teachers’ union of ireland / AONTAS MÚINTEOIRÍ ÉIREANN

Vol.43 / no.4 newsMarch/april 2021 tui neWs A Word from the contents: p.2 A Word From The President p.4 Phased reopening of workplaces President – Martin Marjoram p.5 State Examinations 2021 – an update p.6 MTU ballot results Dear Members, Phased return to p.6 Don’t miss out on TUI’s accredited While TUI’s opposition to a rushed school/liMited increase course in Trade Union Studies return to in-person education in January in onsite actiVities in p.7 New mental health and wellbeing played an important role in preventing an further and higher resource for schools education unwise policy decision, and has been Though months of further restrictions p.8 Education International steps up amply vindicated since, the necessity for are before us while the vaccines are climate action in 2021 emergency remote teaching over such administered, public health advice p.9 ICTU marks International Women’s an extended period required enormous favours a cautious, phased re-opening of Day work and commitment from you, which schools and a limited increase in onsite p.10 TUI in the media TUI has referenced consistently in activities in further and higher education. p.14 Report on resolutions of Annual negotiations and in the media. Thankfully, Indeed, the more stringent limitations Congress, 26th June 2020 the state’s vaccination programme, for all imposed in other societal settings are p.19 Report on resolutions of Special its delays and difficulties, promises an identified as necessary in controlling Congress, 7th November 2020 end at last to the severe impacts of the community infection levels sufficiently to p.31 Your voice matters pandemic. In the meantime, TUI has allow education and other essential p.32 Update to the Teacher Fee Refund been, and will be, working to protect services to proceed, with appropriate Scheme members from additional workload and mitigation measures in place. p.33 Important notice for PRSI Class A in terms of health and safety. In order to improve confidence, and to contributors take advantage of the flexibility arising p.35 RMA News from only a fraction of staff having to p.36 Crossword attend in person, TUI has negotiated that Annual Congress - 6th/7th April 2021 Due to ongoing restrictions as a result of the national Congress will be addressed by both Minister for health emergency, the TUI’s Annual Congress will take Education, Norma Foley TD and Minister for Further and place remotely on 6th and 7th April 2021. Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Keep an eye on the Union’s communications channels Simon Harris TD. for updates and full details on the schedule and format In 2020, TUI’s Annual Congress took place online on of the event. 26th June 2020, with a Special Congress taking place on 7th November 2020. A full report on resolutions passed at both events are featured in this magazine.

EDITORIAL Annette Dolan John MacGabhann PRODUCTION Deputy General Secretary Assistant General Secretary Martin Marjoram [email protected] [email protected] TUI News is published by the President Teachers’ Union of Ireland. [email protected] Seamus Lahart Declan Glynn Aontas Múinteoirí Éireann, Assistant General Secretary Assistant General Secretary Liz Farrell [email protected] [email protected] 73 Orwell Road, Rathgar, Vice President Dublin 6, D06 YP89. [email protected] Aidan Kenny Anne Howard Assistant General Secretary Assistant General Secretary Michael Gillespie [email protected] [email protected] T: 01 - 492 2588 F: 01 - 492 2953 General Secretary E: [email protected] W: www.tui.ie [email protected] Colm Kelly David Duffy Assistant General Secretary Education & Research Officer Printed by: [email protected] [email protected] Typecraft Ltd. Patricia Keating Joanne Irwin Administrative Officer Assistant General Secretary [email protected] jirwin @tui.ie Conor Griffin John O’Reilly Press & Information Officer Assistant General Secretary [email protected] [email protected]

