Ó Domhnaill condemns axing of Gaeltacht Scholarships
June 26, 2012
The Government’s decision to axe Gaeltacht and Irish Language Scholarships is a disgrace and will damage efforts to promote our national language, according to Donegal Fianna Fáil Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill.
Senator Ó Domhnaill raised a motion in Seanad Éireann this week calling on the Government to reverse these damaging cuts, announced in Budget 2012 and to reinstate the DEIS status of Pobal Scoil Gaoth Dobhair and PCC Falcarragh. He said: “I consider these cuts an attack on the Irish language,” and said it would be a disgrace to remove them on the eve of the 100th Anniversary of the Easter Rising.”
He noted that students at Pobal Scoil Gaoth Dobhair and PCC Falcarragh will no longer be eligible to apply as they are no longer DEIS designated.
“It is incredible to think that almost all the primary schools feeding into both of these secondary schools have DEIS status but this is not retained at secondary level. There appears to be no consistency in supports here,” he concluded.
www.donegaldemocrat.ie
‘Diplomatic’ pupils help give 90- year- old Gaelscoil a facelift
June 26, 2012
It is the oldest Gaelscoil in the country, and perhaps a little bit of experience helped in diplomatic negotiations for a new extension.
Scoil Bhride Gaelscoil in Ranelagh in Dublin is over 90 years old and has a fantastic location. But since it overlooks the Canadian Embassy, any building work can be a somewhat delicate issue. Education Minister Ruairi Quinn confirmed this yesterday, alluding to a call to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa to assauge any fears they might have had about the construction work.
“After promising that the children would not compromise the national security of Canada or steal any state secrets, they agreed,” he joked.
And the children sang Canadian Leonard Cohen’s classic ‘ Hallelujah’ – in Irish, of course – for their neighbours and the assembled guests. Principal Triona Ui Mhaoldomhnaigh addressed the gathering of proud parents and happy children, thanking them all for their hard work in bringing the project in on time and under budget.
The country’s first Gaelscoil was founded in 1917 by Louise Gavan Duffy, one of the few women to participate in the 1916 Easter Rising. Building of the extension began in October and while it caused severe disruption to school life, the 390 children didn’t miss a single day.
“There has always been a great spirit in the school. Some of our students have been moved around two or three times during the course of the building but everyone just got on with it, they’ve all be fantastic,” Ms Ui Mhaoldomhnaigh said.
She made her speech in both Irish and English, and Mr Quinn, for one, was thankful for that.
“Nil Gaeilge maith agam,” he admitted before regaling his audience with the tale of his epic road, ferry and currach journey to the Aran Islands some 54 years ago. The trip even inspired him to change the spelling of his name to the Irish way – Ruairi. The major structural make- over was the first building work carried out on the school in over 40 years, with prefabs used for extra students previously.
www.independent.ie
Launch of the European Year 2012 Awards:Honouring the best initiatives that promote active ageing and solidarity between generations Brussels, 21 June 2012.
June 26, 2012
As part of the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012, the European Commission is launching the European Year 2012 Awards in order to celebrate organisations and individuals that promote active ageing through their activities.
“Workplaces for all Ages”: This category recognises the best initiatives by employers, trade unions and not-for-profit organisations that promote better working conditions for older employees.
“Towards Age-Friendly Environments”: This category recognises outstanding initiatives by regional or local authorities that create an inclusive and accessible local environment which facilitates active ageing and has a positive effect on health and on the quality of life of all generations.
“Social Entrepreneurs”: This category recognises the most successful initiatives undertaken by social entrepreneurs in promoting active ageing and solidarity between generations.
“Reporting on Ageing and Relations between Generations”: This category recognises journalists whose work has made a significant contribution to a better understanding of the challenges presented by an ageing society and how they can be tackled, thus raising the level of the public debate and promoting better policymaking.
“Life Story Challenge”: This category celebrates the life stories of older people. Members of the younger generation are invited to tell the story of an older person (a family member, neighbour, friend, etc.) and present the noteworthy contribution the “active ager” is making in the family, in society, or at work.
