Thirteen teacher colleges face axe in major reform
September 6, 2012
THE number of teacher training colleges will be cut from 19 to six under radical restructuring proposals announced yesterday.
The reduction would be achieved through closures and mergers. It is designed to bring Ireland into line with best modern practice by moving away from a system of too many small colleges with unnecessary duplication and ultimately towards improving teacher quality.
Another issue touched on in a report from an international panel of experts is the supply and demand of teachers.
Concern
The report expresses “surprise and concern” that this has not been addressed in Ireland, as it has elsewhere. The 19 colleges currently offer more than 40 programmes of teacher training at primary and post- primary level.
Education Minister Ruairi Quinn is backing the experts’ recommendations and has asked the Higher Education Authority ( HEA) to draw up an implementation plan. However, the proposed rationalisation is certain to spark controversy within the sector, and how mergers would work remains to be ironed out.
One proposal would see teacher training at Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin coming together with Marino Institute of Education, which would also be the base for the new centre.
Meanwhile, the Church of Ireland College of Education, traditionally linked to Trinity, is involved in discussions with a group involving Dublin City University, having previously been involved in discussions with NUI Maynooth.
The six mergers envisaged in the proposals are:
- Dublin City University, St Patrick’s College Drumcondra, Mater Dei Institute of Education and the Church of Ireland College of Education.
- Trinity College Dublin, Marino Institute of Education, University College Dublin and the National College of Art and Design.
- National University of Ireland Maynooth and Froebel College.
- University of Limerick, Mary Immaculate College and Limerick Institute of Technology.
- University College Cork and Cork Institute of Technology.
- National University of Ireland Galway and St Angela’s College Sligo.
It also recommends that Galway- Mayo Institute of Technology and St Patrick’s College in Thurles opt out of teacher training.
In countries such as Finland, all teachers are educated to Masters level in research- based universities, which could be an aspiration for Ireland.
The report praises the “several advantages” of our system, including the calibre of candidates, with academic standards among the highest in the world.
Specialism
It also notes that entrants to publicly- funded teacher training colleges are capped while numbers in the private sector are uncapped.
The private online Hibernia College last year accounted for more than 700 of the 1,887 primary teacher graduates and has now also moved into post- primary teacher training.
At second- level, the report queries the lack of a mechanism to decide how many teachers are needed in each specialism.
It says that the lack reliable data has led to increasing reliance on the use of “out of field” teachers – those who are unqualified in the subject.
www.independent.ie
Quinn backs cut in teacher training colleges
September 6, 2012
TEACHER TRAINING in the State is set to be transformed, with fewer colleges, a sharper research focus and the establishment of new institutes of education in six centres.
An expert report backed by Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn recommends the closure of smaller colleges and the integration of others. The report – by an international panel of experts – suggests there should be a more rigorous cap on the numbers in teacher training amid concerns over high levels of unemployment among teaching graduates.
The changes could also see both primary and second-level teachers being trained on the one campus. On teacher numbers, the report expresses dismay that the issue of teacher supply and demand has not been addressed in Ireland as it has been elsewhere. All of the main teacher training colleges have backed the proposed reforms at this early stage. But potentially controversial changes which could threaten the cherished identity and ethos of each college have still to be teased out. Under one of the recommendations, St Patrick’s College in Dublin would be merged with Dublin City University and the Mater Dei Institute in a new centre based on the St Pat’s campus. The Church of Ireland College of Education (CICE) is also involved in the process aimed at establishing a new-style institute of education in Drumcondra.
The report points to potential difficulties in this process. “It is acknowledged that there is a genuine aspiration for integration (at Drumcondra) but the management plan for its implementation was not evident to the review panel,” it reads. Education sources say special arrangements will be put in place to protect the Church of Ireland ethos in any new configuration. Chairman of the board of governors of CICE, Archbishop Michael Jackson, and the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, have welcomed the proposed changes. The key recommendation of the report is that six new institutes for education be established, replacing the existing arrangement whereby 19 State-funded coll eges of f er more t han 40 programmes in primary and postprimary teaching. Mr Quinn has asked the Higher Education Authority to submit a detailed report on how to implement the recommendations of the international review body. He will then report back to Cabinet with more f ormal proposals including the financial implications of such a plan.
The report recommends the following mergers/integrations:
Dublin City University with St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra and Mater Dei Institute of Education; a new campus is to be located at St Patrick’s. CICE is also involved in this process.
