Young people of Ireland declare daring strategy to improve state of the nation
November 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/
Government must carefully consider the Irish language in Budget 2013
November 20, 2012
Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, the umbrella body for Irish language voluntary organisations is calling on the Government to carefully consider Irish language issues in the upcoming Budget 2013, and to express their support for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht.
In a prebudget submission to Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan T.D., An Chomhdháil, the central steering council for the Irish language community, demanded the support structures for the language, which have been diligently constructed over many years by both the public and the State, be protected in Budget 2013.
Focussing on the 20 Year Strategy for the language, An Chomhdháil warns the Minister for Finance, that this strategy cannot be successfully implemented without adequate State support and investment. Particular attention is given in the submission to two policies introduced earlier this year under the Gaeltacht Act 2012, namely the Family Language Support Programme and the Language Planning Process.
An Chomhdháil contends adequate investment is required to ensure a focus on practical methods to support parents across the country who wish to raise their families through Irish.
An Chomhdháil maintains further resources, particularly human resources, must be made available through Údarás na Gaeltachta to those community organisations who already have challenging workloads and are now expected to achieve language planning results, under the recent Language Planning Process. An Chomhdháil recommends practical instruction be given to these community groups to enable them to engage appropriately with the Language Planning Process.
Further recommendations are proposed in relation to the review of the Official Languages Act 2003, to Údarás na Gaeltachta and to Ciste na Gaeilge, and to the staffing crisis at An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG). The submission also recommends charity status be automatically bestowed on those organisations working in the Irish language voluntary sector which would allow them a preferable VAT rate.
The prebudget submission discusses the rationalisation of the Irish language core-funded sector a process embarked upon by Foras na Gaeilge in 2008 which is still on-going.
Kevin De Barra, Director of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge claims: “No study has been done on the work of the core-funded organisations in the four year period since Foras na Gaeilge first began their rationalisation. While we wait in limbo for the funding reshuffle to occur, the annual budgets of the voluntary organisations have been slashed year on year”.
With a new funding model to be put before the North South Ministerial Council on 12th December 2012, exactly one week after the announcement of Budget 2013, De Barra says: “We call on the Government to ensure adequate resources are provided to the Irish language voluntary sector so that we may build on the good work undertaken to date. We are not adverse to change, but we must be convinced that any new model will positively impact the promotion of the Irish language in the future”.
The full prebudget submission, (Irish only), can be downloaded below: Aighneacht Réamhbhuiséid.
A Press Release issued by Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge
Published on Gaelport.com
Young want secular State and more focus on Irish
November 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
November 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
November 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
November 15, 2012
Just 40pc vote on handover of schools
November 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
November 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
November 14, 2012
Harkin hails EU loan for new Letterkenny school
November 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