2 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS tui neWs

pregnant members, members who are 60 Building MoMentuM – a years old or older, and members who are neW PuBlic serVice in the high-risk health category may agreeMent 2021-2022 continue to work remotely if they so On 23rd February, the Public Services choose until there is a full return to in- Committee of the ICTU gave its person attendance in their sector. overwhelming backing to Building Changes to leave arrangements have also Momentum, the new public service been secured, giving members greater agreement. The TUI Executive had already facility to deal with childcare and other made clear its opposition to the proposal caring responsibilities. because it fails to address the scandal of pay discrimination. The agreement’s new Intensive work by TUI on negotiation and Sectoral Bargaining mechanism, whereby documentation has resulted in unions divert a long-awaited potential pay agreements and guidance across the rise into funding their own claims and various sectors and workplaces in which adjudications, is not a just system and TUI organises. Locally and nationally the could lead to significant divergence union must be vigilant that onsite between public servants if continued into activities take place in accordance with future agreements. However, it does those outcomes. Strict adherence to all provide a means to further address pay necessary public health requirements inequality so TUI will participate and will remains essential. The union will not work within the terms of the agreement tolerate any failure by management to to secure the scheduled pay increases TUI PRESIDENT, MARTIN MARJORAM implement what is required. and the best outcomes for members. The closure of our workplaces and the inadequacy of our database prevented us negotiation teams in all consortiums, state exaMinations from balloting as intended. As soon as while members in IADT Dun Laoghaire The further loss of face-to-face teaching and Dundalk IT face the uncertainty of in January and February resulted in a practicable, we will ballot members. In this regard, I must remind you of the not having a clear place in the process at clamour against “forcing” students to sit need to update your membership details all. The Dundalk IT Branch must be the Leaving Certificate examinations. if you have not done so. Please take the commended for its outstanding display of While sharing the concerns for students opportunity by solidarity with management grade expressed by many, TUI did not favour clicking the link here and note that the “Union Reference” field members in the ongoing dispute the Government’s decision to offer is not a required field if you do not have regarding the operations of its senior students the choice of SEC accredited your TUI number to hand. leadership team. grades instead of, or in combination with, the conventional Leaving Certificate. The annual congress disastrous spike in COVID-19 cases in industrial relations Another, regrettably remote, Annual January gave clear justification for a Processes and Congress is almost upon us. I look contingency to be put in place against a negotiations forward to the debate and the policy similar occurrence in June. However, with The WRC Conciliation process regarding the claim for a conversion process in discussion and formulation at the heart of public health advice continuing to indicate this key event in our democratic calendar. that the written examinations and almost Youthreach commenced on 5th March. The confidentiality of the process I will impress upon both Ministers (for all additional assessment components can Education and for Further and Higher take place, the decision to offer choice prevents any detailed report. The next meeting is scheduled for 20th May. Education) your remarkable work and must be viewed as a political response by dedication to your students through this both Government and opposition as Other long-standing claims, includinrg fo unprecedented crisis and the need to opposed to sound educational or public the restoration of the H.Dip./PME learn that the long-standing policy of health policy. allowance and regarding incremental operating education at crisis funding TUI negotiated tirelessly on behalf of credit in Third Level, continue their levels is not a virtue and left us singularly members, and of the integrity of the frustratingly slow progress through the ill-prepared when struck by COVID-19. assessment process, and will continue to state’s industrial relations machinery and That the system withstood that impact as insist on protections for members against we will update members when we have well as it did is a further testament to workload impositions and undue news. your extraordinary endeavours, but it is influence or interference in their Work by TUI members and officials surely time to build and fund education estimation of students’ marks. TUI’s clear continues regarding the Technological on a sustainable basis. guidance with regard to both Leaving University process. It is unacceptable that Looki ng forward to seeing many of you at Certificate and Junior Cycle will continue the Branches in the newly formed Congress, and with every good wish for to be updated an d we will continue to Munster Technological Un iversity have your and your family’s health, negotiate improvements and clarifications encountered such difficulty simply to with the Department. ensure that management upholds what is already agreed. Challenges face our www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 3 tui neWs

Phased re-opening of workplaces – ongoing review of public health situation will be required

