difficulty.
Bláthnaid ní Ghréacháin, CEO of GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. was quoted as saying "The success and effectiveness of the Irish-medium education system is due to the educational excellence achieved through immersion education. It’s an open and comprehensive system which celebrates cultural diversity. Our schools are enriched by greater numbers of pupils from different cultural backgrounds. The waiting lists and over-subscription to the Gaelscoileanna show that demand exceeds supply. That said, infrastructural difficulties among others must be urgently addressed to ensure continued demand."
The Department for Education and Science recently published a report highlighting the main findings on the enrolment policies of 1,572 primary schools and 426 secondary schools, a very small percentage of which were Irish-medium schools. This report marks the official beginning of a consultation process on entrance policies in Irish schools seeking to ensure that every school has an inclusive policy and follows a set practice. GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. looks forward to taking part in this public consultation process. The Minister raised the issue of the validity of statistical information in providing an accurate interpretation of this situation, particularly at a local level. In this context, the Minister suggests that the information doesn’t raise concerns about the system in general.
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. is the national co-ordinating body for schools teaching through the medium of Irish. It helps parents and local groups to set up new schools and supports the established all-Irish schools. There are 169 primary schools and 43 secondary schools currently providing education through the medium of Irish. Four new Irish-medium primary schools have received temporary recognition and are scheduled to open in September 2008.
Further information:
Bláthnaid ní Ghréacháin 01-773155
Mícheál Ó Broin 087-9467700
Ends
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. Congratulates Gaeltacht Family Scholarship Winners
May 6, 2008
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. would like to congratulate the winners of the Gaeltacht Family Scholarship competition for gaelscoileanna families.
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. would also like to thank Joe Ó Gallchóir for organising the competition and to Cumann an Phiarsaigh for providing the 14 family scholarships with funding from Foras na Gaeilge.
The 2008 winners are as follows:
1. Liam de Faoite, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
2. Lasairíona Power, Sandyford, Dublin. 16.
3. Lisa de Nais, Lusk, Co. Dublin.
4. Catherine Cullen, Athy, Co. Kildare.
5. Cornelia McGarry, Craigavon, Co. Armagh.
6. Emer Swords, Ferns, Co. Wexford.
7. Áine Ní Allmhuráin, Knocklyon, Dublin 16.
8. Bríd Mhic an Fhailí, Omagh, Co. Tyrone.
9. Caroline/Kevin Doherty, Carndonagh, Co. Donegal.
10. Johnny Cotter, Bantry, Cork.
11. Daithí/Paula Giobúin, Summerhill, Co. Meath.
12. Denise Quaide, Ballyneety, Limerick.
13. Susanna Hennessy Silke, Tuam, Co. Galway.
14. Edel Cousins, Gorey, Co. Wexford.
Recognition from Dept. of Education for Four New Schools
April 25, 2008
FOUR NEW GAELSCOILEANNA RECEIVE RECOGNITION FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION & SCIENCE.
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. warmly welcomes the decision taken by the Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, TD to grant provisional recognition to the 4 new Gaelscoileanna (Irish-medium primary schools) due to open in September 2008. This is a very positive decision by Minister Hanafin that ensures that parents will have the opportunity to avail of Irish-medium education in the following areas:-
- Gaelscoil na gClocha Liatha, Greystones, Co. Wicklow: an Inter-denominational school under the patronage of the Foras Pátrúnachta na Scoileanna Lán-Ghaeilge.
- Gaelscoil Ros Eo, Rush Co. Dublin: a Catholic school under the patronage of the Foras Pátrúnachta na Scoileanna Lán-Ghaeilge.
- Gaelscoil Éadan Doire, Edenderry, Co. Offaly: a Catholic school under the patronage of the Foras Pátrúnachta na Scoileanna Lán-Ghaeilge.
- Gaelscoil Lorgan, Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan: a Catholic school under the patronage of the local Bishop.
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. President, Mícheál Ó Broin, welcomed the Minister’s announcement: "The founding committees have done tremendous work, on a voluntary basis, to enable these schools to reach the point of official temporary recognition from the Department of Education and Science. I congratulate the Patron bodies, and the committees themselves for their diligence and I wish them every success as they plant the seed of Irish-language communities in their areas."
This development confirms that Irish-medium education remains a very strong educational system of choice in the community and that steady growth and demand exists. Bláthnaid ní Ghréacháin, C.E.O. of the organisation stated that "GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. will continue to make every effort to meet the demands for provision from the community while simultaneously planning strategically for provision in the future so as to ensure that Irish-medium education, as a system of high standards of education is available to all."