Trinity College Dublin with Marino Institute of Education, University College Dublin and the National College of Art and Design. In a boost for Marino, the new institute could be based at its Griffith Avenue campus. The National University of Ireland Maynooth with Froebel College. University of Limerick with Mary Immaculate College and Limerick Institute of Technology; the campus may be located at MIC. University College Cork with Cork Institute of Technology at UCC. The National University of Ireland Galway with St Angela’s College Sligo, to be based at NUI Galway. The report says smaller teacher training colleges in Letterfrack, Co Galway, and Thurles, Co Tipperary, should be closed, and St Angela’s College in Sligo, which trains home economics teachers, moved to NUI Galway.
It praises the high calibre of entrants to teacher education. It says a move to a Finnish-style system, in which all teachers are educated to master’s level, could be a longer-term aspiration for teacher education in Ireland.
www.irishtimes.com
Ranganna Gaeilge an Fhómhair
September 6, 2012
Cois Teallaigh Conversational Irish Language Groups
September 6, 2012
1 October 2012 – 26 November 2012
1 October 2012 – 26 November 2012
This coming Autumn Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge located in Kildare Street intend to get Dublin city talking as Gaeilge by once again facilitating Irish Language Conversational groups every Monday evening.
This is a wonderful opportunity for members of the public to meet up and practice their Irish in a social atmosphere, and to meet other Irish speakers at the same time.
The conversational group is suitable for adults. Individuals are more than welcome to join us and join in the fun while enjoying a cup of tea/coffee!
Our next get together will take place in Cois Teallaigh, Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, 46 Kildare Street, Dublin 2 on Monday 1st October 2012 from 4:00-5:30pm
So why not come along and strike up a conversation As Gaeilge and brush up on your Irish skills in a relaxed atmosphere.
The total cost is €12 per person for 8 weeks from 1st October – Monday 26th November 2012. (There will be no gathering on the bank holiday weekend in October)
To join us just register your name with Brígíd on 01 679 47 80 / brighid@comhdhail.ie
Come on strike up a conversation As Gaeilge!
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
This coming Autumn Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge located in Kildare Street intend to get Dublin city talking as Gaeilge by once again facilitating Irish Language Conversational groups every Monday evening.
This is a wonderful opportunity for members of the public to meet up and practice their Irish in a social atmosphere, and to meet other Irish speakers at the same time.
The conversational group is suitable for adults. Individuals are more than welcome to join us and join in the fun while enjoying a cup of tea/coffee!
Our next get together will take place in Cois Teallaigh, Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, 46 Kildare Street, Dublin 2 on Monday 1st October 2012 from 4:00-5:30pm
So why not come along and strike up a conversation As Gaeilge and brush up on your Irish skills in a relaxed atmosphere.
The total cost is €12 per person for 8 weeks from 1st October – Monday 26th November 2012. (There will be no gathering on the bank holiday weekend in October)
To join us just register your name with Brígíd on 01 679 47 80 / brighid@comhdhail.ie
Come on strike up a conversation As Gaeilge!
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Minister Quinn gives go ahead for major restructuring of initial teacher education Provision
September 5, 2012
New collaborations will see six “Centres for Teacher Education” emerge
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., is to proceed with radical plans to overhaul the provision of initial teacher education (ITE).
Minister Quinn has accepted the recommendations set out in a report commissioned by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on the structures of teacher training. The purpose of the report, requested by the Minister, was to identify new possible structures to improve teacher education in Ireland so that it is comparable with the best in the world.
The main recommendation in the review by an international panel of education experts is that teacher education be provided in six “centres for teacher education”.
Currently there are 19 state funded providers of ITE (and three non-state funded) offering more than 40 college programmes in primary and post-primary teaching.
Changes are already underway to the content and length of teacher education, with a greater emphasis on literacy, numeracy and pedagogical skills.
Today’s announcement on structural changes will complement the curricular reforms already outlined by Minister Quinn and assist in positioning Ireland at the forefront of teacher education.
“We know from research that the quality of our education system cannot exceed the quality of our teachers,” said Minister Quinn. “This is why I am driving changes at both a structural and content level in teacher education.”
“The new collaborations recommended by the international panel will mean that a smaller number of centres for ITE exist, but that they offer education across multiple sectors from early childhood to primary, to post primary to adult education.”
“These centres for teacher education will also possess a critical mass in terms of research capacity which is not always possible in smaller institutions. The new configurations will mean strong research bases will be cemented in each centre.”