Note – as these are additional suPPorts and phased reopening. This is not a return to safeguards tuition, rather it is a return to facilitate developing issues, keep an As a result of TUI’s representations,a instruction on specialist equipment eye on the TUI website and range of additional supports and required for the completion of time- measures have been agreed to protect critical practical elements and the social media channels for students and staff. These measures completion of such time-critical practical include a restoration and enhancement of elements. Learners will revert to updates. Comprehensive full contact tracing and fast-track testing emergency remote learning after those information documents and, crucially, arrangements for staff in practical elements are completed. high risk health categories, those over the are also available on the age of 60 and pregnant teachers to VulneraBle learners continue to provide remote teaching. The TUI agreed that vulnerable learners website, and these will requiring onsite presence to support be appropriately updated wellbeing or access to workspace and further/adult Wi-Fi to complete course work can also with any new information. education be accommodated, bearing in mind the The reopening for Further Education and overall footfall of the FET Training is co-ordinated by a FET centre/institution. In addition, as part of Stakeholders Forum. Communication the phased reopening, onsite access for issued from the Stakeholders Forum on vulnerable learners at Level 1 and 2 second leVel February 25th in respect of the return to The TUI has consistently said that including STP and NLN is proposed from FET centres for learners at levels 4, 5 and March 22nd, 2021. Onsite activity should members are prepared to facilitate a 6 who are engaged in time-critical phased and cautious return of students to only include the minimum number of practical elements across the awards learners required onsite at any given time schools, subject to the advice and including QQI, City of Guilds, ITEC, supplemented with emergency remote continuing review of the situation by Junior and Senior Trade examinations. It tuition. public health authorities. was advised that the target reopening date for these time-critical classes is Special classes in post-primary schools additional suPPorts and March 15th, 2021. safeguards reopened on 22nd February, with final Further education and training year Leaving Certificate returning on 1st The Stakeholders working group met institutions will continue to operate March and 5th year students returning on again on March 10th, 2021. The TUI was primarily online with emergency 15th March. The remaining year groups at satisfied with the way the first stage of remote learning remaining the post-primary level are due to return on the reopening process was delivered by primary mode of delivery for most 12th April, subject to the prevailing public the sector when the final year Leaving activities with remote working health advice. Certificate / Leaving Certificate Applied encouraged where possible. session 4 learners and a small number of At all times, TUI has acknowledged the critical and time sensitive apprenticeship The TUI is ensuring that all vital importance of face-to-face provision classes returned to FET Centres. planned phased return will be for students and notes that a number of carried out in a phased approach concerns that it had expressed have now aPPrenticeshiP and in accordance with current been addressed and extra safeguards Fol lowing the successful return of 251 Governmental COVID-19 provided. apprentices from 1st March, a second Resilience & Recovery 2021 – The group of 320 time-critical apprentices will Path Ahead framework. All However, the union also said that it must recommence onsite practical training and planning will be based on full be recognised there is still considerable assessment from Monday 15th March. adherence to the prevailing anxiety and concern among school staff, national guidelines and health and students and their families aro und the tiMe-critical assessMents safety regulations. return to schools. In that context it is leVel 4-6 imperative that all safeguards and Having considered public health advice Given that FET is continuing online under measures set out to protect health and and the need to continue to limit Level 5 Restrictions and the very limited safety in schools are adhered to. The attendance onsite, the TUI agreed that extent of onsite attendance (strictly union stated that it will not tolerate any learners at levels 4, 5 and 6 who are limited to what is essential and slippage in that regard and will take engaged in time-critical practical elements time-critical for course completion decisive action to protect members in across the awards including QQI, City of purposes and which cannot be delivered any setting where nonadherence to safety Guilds, Junior and Senior Trade online), the TUI is ensuring that staff in measures occurs. examinations will commence returning to the high-risk category as well as the over FET centres and colleges on 15th of 60’s and pregnant staff may continue March as part of an agreed process for a working remotely if they choose.

4 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS tui neWs

For some time, TUI had sought the third leVel establishment of a Third Level All safety measures must be TUI has negotiated terms for a marginal, strictly adhered to – members limited increase in onsite activities in IoTs Stakeholders’ forum, modelled on the will withdraw from engagement and TUs, as supported by public health successful forum in Further Education advice. Only essential, time-critical and Training for which TUI also lobbied. in situations where measures and activities which cannot be conducted On 8th March, the Partnership of safeguards not being adhered to remotely and are required for Stakeholders in the Technological Sector At national level, all measures must be programme completion are to be (POSITS) forum, comprising TUI, Fórsa, facilitated while all public health SIPTU, Unite, THEA, TU Dublin, the kept under ongoing review, not least to requirements must be in place. Principles Higher Education Authority, and the take account of the emerging new and guidance have issued to Branches. It Department of Further and Higher variants of COVID-19. is clearly laid out that local consultation is Education, Research, Innovation, and a key element in the limited increase in Science, met for the first time. Now more than ever, all risk mitigation onsite activities. Any efforts by measures and safeguards will need to The principles for the marginal, limited management to bypass that stage must be be strictly adhered to. The health and increase in onsite activities was opposed, including through the agreed safety of students, staff and their negotiated at the POSITS forum. A more collective grievance procedure if families cannot be compromised. TUI detailed document was negotiated necessary. As elsewhere, TUI has directly between TUI and THEA, and a members will withdraw from negotiated that pregnant members, similar agreement is being sought with TU engagement in situations where the members who are 60 years old or older, Dublin. measures and safeguards that protect and members in the high-risk health them and their students are not being category can continue to work remotely adhered to. if they so wish.

state examinations 2021 – an update IMPORTANT: The Union has produced and regularly updated a significant and comprehensive set of FAQs on all issues related to this year’s State Examinations. Click here to access most up-to-date documents.