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. is the national co-ordinating body for schools teaching through the medium of Irish. It helps parents and local groups to set up new schools and supports the established all-Irish schools. There are 169 primary schools and 43 secondary schools currently providing education through the medium of Irish.
Further Information:
Bláthnaid Ní Ghréacháin: 01-4773155
Mícheál Ó Broin: 087-9467700
Financial Problems of Primary Schools
April 14, 2008
Primary School Managers Alert the Dáil to Major Short fall in Funds this Year
- Hundreds of schools facing financial difficulties
- Massive levels of fund-raising required to keep schools afloat
- Government Failure to Double Primary Capitation a Major Error
Today (Thursday 10th April), the representatives of all management bodies in Irish primary education are addressing the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Science to alert the Dail to the serious financial problems facing primary schools this year.
The deputation consists of Mgn. Dan OʼConnor of the Catholic Primary School Management Association, Toni Buggle of the National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education, Bláthnaid Ní Ghréacháin of Gaelscoilleanna, Dónal Ó Conaill of Foras Pátrúnachta na Scoileanna Lán-Ghaeilge, Canon John McCullagh of the Church of Ireland Board of Education, Paul Rowe of Educate Together and Shahzad Ahmed Quidwai of the Islamic Board of Education.
In a statement to be read out to the Committee, the deputation that represents the management of over 3,200 primary schools states:
"Irish primary education has been chronically underfunded for many years. This neglect is historic and has been carried out by governments of all parties. It is not our intention to dwell on the reasons for this underfunding but to concentrate your minds on the consequences of the failure of the government to address the needs of the system in the current year.
"The underfunding of primary schools has a serious effect on the efficiency of the system as a whole. Primary education is the foundation of our education system and failure to ensure that schools have sufficient funds to meet their day-to-day requirements is short-sighted and foolish.
"Contrary to the governmentʼs claims, the financial state of the primary schools has worsened over recent years. Increases in grants have simply not kept up with the escalating costs of running schools. This year, the reality for most national schools is that their income simply does not meet the minimum expenditure needed to run a school and has to be supplemented by fund-raising.
"In the case of schools associated with a parish and diocesan structure, there is a certain amount of community funding for the school. In the case of schools outside such structures, the balance must be made up by school-based fundraising.
There are some key elements to note:
-
Schools are fund-raising to cover necessities – utility bills, insurance and other essential items.
-
Schools are being forced to cut back on services in an attempt to break even.
-
An increasing number of schools are running in a deficit situation and cannot balance their books.
-
Increasing charges including water charges are eating into the meagre increase in capitation granted in this yearʼs budget.
Primary Management Bodies, H8a Centrepoint, Oak Drive, Dublin 12, 01 4292500,
To download a photo of the Primary Management Bodies at Leinster House, click here
To view the Presentation by the Primary Management Bodies to the Dáil Joint Committee on Education and Science on concerns regarding primary school funding (11 April 2008), click here
To view the full debate of the Dáil Joint Committee on Education and Science on the Primary Management Bodies concerns regarding primary school funding (11 April 2008), click here
Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge Official Opening
April 9, 2008
Minister Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Social and Family Affairs on Friday last opened Waterford’s new Gaelcholáiste Phort Lairge located at Six Cross Roads, Waterford city.
Minister Cullen TD said the newly-established school which is an all Irish secondary school and the first such second level school in the city was "a symbol of Waterford residents identifying a need, working towards an outcome, taking action that at times was not easy, but now stands as a tribute to local initiative."
He added: "The students currently in First Year are trailblazers and are setting the tone and expectations for students to come."
Minister Martin Cullen TD also remarked: "I am delighted to see that the students here study English, French and German as well as Irish. Research shows that students studying two or more languages develop a facility to pick up others. We will not only need linguists in the future but the richness to be derived from additional languages will be of personal enrichment to the students in their own lives and nationally as we try to develop increased intercultural dialogue and understanding."