The report from an international review panel on the Structure of Initial Teacher Education Provision in Ireland recommends the following configurations:
Dublin City University – St. Patrick’s College Drumcondra – Mater Dei Institute of Education
Trinity College Dublin – Marino Institute of Education – University College Dublin – National College of Art and Design
National University of Ireland Maynooth – Froebel College
University of Limerick – Mary Immaculate College – Limerick Institute of Technology
University College Cork – Cork Institute of Technology
National University of Ireland Galway – St. Angela’s College Sligo
The Review Panel has also suggested that the Church of Ireland College of Education would be suitably positioned to join any of the first three new configurations.
The review is in keeping with the recommendations of the National Strategy of Higher Education 2030 or Hunt report which sees local, regional and international collaboration as the key to higher education system development. It will also form part of a wider review of the entire higher education landscape which is currently underway by the HEA.
Minister Quinn has now asked the HEA to submit a detailed report, before the end of the year, on how to implement the recommendations of the Panel. He will then report back to Cabinet with more formal proposals including financial implications.
“Ireland continues to attract the highest calibre of students into the teaching profession. I believe the restructuring of teacher education which I am now initiating will mean these top performing students will receive an education which equips them to become the best possible teachers,” Minister Quinn concluded.
Minister Quinn requested the HEA to advise on the structure of initial teacher education provision in the State earlier this year. In April, an International Review panel was established for this purpose.
The members of the Panel were Professor Pasi Sahlberg (chair), Director General of CIMO (in the Ministry of Education), Helsinki, Finland and Adjunct Professor at the University of Helsinki and the University of Oulu, Professor Pamela Munn, Professor Emeritus at the University of Edinburgh and Professor John Furlong, former Director of the Oxford University.
The terms of reference instructed the international panel to “carry out a review of the structure of initial teacher education provision, and to identify possible new structures which will recognise and address weaker areas in the system of teacher education; leverage the current strengths in the system; and envision innovative strategies so that Ireland can provide a teacher education regime that is comparable with the best in the world.”
EDUCATION.IE
Samhail Nua Mhaoinithe diúltaithe 100%
September 5, 2012
Live in the Cookstown area and want to learn Irish? Now has never been a better time to start.
September 5, 2012
A range of beginner, intermediate and advanced classses are set to become available as part of the Liofa initiative.
Josephine McCaughey, local Irish Language Development officer explains: “As September approaches, it is time to start thinking about availing of the many opportunities to learn Irish that will be out there from mid-September on in the Cookstown and Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council areas.”
Three levels of classes are set to be offered to those living within the Cookstown and Dungannon council areas; beginners, intermediate and advanced, so that learners can learn at a pace that suits them.
The numbers of locations in which classes are being made available is constantly increasing as more and more community groups are continuing to come forward to have classses organised in their community.
The Irish Language Development Officer is very much excited at this and wants to make other groups aware that the Councils can advise and help facilitate groups to develop Irish Language activity.
Details of upcoming classes and their locations will follow in local press and on web over the coming weeks.
Josephine continued: “The beginners classes are aimed at absolute or complete beginners so you have no need to worry about not knowing any Irish, you will meet plenty of other people in the same situation and you will all be amazed at the fun and life-enrichment you have been missing out on! You will also be amazed at the amount of wee words of Irish you already use without being consciously aware of it! “
Some people may want to brush up on the Irish Language skills they acquired at school or night classes and they too, may like to attend a beginner’s class if they want to be comfortable, or even an intermediate class if they want to be challenged.
It really is down to the individual and it is important that the level is right for the individual so that they feel either comfortable or comfortably challenged.
At all three levels emphasis will be placed on confidence building, practical use of language, repetition and practise and this is often most needed at the Intermediate level.
Intermediate or improvers classes are ideally suitable for those who have achieved good results in Irish at school in GCSE or A Level and who have kept up with the language through watching TG4, listening to Raidió na Gaeltachta or for those who, through night classes, are able to hold a short conversation in Irish but may struggle to hold a lengthy conversation owing to lack of practise. Advanced classes are generally for those who are in regular contact with the language who socialise through the medium of Irish and who can speak at length in the Irish language but may need a little help with accuracy and use of proverb and idiomatic language in speaking and writing.
University of Ulster’s part-time Irish Language Diploma is unique in that it is ideally suited for both those who want to be comfortable (as the course is delivered in a methodical step-by-step approach) and simultaneously, for those who want to be challenged (as the pace is quite fast and accreditation is offered).