On 17th February, the Minister for regressive decision in would not be betrayed again, the TUI Education Norma Foley TD announced demanded and has secure d water-tight that following a Government decision, the relation to additional protections in this regard. Leaving Certificate 2021 examinations assessment components would proceed and that students would The TUI said that the Minister’s decision no precedent also have the alternative option of to externally assess oral and practical Critically, our engagement with these applying for grades accredited by the examinations only for the conventional measures cannot and will not be regarded State Examinations Commission (SEC), to Leaving Certificate process is regrettable as a precedent for or as agreement to be known as SEC Accredited Grades. and regressive. Those marks should also operate any such measures in future be applied to the SEC Accredited Grades years. Our engagement with this process tui expresses concerns process as sought by the TUI in the is only on the basis of necessity due to practical concrete proposals that it but recognises that some the national health emergency. Public brought to the negotiations. Provision of Health advice permitting, we envisage the key issues addressed an estimated mark that incorporates the While expressing serious concerns about Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate additional assessment components for aspects of the parallel processes, the running in the established manner in the SEC Accredited Grade is a poor Union recognised that a number of key 2022. second best. issues that it brought forward in the consultation with intensive negotiations on behalf of rank ordering – tui members were addressed. These include members The TUI continues to consult intensively the retention of the established Leaving secures protections Crucially, the TUI Executive Committee with members and will seek further Certificate and of additional components noted that the Department breached and clarifications, where necessary. Should of assessment as well as protections and betrayed the trust of teachers by you have further questions or safeguards against any form of canvassing reneging on an assurance given to observations, please send them to and lobbying. A commitment has been teachers, in relation to the 2020 [email protected], making secured by the TUI for the introduction calculated grades system, that the student sure to include details of your workplace of legislative protections for teachers. The ranking would only be available in or branch. TUI also noted that, following its public response to a data access request. request, final clarity was given on the Determined to ensure that our members Junior Certificate examinations.

www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 5 tui neWs

Mtu – ballo t results make don’t miss out - clear the need for tui’s accredited course meaningful engagement in trade union studies to address concerns of will run again in 2021/22

members In October 2019, the TUI set up its first online course for The Munster Technological University (MTU) was established Union representatives in collaboration with the City of on the 1st January 2021 by the amalgamation of Cork Institute Glasgow College Trade Union Centre. 18 members of Technology and Institute of Technology Tralee. As part of the completed the course In March 2020 having completed 9 transition process towards a technological university, the online activities, which addressed topics such as the role members in each branch (Cork and Tralee) were balloted on of representatives, how to access resources and how to the Terms and Reference and Memorandum of Understanding. deal with disciplinary and grievance procedures. An additional 23 members will complete the course in 2021. Concerns began to emerge relating to the failure of the two institutes to implement the terms of the agreed memorandum. The course is fully accredited and the successful With a view to resolving the industrial relations matters, the participants are awarded a level 5 Certificate in Trade union requested the assistance of the Workplace Relations Union Studies. The participants came from all the various Commission (WRC) which resulted in intensive negotiations sectors that the TUI represents and all spoke of the occurring in November and December 2020. enjoyment they got from doing the course and how it gave them extra confidence in fulfilling their various roles in the The WRC issued a proposal to all parties in January 2021. Due TUI from member of the Workplace Committee to to COVID-19, the union could not organise workplace ballots Branch Officer. on the proposal, so a process to carry out postal ballots was instead pursued. In each branch, the WRC proposal was The TUI is now inviting applications for a limited number rejected and a ballot for industrial action passed. The first of places for next year’s course which is scheduled to phase of industrial action is under consideration. TUI has commence in October 2021. consistently stated that the resolution of industrial relation For further information or to enrol contact John O’Reilly disputes can only be found through meaningful engagement. at [email protected]

A note from the Teaching Council: guidance for registered teachers about the use of social Media and electronic communication

On 9th February 2021 (Global Safer and engaging ways. Electronic media tools. It is our intention that it be Internet Day), the Teaching Council’s communication and social media also a useful reminder for some, or generate ‘Guidance for Registered Teachers about provide new ways for teachers to awareness for others, on the appropriate the use of Social Media and Electronic communicate with students, colleagues use of social media and electronic Communications’ was launched. The and the public. communication. Guidance was launched through an ezine which issued to all registered teachers. An extensive consultation process took The Social Media Guidance document Additionally, the Guidance was published place with the draft Guidance document may also assist schools when developing on the Teaching Council website, issuing to every teacher on the Teaching a school’s individual social media policy circulated to stakeholders by e-mail and Council register who held an e-mail but should not replace or act as a social published on the Council’s social media address and submissions sought. All key media policy for schools. platforms. stakeholders engaged in the consultation process between December 2018 and Please click here to view the Social Many teachers use social media and September 2019. Media Guidance document on the electronic communication to enhance Teaching Council website. their classroom practice, introducing This guidance seeks to support teachers their students to new tools and in continuing to make the best use of delivering the curriculum in innovative electronic communication and social

6 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS tui neWs new mental health and wellbeing resource for schools Jigsaw, the youth mental health charity, have launched the Jigsaw Schools Hub - a new resource offering schools across Ireland the latest tools and information to help them support young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

At jigsaw.ie/schools you will find a growing range of resources for school staff, created by the Jigsaw team in collaboration with young people, school staff, and parents.

The charity recognises the demands faced by school staff during these extraordinary times, and wants to ensure that they have access to the resources they need to feel confident and comfortable exploring mental health and wellbeing with young people.