Minister Martin Cullen TD concluded his remarks by congratulating Nollaig Ó Cionnaith, Príomh-oide of the school and the Chair of the Board of Management of the school Steven Beatty, and all members of the Board for bringing the project to fruition. Martin Cullen TD said: "I am delighted that Waterford city has joined all those other towns and cities in Ireland where a Post-Primary education can be pursued through the medium of Irish. We need to keep our language alive. Those who through the Gaelscoil movement work to perpetuate its use for future generations deserve our thanks and support. Deanaim comharghairdeas le bord bainistíochta na scoile agus leis an gCathaoirleach, agus dar ndóigh le Nollaig Ó Cionnaith, príomh-oide, as ucht an méid atá déanta cheana féin chun an Gaelcholáiste a chur chun seoil. Guím gach rath ar thodhchaí an choláiste seo. Go maire sibh!"
Article from Waterford Today.
Fair Accommodation Campaign
April 6, 2008
- Our Demands: GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. MAIN DEMANDS [pdf 53kb]
-
More Info about the Accommodation Campaign:www.coiriochtchoir.comPRESS RELEASE
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. Fair Accommodation Campaign
FAIR ACCOMMODATION NOW! – demanding a PERMANENT SOLUTIONGAELSCOILEANNA TEO. today launched a national campaign – ‘FAIR ACCOMMODATION NOW! – DEMANDING A PERMANENT SOLUTION’ as part of the organisation’s policy to address the current and ongoing accommodation crisis in Irish-medium schools at primary level. GAELSCOILEANNA TEO.’ s campaign is being organised to coincide with the general election with the purpose of focusing politicians minds on an issue that has afflicted the Irish-medium education sector for a long number of years.
There has been steady growth and development in the Irish-medium sector in the last 30 years but the number of schools awaiting permanent accommodation is increasing rather than decreasing. Launching the campaign, GAELSCOILEANNA TEO.’s President, Mícheál Ó Broin stated, "The accommodation crisis at primary and post-primary levels is a challenge that needs to be urgently addressed. Little progress has been made on this issue, and the campaign reiterates GAELSCOILEANNA TEO.’ s call on the Government and politicians to face up to their responsibilities in regard to putting agreed systems in place for the benefit of the children in this country".
The facts reveal that:-
53% of gaelscoileanna at primary level (of 131 in the 26 counties) are without permanent accommodation, i.e. 69 schools.
Of the 29 schools that have opened since 1998 none have permanent accommodation.
Of the 58 schools that have opened since 1994 – 52 schools are still without permanent accommodation.40 schools are waiting at least 10 years for permanent accommodation and of those 9 are waiting 20 years or longer.
The main findings of the survey conducted among schools are presented as part of the package launched today as well as proposed solutions to the current crisis. GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. also launched a document outlining the organisation’s demands on the government to improve the Irish medium sector as a whole.
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. is the national co-ordinating body for schools teaching through the medium of Irish. It helps parents and local groups to set up new schools and supports the established all-Irish schools. There are 163 primary schools and 38 secondary schools currently providing education through the medium of Irish. 5 new Irish medium primary schools will open in September 2007 as well as 4 post-primary schools.
Further Information:
Mícheál Ó Broin, Gaelscoileanna President 087-9467700
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. Office: 01-4773155END
MAIN FINDINGS OF GAELSCOILEANNA TEO.’s ACCOMMODATION SURVEY OF SCHOOLS, 2007(93% (122 schools) returned a completed questionnaire which investigated the current accommodation situation of 131 primary schools in the 26 counties, outside of the Gaeltacht)
BACKGROUND
Ongoing CrisisThe accommodation crisis in the Irish-medium education sector has been ongoing for many years. The number of schools awaiting permanent accommodation is increasing rather than decreasing. It is unacceptable that parents are obliged to contribute or fund-raise to supplement rental payments from the Department of Education and Science. This crisis was recognized in the Programme for Government, 2002:
"A comprehensive review of the needs of all Gaelscoileanna and Gaeltacht schools will be undertaken. As part of the work of the Department of Education & Science, the physical condition of all buildings used by these schools will be reviewed and a programme put in place to ensure that they meet required standards."
Unfortunately, very little progress has been made on this urgent issue. Any achievements to date are totally insufficient. It is obvious that the current system is failing to deal with the problem. This issue needs to be prioritised by the Government, as promised. Unsuitable temporary arrangements must be ended and we demand of the Department of Education and Science to provide a safe and suitable learning environment for all our pupils.
PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION – THE FACTS
53% of gaelscoileanna without permanent accommodationThere are 131 Irish-medium primary schools in the country (excluding 5 new schools due to open in September 2007). At present 69 of these are in temporary accommodation, i.e. 53%.
Of the 29 schools that have opened since 1998 none have permanent accommodation.