As a result of the Líofa campaign work is ongoing to establish an Irish Language Diploma programme in Cookstown in 2012/13 as it offers a fast-track to fluency.
The part-time Diploma programme offers flexibility as it is recognised that many of those wishing to be fluent by 2015 are learning the language in their spare time. Dr Malachy Ó Neill explains “This course is perfect for those who already have cúpla focal and who strive to; speak fluently, listen effectively, read confidently and write accurately.” Successful Diploma graduates may enter Year 2 of part-time degree course or Year 1 of full time degree course. For more information contact Malachy Ó Néill via email at gaeilge@ulster.ac.uk
Mar fhocal scoir, finally, It is well worth checking out the Oideas Gael website at www.Oideas-Gael.com as it could be very motivating to know that after attending classes in beautiful Tyrone during the Autumn/Winterof 2012/13 that there are language and cultural holidays to be explored and enjoyed in the beautiful Donegal in the Spring/Summer of 2013!
www.midulstermail.co.uk
40 jobs to be created in Irish language preschool sector
September 5, 2012
Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta today announced the opening of 23 new naíonraí throughout September 2012.
The new preschool centres will open in Dublin, Kerry, Cork, Galway, Westmeath, Wicklow, Meath and Wexford.
A record 25 naíonraí were opened in 2011, 8 units more than 2010, and it appears as if the demand for Irish-medium preschooling has remained as high this year.
Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta’s Chairperson, Máire Uí Bhriain said: “In the past three years we’ve seen unprecedented growth in the Irish medium early years sector. We believe this to be as a result of a combination of factors: Firstly, the introduction of the ECCE scheme has ensured increased access to our services and secondly, parents now realise the added developmental benefits to children of the Total-Early Immersion model followed by Naíonraí.’
As well as an increase in preschool places, the new naíonraí will also create an estimated 40 new jobs within the education and Irish language sectors.
Clíona Frost, CEO of Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta said: ‘Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta is delighted that so many new Naíonra services are opening this year. In the current economic climate, we do not often get good news stories like this: 23 new Naíonraí, initially 40 new jobs and hundreds of additional preschool children attending naíonraí for their free-preschool year and acquiring Irish in a safe, secure and friendly setting.
For more information on the new naíonra and Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta visit www.naionrai.ie.
The naíonraí due to open in September 2012 are:
- Naíonra an Choillín, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
- Naíonra an Ghairdín, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
- Naíonra na Rógairí Beaga, Rochfort Bridge, Co. Westmeath
- Naíonra Little Folks, Trim, Co. Meath
- Naíonra Bumblebee, Ashbourne, Co. Meath
- Naíonra Smarty Pants, Rush, Co. Dublin
- Naíonra First Steps, Marino, Dublin 3
- Naíonra Hyde and Seek, Drumcondra, Dublin 9
- Naíonra Westwood, Foxrock, Dublin 18
- Naíonra Safari, Kilmainham, Dublin 8
- Naíonra Mháirín, Lucan, Co. Dublin
- Naíonra Junior Genius, Baldonnel, Dublin 22
- Naíonra Dhún Droma, Dundrum, Dublin 14
- Naíonra Ghaelscoil Uí Chéadaigh, Bray, Co. Wicklow
- Naíonra Montessori, Bray, Co. Wicklow
- Naíonra an Scoil Bhig, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
- Naíonra Little Treasures, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
- Naíonra Cháit, Barna, Co. Galway
- Naíonra Mamaí Gé, Kinsale, Co. Cork
- Naíonra Highcare Childcare, Ballincollig, Co. Cork
- Naíonra Crèche Absolute Beginners, Blarney, Co. Cork
- Naíonra Radharc na Darach, Tralee, Co. Kerry
- Naíonra Faithleann, Killarney, Co. Kerry
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Another new funding model for Irish language organisations
September 5, 2012
It has been four long years since the term New Funding Model first cropped up in relation to proposed changes for the Irish language voluntary sector, but has anything been learnt in that time?
Since Foras na Gaeilge was first established under the Good Friday Agreement, the North/South body has provided annual funding for organisations across the country. A total of 19 organisations receive annual core-funding from An Foras, and in 2009, the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) instructed Foras na Gaeilge to restructure the method in which funding is allocated to this core-funded sector.
Following the direction of the NSMC, Foras proposed a portfolio of schemes in 2010, for which they coined the term, “New Funding Model”.
Rather than providing organisational core-funding, Foras now intended to provide funding on a competitive scheme basis, which would provide funding to successful applicants for short term projects.