The resources contribute to delivering a mental health and wellbeing programme as part of the school curriculum. And they have been tailored to support school staff and students during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Jigsaw Schools Hub is supported by What you will find… Why the Jigsaw Rethink Ireland through the Innovate I An Introduction to youth mental schools hub? Together Fund, a collaboration between health toolkit to help school staff to Rethink Ireland and the Department of “We know that schools and their staff explore mental health and wellbeing Rural and Community Development do hugely important and amazing work with young people in the classroom. (via the Dormant Accounts Fund). in helping to support young people’s Young people will creatively learn mental health. And in the Covid-19 about their mental health and No matter how your school role pandemic we know that this has become wellbeing, including what can support supports young people’s mental health much harder. On top of all this, school and challenge mental health, ways to and wellbeing, at the Jigsaw Schools Hub staff are facing greater demands. This is manage feelings, and how to seek you will find a growing range of up-to- why, with the support of Rethink Ireland help if and when it is needed. date resources, tools and information to through the Innovate Together Fund, I help you with your work. am delighted to be launching The Jigsaw I Ways to support and look after your Schools Hub, with vital mental health and Find out more at jigsaw.ie/schools own mental health. As you support wellbeing resources to support young people, it is important to educators at this uniquely difficult time,” remember to take the time for self- said Jigsaw’s Chief Executive Officer, care and to look after your own Dr Joseph Duffy. wellbeing too. “We believe that the Jigsaw Schools Hub will help school staff to feel more I What school leaders can do to confident and better equipped in how create a whole-school approach that they respond and support young people supports staff and students with their with their mental health. And we hope mental health and wellbeing. You will that it will grow to become an look at what a whole-school indispensable resource that will appro ach to mental health means, contribute to the delivery of wellbeing as part of the school curriculum.” and how can it help your school. JIGSAW CEO JOSEPH DUFFY

- TUI NEWS www.tui.ie 7 tui neWs

education international steps up climate change action in 2021 and beyond

It is over a year since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic. Today, battling the virus remains an immediate and pressing priority across the globe.

However, we cannot forget that climate change continues to be the greatest threat facing humanity and our planet. Climate change is an unquestionable reality that is already causing irre versible damage and great suffering. If we do nothing, our very existence is at stake. leaders, with the campaign running preparedness to teach climate As recognised by Education until COP 26 in November. Stay change education (as well as International’s 2019 World Congress, tuned for more information from EI education on sustainable education unions have a crucial role in order to take part in upcoming consumption and production, human to play in fighting for a sustainable consultations on EI’s policy demands. world. Taking collective action to rights including gender equality, and advance climate justice is our The campaign launch event, Teach for cultural diversity and tolerance). Do responsibility – and it cannot wait. the Planet: the Global Education teachers globally feel they have the ll feature prominent Therefore, EI is urgently stepping up Summit wi knowledge, motivation, training, time, climate action this year and beyond. activists from every continent, resources, and support to teach compelling live panels, interactive ei launches a climate features and powerful stories about about the climate crisis? We want to change education educators and unions making a know! difference around the globe. From campaign: teach for The results of the survey will help us science education in the face of fake place the teacher perspective at the the Planet news to why we need transformative Education is a powerful tool to centre of the conversation about climate education now, the event will combat climate change. Yet education climate change education and will be inform, inspire, and compel to action. an important part of EI’s campaign. is too often neglected in We will also be joining forces with governments’ climate action plans. the Youth Summit and the Hip Hop The survey - accessible by clicking We want this to change. Therefore, Cauc us as part of this event. this link - will be open for EI is launching a flagship campaign responses until 25th April. calling for governments to urgently Climate change affects the most prioritise the provision of quality climate change vulnerable in our societies and climate change education for all. education? across the world. As education Because teachers are crucial for the unions, we have a responsibility to The campaign will be launched on 21 take urgent action on the climate April ahead of the Climate Summit provision of universal quality climate emergency and the promotion of hosted by the US on Earth Day (22 change education, EI has teamed up quality climate change education for April). Educators will call for with UNESCO to find out directly all. Thank you for joining us in this ambitious climate change education from teachers about their fight. commitments to be made by world