“Generations@school Competition”: Launched in March 2012, this competition invites all schools in Europe to open the doors of their classrooms to older people. Children and older people have the opportunity to reflect together on what they can learn from each other and how to work together for a better future. Participating schools can upload photos on a dedicated website by 30 June 2012. The most creative intergenerational projects will be recognised.
More information on the Awards and on how to participate is available on the award website http://europa.eu/ey2012/.
The competition is open until 1 September 2012, and all citizens of EU Member States and those of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway may take part.
The finalists in each category will be invited to the EY2012 Active Ageing Awards ceremony, which is planned to take place in November in Brussels.
Contact: EY2012awards@paueducation.com or Andrea Ricciarelli, ICWE GmbH
Tel: +49 (0)30 310 18 18 43
Fax: +49 (0)30 324 98 33
andrea.ricciarelli@icwe.net
Deis do scoileanna i mBÁC a bheith rannpháirteach i sraith de chláir raidió ‘Óige Átha Cliath’
June 26, 2012
Gaelscoil Éadan Doire – Lá i gColáiste na bhFiann
June 22, 2012
Cúrsa Teaghlaigh sa Ghaeltacht, Iúil 2012
June 22, 2012
Analysis on the start-up and growth of Irish-medium schools to commence immediately as recommended by the Forum on Patronage and Plurality
June 21, 2012
Minister Ruairí Quinn announced the Action Plan which he plans to implement in response to the recommendations by the Advisory Board to the Forum on Patronage and Plurality in the primary school sector.
An Foras Pátrúnachta welcomes the decision by the Minister that analysis of the start-up and growth of Irish-medium schools will commence immediately in response to the recommendations of the Advisory Board for the provision of Irish-medium education. It is expected that this important analysis will be a vital information source for future policy development in the area of Irish-medium education.An Foras Pátrúnachta is delighted that the Minister has accepted the recommendations on the divestment of patronage to increase diversity in schools. Caoimhín Ó hEaghra, General Secretary of An Foras Pátrúnachta said, “The Department of Education and Skills is offering more of a choice to parents, as part of this process, to choose the kind of school they would like regarding the medium of teaching and the ethos of the school.” Parents will be asked to express their opinions and wishes to the Department when they will be surveyed this Autumn. Ó hEaghra continued, “As a patron, we are already meeting the diverse needs of parents through the three different types of characteristic spirits offered by the patron; Catholic, Interdenominational, Multidenominational through the medium of Irish.”
An Foras Pátrúnachta had an advisory role in the Forum on Patronage and Plurality working sessions, sharing information and putting recommendations forward to the Advisory Board on the current status of Irish-medium education and the methods to take to evaluate and strengthen the provision of Irish-medium education to satisfy the demand. The Minister thanked all of the groups that submitted recommendations and participated in the working sessions.An Foras Pátrúnachta believe that the patron for Irish-medium schools has been advanced in serving diversity and plurality and parental demand since its foundation in 1993. Ó hEaghra welcomes the decision that the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment will be researching the development of programmes on Education about Religion and Beliefs and Ethics, “This research will be carried out in partnership with education partners and religious groups and An Foras Pátrúnachta greatly look forward to participating in this development process. The programmes will be very useful to schools and they will be a great addition to the teaching about religion and ethics.”
For media information, contact: Caitríona Bairéad :: caitriona@foras.ie :: 01-6294110
AN FORAS PÁTRÚNACHTA is the largest patron of Irish medium schools in Ireland at both primary and secondary level. There are 61 primary schools and 3 secondary schools under its patronage. AN FORAS PÁTRÚNACHTA is a patron of Irish-medium schools that have a choice of a Catholic, Multidenominational and Interdenominational (Catholic / Protestant) ethos. The vision of AN FORAS PÁTRÚNACHTA is to develop, strengthen and promote education through the medium of Irish throughout the country. AN FORAS PÁTRÚNACHTA is recognized by the Department of Education and Science as a patronage system which is acceptable and appropriate for first and second level schools. AN FORAS PÁTRÚNACHTA was founded in 1993 so that new gaelscoileanna opening in the coming years would have another choice with regard to patronage. For more information: www.foras.ie
Minister Quinn outlines his Action Plan in response to the report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector
June 20, 2012
The Minister for Education and Skills, Mr. Ruairí Quinn T.D., today outlined his response to the report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector.