Of the 58 schools that have opened since 1994 – 52 are still without permanent accommodation, constituting 90% of the total for this period.104 schools have opened between 1983 agus 2006. 69 schools, i.e. 66%, are still without permanent accommodation. Of these:-
• 34 schools opened between 1983 agus 1989 – 10 are without permanent accommodation (i.e. 29%).
• 51 schools opened between 1990 agus 1999 – 40 are without permanent accommodation (i.e. 78%).
• 19 schools opened between 2000 agus 2006 – 19 are without permanent accommodation (i.e. 100%)
40 schools are waiting at least 10 years for permanent accommodation and of those 9 are waiting 20 years or longer.SUITABILITY OF ACCOMMODATION
59% gaelscoileanna in unsuitable accommodation.59% of primary schools, encompassing both permanent and temporary accommodation, responded stating that their school’s accommodation is unsuitable.
Amongst the reasons given were the following:-
Prefabricated Classrooms
22 schools completely dependent on prefabricated buildings.
25 other schools using prefabricated buildings.Old Buildings
– for example old storerooms, TB hospital, and related difficulties such as high heating costs, windows which cannot be opened, holes in roof/floors, damp etc.
Sharing Space
sharing space with sports clubs and the related difficulties such as lack of storage space and lack of privacy.
insufficient toilet facilities for pupils and staff.Deficits in Schools
49 (40%) of schools have either no hall or lack a suitable hall
33 (27%) of schools lacking sufficient space and/or sufficient classrooms
13 (11%) of schools that cannot physically expand and therefore cannot satisfy local demand for places
23 (19%) of schools have either no staff-room or lack a suitable staff-room
19 (16%) of schools have either no learning support room or lack a suitable learning support room
18 (15%) of schools either have no schoolyard or lack a suitable schoolyard
9 (7.5%) of schools lack a suitable special needs resource room.Other basic deficits:
offices,
playing fields,
storage space,Samples of schools with accommodation deficits:
Lack of hall, staff-room, special needs room agus storage space
Lack of hall, learning support room, storage space and proper offices
Although there is high demand for places in the school, they cannot guarantee places to parents. Presently lack a hall, staff-room and storage area.
One toilet for 100 pupils, sharing space with a G.A.A. Club and using prefabricated buildings. 11 years waiting for the Department to provide permanent solution.
Depending completely on prefabricated buildings that are in very poor condition. A site has been earmarked for 5 years now but no progress has been made.3 schools in temporary accommodation stated that there was uncertainty surrounding the location of the school for the coming school year.
HEALTH and SAFETY CONCERNS:
13% of gaelscoileanna concerned with health and Safety issues.16 schools (13%) felt that they had health and safety issues in their schools. Samples include:
Holes in the roof and floor, leaks, heat and electrical difficulties, all rooms upstairs, car-park in use as playground, etc.RENTAL COSTS OF SCHOOLS (without permanent accommodation)
Over €4,500,000 spent on rent each yearOf the 58 schools that responded to the question on rental costs €4,500,000 is being paid in total each year on rent.
OUR DEMANDS
A small number of the 69 schools without permanent accommodation are presently on the planning list within the Department but urgent action is required to eliminate the scandalously long wait being endured by many of the other schools. Accordingly, we demand:
that priority be given within the Planning Section of the Department to address the accommodation crisis in schools with permanent recognition that are housed in temporary accommodation.GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. fully accepts that schools may have to start out in temporary accommodation but ‘temporary’ should mean temporary. Accordingly, we demand:
that proactive planning take place to provide suitable sites through an agreed structure involving the Department of Education and Science and Local Authorities.
that Local Authorities be legally obliged to designate a suitable site for a school as soon as that school has received permanent recognition, as well as having powers of compulsory purchase.
that the Office of Public Works (O.P.W.) be legally obliged to purchase a site for a school within three years of the school receiving permanent recognition.In the meantime no school, whether newly founded or not, should have to suffer in unsuitable accommodation. Therefore, we demand:
that a minimum standard of accommodation, in terms of both space and physical condition, be put in place immediately and that agreement be made with each school on the timescale for the temporary accommodation.It is entirely unacceptable that schools in temporary accommodation must fundraise to supplement rental payments from the Department. Therefore, we demand:
that the Department pay 100% of all rental and associated site costs for schools with permanent recognition, and
that in the case of schools without permanent recognition the difference between 75% and 100% of rental costs be repaid to schools once permanent recognition has been granted.
FAIR ACCOMMODATION NOW!