8 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS tui neWs

‘Women leadership and change’ - ictu marks international Women's day

On Friday 5th March, the ICTU Women’s While there have been improvements in need for all Governments to ratify ILO Committee organised a Seminar the numbers of women working at the Convention 190, which is the first ‘Women Leadership and Change’ to most senior levels in the public sector, international labour standard to address mark International Women’s Day. In her private sector business has a long way to violence and harassment at work. address to this event the General go. Currently, only one in nine CEOs are Secretary of ICTU, Patricia King, female while only 7% of board Governments and employers who are reminded delegates that despite chairpersons are women. members of the ILO have agreed on the women’s increased engagement in public Convention and have committed to decision-making roles, equality is yet to The impact of the pandemic was not improving laws, services, and procedures be achieved. Notwithstanding the fact gender-neutral. From job losses and for preventing and tackling violence and that women are entering politics in reduced working hours to spikes in harassment. Congress is currently in greater numbers than ever before, men domestic violence and more difficulties dialogue with Minister O’Gorman with a still dominate politics and power in combining work and family view to agreeing on a proposal on the Ireland with only 25% of cabinet posts responsibilities, the effects of the introduction of Domestic Violence Leave held by women. pandemic have hit women the hardest. in Ireland.

Globally, according to UN figures, the We need to remember all women who Congress also calls on Minister pattern is no different, where only in 14 have been in the vanguard of the national O’Gorman to progress the long-awaited countries do women account for 50% or effort to keep us safe and ensure the Gender Pay Gap Information Bill as a more of cabinet members. Congress provision of our essential services. They matter of urgency. urges political parties to select and have made massive sacrifices and taken We are looking forward to working with support more women candidates in the many risks to keep society functioning in the UN Decade of Action programme f uture to ensure that women can achieve the areas of healthcare, teaching, retail, which we expect will accelerate our 50% representation in parliament within the office, and in the home. progress to achieving the ‘2030’ a reasonable timeframe. We will continue to work with our sustainable goals agenda for women and international colleagues to reinforce the girls globally. The Cheapestapest iPadss for SchoSchool!

TUI OFFER ENDS 2ND APRIL 2021 ONLYONLLYY SAVE OVER €199* €1000!10000! a month inc.c. VVATVAAATT on the latest iPads and set your school up for successful anytimeanytime, ananywherenywhere learning! 16x iPad Class Set (€8500 total inc VAT to buy outright. Now only €7409 inc VAT) 10.2” iPad 8th Gen (new model) • 16 x iPad 32GB (new model) devices FREE BBespoke School Set up • 1 x Wheeled charge & storage trolley ... for a limited time only! • 16 x Max Rugged Protective Cover • 16 x 3 year Device Management Licence FREE i PPad Management Training with FREE Training!Training! FREE

TermsTerms and Conditions: *Price valid while VVATAATT rate remains at 21%. Rates subject to market • Secure deliverdeliveryy to your school cchange.hange. IIncludesncludes aaccesstoccessto ffreeree ttrainingraining vvideoideo bbyy WWriggleriggle iiOSOS sspecialistpecialist oonn uusingsing JJAMFAMF devicedevice FREEFREE 1100ml Device Sanitiser Spray managementmanagement for iPad. Offer applicable to minimum purchase of a class set of 16 iPads onlyonly..

Get the technology your school needs today at an uunbeatable price while stocks last! Contact sales@[email protected] or Ph: 01 5009060 and quote: TUI OfferOf fferfer

www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 9 tui neWs

tui in the media In recent weeks, TUI representatives have engaged with the media around a number of key issues. A sample is set out below.