Meeting with the main education partners, the Minister said he broadly accepted the recommendations on divestment made by the Advisory Group and had requested that the process leading to divesting of patronage in areas of stable population begin immediately.
Minister Quinn said, “For many parents this will be the first time they will have a real say in the type of primary school they want their children to go to, whether it is denominational, multi-denominational, all-Irish or other. Surveys of parents will begin in the first identified town areas in the autumn.”
Parents will be given full information on the different types of schools and the different possible patron bodies. Helplines will also be put in place during the survey period to deal with queries from parents.
These surveys will commence in the autumn in 44 town areas. The Advisory group had originally proposed that the process of divestment should proceed in 47 areas identified by the Department in 2010 at the request of the Catholic Church. However this list was based on data from the 2006 census. The information has been updated with the 2011 census data and also takes account of areas where diversity in primary school provision is already provided or planned.
Minister Quinn said, “I believe there will be a lot of interest in each area where a survey will be conducted and I am anxious that the local debate and surveys take place in a calm and respectful manner.”
“My Department will consult with the patron bodies on a code of practice which will ensure that local discussions are conducted in a reasonable fashion.”
The Minister has also decided that the remit of the New Schools Establishment Group will be expanded to support the divesting process.
At the briefing, Minister Quinn reiterated his view that there is a need to balance making real and substantial progress on ensuring diversity of choice of primary schools for parents, with the longer term need to ensure buy-in by the education partners to agreed arrangements for more diversity and inclusiveness, particularly in schools where choice of patronage is not available.
Minister Quinn said “Becoming more inclusive means ensuring that across the system as a whole there is respect for the diversity of traditions and religions from which pupils now come. This has to be done in a sensitive manner which takes account of where we are coming from as well as where we hope to go.”
“I recognise that these issues are complex and very significant and I have decided that there should be a public consultation process on the findings and recommendations in the report with regard to promoting more inclusiveness in schools, particularly in ‘Stand Alone Schools’ where transfer of patronage is not an option.”
The Minister outlined his intention to issue a formal call for submissions from education stakeholders and any other interested parties in September with a deadline for receipt of submissions of end November. The Minister has asked the National Parents Council (Primary) to advise on the development of an information leaflet for parents which will be circulated to all primary schools in the autumn to ensure parents are fully informed about the consultation process.
Following the consultation process, the Forum Report findings and recommendations in this area and the submissions received will be considered in drafting a White Paper as set out in the Programme for Government. This work is to be completed by early 2013.
The Minister also announced his intention to request the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment to immediately start exploring, with the education partners and religious interests, the development of an Education about Religion and Beliefs (ERB) and Ethics programmes which will supplement existing faith formation programmes in schools as recommended by the Advisory Group.
The Report also makes a number of recommendations concerning the provision of Irish medium schools. Minister Quinn said that he had decided to proceed immediately with the analysis of the start-up and growth of Irish medium schools as proposed by the Advisory Group. This analysis will inform future policy development in this area.
Minister Quinn thanked all those who made submissions and attended Forum working sessions for their input. In particular, the Minister said “I want to pay tribute to the Advisory Group, Professor John Coolahan, Dr. Caroline Hussey and Ms Fionnuala Kilfeather for the commitment, energy and expertise that they brought to this task. The Forum is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and I’m delighted that its work has been completed.’
“I look forward to working with stakeholders to implement the Action Plan and in providing greater diversity and choice of schools into the future.”
