Ruane praises leadership of teacher unions

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has thanked the leadership of teacher unions in their approach to post-primary transfer.

The Minister was speaking at the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) Northern Conference. Minister Ruane said: “Since taking up the office of Education Minister I have argued the need for major change in the education system. I have put in place a number of policies to raise standards and increase educational choices.

“I was determined that right from the start, equality would be the cornerstone of my education policy. That is why I am changing a process that separated children at the age of 11 and stigmatised many as failures. The teacher unions have shown strong leadership in speaking out against this iniquitous practice and I welcome and applaud this approach.”

The Minister outlined to delegates at the conference her policies for raising standards in schools and the key role the Education and Skills Authority will have in this.

The Minister said: “The establishment of the Education and Skills Authority remains an objective of the Executive, and until that objective is achieved I have initiated a convergence process involving the Education and Library Boards and the other education organisations. The convergence process will streamline administration to deliver efficiencies, remove the variability of service and maintain the momentum in the rolling out of key policies.”

The Minister also highlighted to delegates the budgetary pressures. Minister Ruane said: “During the next financial year the education budget will be cut by some £75million in total. There are other urgent pressures and I will be taking decisions in coming days to address these. I want to minimise the impact on front-line services, but difficult decisions will be needed.”

The Minister concluded: “It is essential that our focus remains on raising standards and ensuring greater equity of access to a high quality education for all. I am convinced of the crucial role played by teachers, and look forward to your continued support as we change the face of education together.”

The Minister also advised delegates that much work had been undertaken to increase the opportunities to newly qualified teachers. These included directing students towards areas of demand including Irish Medium education, special needs education and the teaching of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects. In addition, employers were advised to show preference to newly qualified graduates over retired teachers. Of the 504 teachers who retired prematurely in 2008/09, only 87 were re-employed in the current year. Whereas, 160 of the 603 teachers who retired 2007/08 were re-employed.

Notes to editors:

1. Media queries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.