and students, and realise that what being put under pressure. We we want is a robust system that welcome the indications from does have integrity and that any Government in relation to undue pressure on teachers would protections for teachers so that the be unacceptable.’ TUI President system’s integrity isn’t undermined.’ Martin Marjoram interviewed on TUI President Martin importance of protections for teachers Marjoram addresses the need for for Leaving Certificate 2021 on protections for teachers regarding Virgin Media News bulletins Leaving Certificate 2021 on Virgin 18/2/21 Media News bulletins - ______26/2/21 Public health advice must ______guide return to school, unions “Tracking and tracing measures warn must be robust and fit for purpose, MARTIN MARJORAM, RTE 1ST FEBRUARY The TUI said its members are while any member of the school prepared to facilitate a phased and community - staff or student - who ‘The Leaving Certificate is far more ‘We realise that students are under cautious return of students to has symptoms of Covid-19 or is a than a sit-down exam. There are a a lot of stress and strain and we schools, subject to ongoing reviews close contact of a confirmed case huge range of second components want to alleviate it. The only way to by the public health authorities.- must stay at home,” said TUI of assessment – orals, practicals, do it is to provide clarity. Any Irish Examiner 23/2/21 general secretary Micheal performances in music, engineering process must take into account ______Gillespie. “We have already stated and construction projects – and all students’ and teachers’ concerns Schools will reopen on that we will not tolerate any of these test different skills.’ TUI and we must have a Leaving slippage in terms of nonadherence General Secretary Michael Certificate that has integrity and Monday for Leaving Certs and junior infants to second to key safety measures in Gillespie interviewed on RTE's that is meaningful.’ - TUI General workplaces.” - Irish Times Drivetime programme 1/2/21 Secretary Mich ael Gillespie class, Minister confirms The Teachers’ Union of Ireland said 1/3/21 ______discussed the union's engagement ______in the process for this year’s a continuing review of the situation TUI General Secretary is needed by public health The Teachers’ Union of Ireland Michael Gillespie was Leaving Certificate and the union’s position on the phased return to authorities, Irish Times 23/2/21 (TUI) urged vigilance to ensure that interviewed on Newstalk’s eTh ______the return is safe and sustainable. Pat Kenny Show about the hike schools on RTE Radio 1’s Today With Katie Hannon ‘It is really important that school The union has said that it is in numbers applying through the “absolutely imperative that all CAO system and its implications programme 13/2/21 authorities and the Department ensure full compliance with all safeguards and measures to protect and also issues around Leaving Cert ______health and safety in schools are 2021 2/2/21 Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning necessary measures in order to keep everybody safe.’ TUI adhered to”- RTE website ______Ireland, the TUI’s Martin 1/3/21 Marjoram said the union had President Martin Marjoram ‘We still hope that the traditional interviewed on RTE’s Nine News ______Leaving Certificate with come to a decision that the Junior Cert couldn’t run. “We have come regarding confirmation of a return TUI General Secretary modifications to take account of to schools for final year Leaving Michael Gillespie outlined why the lost face-to-face tuition time to a decision we don’t like coming to, but on balance the Junior Certificate students - 23/2/21 TUI believes mock examinations can run in something close to the ______for final year Leaving Cert students normal way.’ TUI President Certificate examination cannot go ahead this year,” he said. “It’s a Leag Declan Glynn, Ard-Rúnaí are counter-productive and should Martin Marjoram discussed not take place with limited tuition TUI’s position on Leaving Cert decision we have made with regret” Cúnta, amach na socruithe i leith na 17/2/21 mBéaltrialacha Ardteistiméireachta time remaining in this academic 2021 on RTE's Six One News - year on RTE's Drivetime 1/2/21 ______ar an gclár Tús Áite ar Raidió na Gaeltachta ar 26ú Feabhra programme 4/3/21 ______‘What’s good about the plan is that ______public health advice supports the ______TUI President Martin Phléigh Declan Glynn, Ard-Rúnaí Marjoram discussed the re- running of the state exams in June ‘We now have several months of and that the additional components teaching still to go that that does Cúnta, ceist na mbréagscrúduithe opening of special classes from Ard teiste ar an gclár 22nd February, the possible return of assessment are covered. In terms provide potential dangers in that of these additional components, teachers could find themselves Adhmhaidin, de chuid Raidió of Leaving Cert students and na Gaeltachta ar 5/3/21 related issues on RTE’s Today one of the biggest disappointments With Claire Byrne programme is that they will only be provided to 11/2/21 Click here those who are going to sit the written exam. We believe that this ______would have been a far more robust TUI General Secretary system had they been provided to Michael Gillespie set out TUI’s everybody.’ - TUI President position on Leaving Cert 2021 on Martin Marjoram took part in a RTE television news bulletins, panel discussion on RTE’s Today confirming that no new concessions With Claire Byrne programme in have been offered to other relation to this year’s Leaving stakeholders by Government Certificate 18/2/21 13/2/21 ______‘We would appeal to everybody that they adhere to their responsibilities, particularly parents MICHAEL GILLESPIE, RTE NEWS 13TH FEBRUARY

10 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS Protect all of your number ones Get your FREE Life Insurance Review

We’ll make sure your loved ones are protected and that your balance of cover is right!

Call (01) 420 6789 today!

Plus you could WIN €5,000* if you get a Financial Health Check before 30th June 2021! As part of your Financial Health Check, we’ll review your Life Insurance needs and overall finances to ensure you have a plan in place for your future.

Cornmarket.ie/life-insurance

*Competition Terms: To enter, you must complete a Financial Health Check with a Cornmarket consultant between 1st January 2021 and 30th June 2021. Promotional photography required. Draw takes place and one winner will be notified by telephone on 9th July 2021. Winner will be announced on cornmarket.ie on the day of the draw. No purchase necessary. A cheque for €5,000 will be made payable to the prize winner. Prize draw is open to persons aged 18 and over who are ROI residents. Only 1 entry per person. This prize excludes any employee of Cornmarket and anyone directly or professionally associated with the promotion. Entries not submitted in accordance with these rules, or delayed entries will be disqualified. The promoter, Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd., reserves the right to alter, amend and foreclose the promotion without prior notice. Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. A member of the Irish Life Group Ltd. which is part of the Great-West Lifeco Group of companies. Telephone calls may be recorded for quality control and training purposes. Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited, trading as Aviva Life & Pensions Ireland, is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority in the UK and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Irish Life Assurance plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. 16461 NGB TUI ad 02-21 tui neWs