As time passed the funding model was gradually tweaked, schemes were added and subtracted which caused much confusion to the public trying to grasp the essence of the new model. Initially seven schemes were announced, which soon increased to ten, and later was reduced to eight before the model was eventually ditched.
With one winner proposed for each scheme, except for the community radio scheme which was deemed an exception, it was apparent that an axe was soon to fall on the number of Irish language organisations.
Not unexpectedly, the organisations themselves did not agree with the new portfolio from the get go. They demanded open discussion, participatory input, independent consultancy, transparency in the process, and above all they requested research based evidence to prove the new funding model was an improvement on the current model.
The Irish language organisations publicly demonstrated their dissatisfaction with the model again and again. The promotion of the Irish language over the past four years has not been helped by ongoing disagreements and tension within the sector between those funded by Foras na Gaeilge and Foras itself, the body which was established to provide leadership and drive the promotion of the language.
Foras na Gaeilge sought change, as according to them the current model is no longer sustainable, but the organisations took the model to mean that Foras na Gaeilge now wanted to fund the promotion of the language solely through short terms schemes which would last no longer than three years.
The organisations have repeatedly stated that they recognise the need for reorganisation of the sector in order to achieve the best results while providing greatest value for money. The organisations have also put forward their desire to engage with Foras in a participatory manner to develop a new model which will benefit Irish across the island.
Earlier this year, following a direction from the NSMC Foras initiated a public consultation process on its new funding model. The general public voiced their concerns about the model at each of the public consultation meetings. An Foras reported to the NSMC that 167 submissions were made, whereas the organisations claim their members submitted ten times that figure. A group of noted sociolinguists and language planners, both national and international, sent a letter to Foras na Gaeilge as part of the consultation in which they strongly condemned the model. While this letter was reported in national newspapers, it was not registered as part of the consultation and was not published on the Foras website as a submission. Tensions continued to rise as the public who were already unhappy with the portfolio of schemes became highly dissatisfied with a consultation process which was falling on deaf ears.
After the latest public consultation meeting, which concluded in early April 2012, the Dáil Joint Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture, and the Gaeltacht issued a report on the future funding of Irish language organisations. This report recommended the continuation of core-funding of organisations and declared that funding should not be allocated based on a scheme of competitive tendering. The Joint Committee report followed a motion in the Northern Irish Assembly which expressed concern over the consequences of the new funding model.
In light of deepening political pressure, the board of Foras na Gaeilge, who were appointed five months previously, in June 2012 declared an end to the New Funding Model.
It is a shame so much time and effort was wasted over the past four years on a model which was declared unworkable by its intended benefactors. While that particular model has now been ditched, what can be learned by all parties from the past four years? Have the organisations, and/or the public lost all faith in Foras na Gaeilge? On the one hand, Foras na Gaeilge and its core-funded organisations now stand further apart than ever, while on the other hand the threat of the new model has seen organisations working together more closely, which in turn has lead to much organic co-operation.
While one funding model has now been shelved, An Foras are still answerable to the NSMC, who have requested a reorganisation of the sector.
In late July, with only a fortnight’s notice, the leaders of the core-funded organisations were instructed to put their own work programmes aside and participate in a series of workshops over a three day period, facilitated by Dónall Ó Braonáin of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge. The workshiops had three main aims:
1. To identify gaps in the current provision
2. To identify fields of work within the current provision
3. To identify the fields which should be prioritised.
In addition to the workshops, Foras na Gaeilge have also invited organisations to meetings this week, under specific themes, to discuss their own field in the context of rationalisation.
Unfortunately, the clock is ticking faster than ever for the organisations, as an Foras has informed them that the new funding model will be written next Friday, circulated on Monday, with a four day window for feedback to be received, developed in the final week, and sent to the Board of Foras na Gaeilge by 18th September, for consideration at the Board meeting at the end of the month. If passed by the Board, Foras na Gaeilge will then prepare a business case to put before the NSMC in November 2012.
Organisations are hoping that any new funding model will be clearly linked to the defined concepts of language planning, and that the current provision of services will be analysed in detail prior to the development of a new model.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Time for education minister to have faith in his ideals
September 3, 2012
AFTER long debate but little action, this academic year parents will be given a choice to change the patron, and by extension the culture, of their child’s school.
Of over 3,300 primary schools, 44 will be surveyed to ask parents if they wish to change the patron of the school their child attends. The questions to be asked are still a work in progress; the net issue is will parents wish to continue having the local Catholic bishop as patron, or will they opt for change. This change process, still to be defined, is arguably one of the most important departures in Irish education since 1922.