Notes:
The Report’s recommendations regarding divesting focus on what is appropriate for areas of stable population, where new schools cannot be socially or economically justified but there is a demand for diversity of school types. The Report’s recommendations can be broadly divided into three types:
- those dealing with the practicalities of achieving divesting of patronage where there is a stable population and a demand for diversity of school types;
- those dealing with Irish language provision;
- and those dealing with the creation of more inclusive schools, particularly ‘Stand Alone’ schools, often in rural areas, which account for about 1,700 of the 3,200 primary schools and where divesting to another patron is not an option.
The Report recommends achieving diversity of patronage by using the existing stock of schools in areas where the population is stable. Where there is a cluster of denominational schools but also parental demand for alternative school patronage, the report recommends that transfer of patronage be achieved with assistance from the Department.
The Advisory Group cautions against a ‘big bang’ approach and advises that change of patronage should happen in a phased way, through the adoption of a catchment area approach, taking account of the preferences of parents.
The report recommends that phase one of this work would involve examining school patronage in 43 towns and 4 Dublin areas identified by the Department in 2010, arising from a request by the Catholic Church, as likely to have substantial demand for diversity.
As this list was based on the 2006 census, the DES has updated it using the 2011 census and taking into account areas which already have diversity in primary school provision. The list of 44 areas is below.
New Schools Establishment Group
The Minister appointed the New Schools Establishment Group in 2011 to advise him on the patronage of new primary and second level schools.
The New Schools Establishment Group’s terms of reference are being expanded to include:
To advise the Department regarding undertaking the survey of parental preferences in the identified areas. To validate the completed survey work undertaken by the Department in relation to each of the identified areas before the outcome of the survey is transmitted to the relevant Patrons. To analyse (a) the Department’s evaluation of the divesting options presented by the relevant Patrons in each identified area and (b) the recommendations being made by DES regarding divesting of schools to alternative patrons to ensure these are in accordance with parental preferences and demand. To report to the Minister and make recommendations (including indicative timelines for actions) regarding divesting of schools to alternative patrons in each of the identified areas having regard to parental preferences.
Timeline for surveys in the 44 areas
- A public advertisement to formally invite expressions of interest for patronage of schools in the forty four areas identified for the first phase of surveying and divesting process will be made by end of June 2012.
- Public advertisement in the five pilot areas to be surveyed will be placed at the beginning of October 2012.
- Helpline to be put in place to deal with any queries from the public or school communities in relation to the surveying.
- Pilot in the first five areas to be surveyed to be completed during October.
- Validation of the survey outcomes in the five initial areas to be undertaken in conjunction with the New Schools Advisory Group during November 2012.
- Following validation, the outcome of the surveys in the five initial areas are to be published and sent to all patrons for consideration of divesting options.
- Public advertisement in the balance of the forty four areas to be surveyed will be placed at the beginning of November 2012.
- Surveying in the balance of the forty four areas will commence in November 2012.List of areas to be included in initial phase of surveys
The 44 areas included in Phase 1:
- Arklow
- Ballina
- Ballinasloe
- Bandon
- Birr
- Buncrana
- Carrick-on-Suir
- Carrigaline
- Castlebar
- Celbridge
- Clonmel
- Cobh
- Dungarvan
- Edenderry
- Enniscorthy
- Fermoy
- Kells (Ceanannas)
- Kildare
- Killarney
- Leixlip
- Longford
- Loughrea
- Malahide
- Monaghan
- Nenagh
- New Ross
- Passage West
- Portmarnock
- Roscommon
- Roscrea
- Rush
- Shannon
- Skerries
- Thurles
- Tipperary
- Tramore
- Trim
- Tuam
- Westport
- Wicklow
- Youghal
- Whitehall
- Dublin 4
- Dublin 6 & 8
Spraoicheist Gael Linn i gCeatharlach
June 20, 2012
Nóta tábhachtach: Comhdháil na Ceannasaíochta ar ceal
June 19, 2012