The debate in recent years has been about the choice, and the lack of it, parents have for their child’s education. An almost monocultural, almost always Catholic community, has rapidly given way to a much more diverse and likely permanently changed society.
For the first time there is now a significant community of parents who want non-denominational education.
There is a growing disjuncture in school communities between the lives of parents and the ethos of the schools their children attend. It is debatable how effectively promoted a Catholic ethos is in Catholic schools where clergy are largely absent.
A tradition of lay passivity in the face of a dominant clerical presence has left a legacy of indifference in some class rooms.
Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn has long been a crusader for a more liberal, less clerical Ireland. His controversial comment in 1996 about a post-Catholic pluralist Republic seems percipient in retrospect. Now 66 and probably in his final tour at the cabinet table, he has a chance to leave a lasting mark on the fabric of Irish society. As a former minister in economic portfolios during the 1980s and 90s including finance, it will not be lost on him that the Irish left has manifestly failed to implement a social democrat let alone a socialist economic agenda. Now under the cosh of the Troika, Ruairí Quinn in Government is implementing policies the PDs would have lusted after, but hardly dared hope for. Post-Catholic Ireland is coinciding with a post-social democrat future.
In its centenary year Labour has arguably lost the economic argument for another generation. It is seriously threatened again with electoral retribution. The one plank of its policies where it is unquestionably riding the contemporary zeitgeist is what in the civil war of current American politics are called cultural issues. Eamon Gilmore’s description of gay marriage as ‘the civil rights issue of this generation’ and Pat Rabbitte’s warning off Cardinal Brady against Catholic church engagement in any political campaign on abortion are telling.
A generation ago Garret FitzGerald’s constitutional crusade ran into the ground in the face of economic recession and social conservatism. There is little of the latter left. But Ruairí Quinn, who with Michael Noonan, is the remaining veteran of that cabinet, will know that unpopular governments find delivering major change difficult.
Ruairí Quinn in contrast to his own past rhetoric and his colleagues’ current posturing has been remarkably ameliorating in tone towards Catholic educators. Certainly he has harried the religious orders over compensation payments to abuse victims. He has also said he believes he has been caricatured as an enemy of the Catholic church. He envisages Catholic schools that are ‘openly celebratory about their own religion’ in an environment in which parents would have a free choice between denominational and non-denominational schools.
On the face of it, surveying parents in just 44 schools is a modest proposal. Its critics may say disappointingly so. The complexities of transferring not only patronage but property, and the possibility that parents of any persuasion may be reluctant to change the patron of what they regard as well-run schools, will likely mean modest change in the short term. What is at issue is the effectiveness of the mechanism, once instituted, for delivering more sweeping change in the longer term.
In parallel with a mechanism to allow parents change school patronage is a promise for legislation to amend Section 37 of the Employment Equality Act of 1998. This allows institutions run by religious institutions or orders to bypass anti-discrimination measures ‘where it is reasonable to do so in order to maintain the religious ethos of the institution’. An openly gay teacher or an unmarried teacher who becomes pregnant is vulnerable to the censure, or more, of Boards of Management and Patrons. If largely, but not always an implicit pressure, its removal would empower an openness that could be perceived as undermining a school’s ethos. It would also unquestionably vindicate the personal freedoms of the teachers concerned, as well as influencing the school culture of their students.
Given the overwhelming dominance of Catholic schools, vindicating the religious ethos of school communities that decide to adopt one is unlikely to be a priority now. But it flags a future tension. Similarly the expectation of major change in school patronage is unlikely to be met in the short term. The minority Protestant faiths are acutely aware of the importance of schools to their communities. Contrary to perception, they are a lot less part of an emerging liberal consensus than supposed.
Ruairí Quinn is likely to leave behind a school system where change in the statistics on school patronage is modest or negligible. He has an opportunity to empower a change in the attitudes and ethos of individual teachers, and over time of the patronage of more schools, that could cumulatively be transformative. The Catholic school system is now the overextended infrastructure of a reduced faith community. If less faith-run schools are the conscious choice of more committed parents, new challenges will arise around the religious freedoms of fewer and truer religious schools. For now that future horizon is some way off. In retrospect, however, it will likely be seen as having begun under Ruairí Quinn in Autumn 2012.
* Gerard Howlin is a public affairs consultant, and was a senior government adviser from 1997 to 2007.
www.irishexaminer.com