12 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS tui neWs

www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS tui neWs

REPORT ON RESOLUTIONS OF ANNUAL CONGRESS – 26TH JUNE 2020 AND ACTIONS TAKEN

MOTIONS OF CONSEQUENCE UNDER RULE 23 MOTIONS CARRIED A. MOTIONS RELATING TO THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY AND ITS CONSEQUENCES Motion 1 - Health

ICongress notes that the members of the TUI look forward to the re-opening of schools, centres, colleges, institutes and universities to all staff and students as PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS, ANNUAL CONGRESS 26TH JUNE 2020 I soon as that can be done safely and th e Union’s consistent, reasonable and principled view that its advice to under the “Safety, Health and Welfare Education and Skills/Employer members will at all points be at Work Act 2005” to select and decisions or protocols in relation to informed by and in compliance with I appoint a “Safety Representative”). return to workplaces, including those the advice of the public health the obligation on employers to in respect of social distancing, must I authorities provide appropriate training in a be based upon and adhere to the the duty of the Union to protect the timely manner to all employees in advice of the national public health best interests of members, having relation to safe return to the I authorities regard to their right to a safe I workplace and other related matters any such decisions must prioritise the workplace, including when working the deficits in terms of physical health and safety of both staff I remotely infrastructure and facilities of I members and students the duty of care of members to their I education sector workplaces prior to and framing any such students uneven and inadequate access to decisions, there must be full, broadband and appropriate digital meaningful and structured IIn this context Congress notes learning resources available to consultation and discussion at the continuing risk associated with I members and students national level with the TUI and other Covid-19 according to the public that current cleaning and hygiene I relevant parties I health authorities regimes (and resourcing therefor) are shaped by this consultation and the current requirements under public insufficient to support a safe return to discussion, national guidance must health authority advice and I those workplaces issue and must inform discussion and government decision in relation to the substantial number of staff implementation of such decisions at I physical distancing in workplaces members and students who have local, institutional, employer and/or the right of workers under the underlying health issues that I sectoral level (as relevant) relevant protocols to have Lead significantly increase the level of risk the necessary level of resources Worker Representatives in place, they would face upon return to the (including PPE, where appropriate) selected by those whom they workplace. be made available to schools, represent and as set out in the ICTU colleges and centres I guidelines CongressI therefore demands that the pre-existing right of workers any Government/ Department of Congress also instructs the Executive

14 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS tui neWs

Committee to initiate a campaign of following the Christmas 2020 break and members by importing – action and, if necessary, ballot members the Union is engaged with the relevant inappropriately and without for industrial action, at institutional, authorities, including Public Health, in agreement - elements of the employer, sectoral, regional or national this regard. I emergency arrangements level, as appropriate, in the event that impose a regime of online return to workplaces is demanded in a Motion 2 - Workload I assessments in order to reduce costs manner and/or at a time that is move permanently and without considered not to be consistent with the and IR agreement to a greatly increased advice of the public health authorities or ICongress notes that reliance on online delivery and that places at risk the health and safety of TUI members have been working I working from home members and/or of their students. throughout the period since closure of unilaterally impose calendar or schools/colleges/centres on 12th timetable arrangements that breach The Union has consistently applied the March the terms of existing agreements policy set out by the motion in relation to I teaching and learning in a remote I and/or circulars each sector and employment in which we environment has been and continues combine classes, increase class size have members. A fundamental under- to be very challenging for members and thereby both increase the pinning principle of the TUI’s approach I and their students, respectively workload of some members and is adherence to public health advice. members of the Union have reduce or eliminate the working In this regard and to embed the TUI demonstrated their commitment in I hours of others position in public and political maintaining their service (including assign additional administrative and discourse, the Union has, both before but not confined to emergency compliance duties to members and since Annual Congress 2020, I remote teaching) to students engaged in a sustained media campaign, workload has increased significantly Congress rejects such opportunistic clearly setting out the five key demands I as a consequence manipulation of the goodwill of TUI in numerous high-profile national and the TUI secured a specific agreement members and exploitation of the public regional media interviews. (covering each sector) that the health crisis. Congress instructs the arrangements put in place to deal Executive Committee to protect The Union also demanded and secured with the Covid-19 emergency do not Imembers against such exploitation by structured, regular engagement constitute a precedent and will not be demanding and negotiating a regarding health and safety and other I repeated in ordinary times sustainable workload model, to issues relating to the re-opening of in each sector, exceptional include an interim arrangement (if schools, centres and colleges with the arrangements were put in place by I necessary) for the coming year Ministers and senior officials of the DES members in order to ensure that negotiating the necessary resources and DFHERIS, the relevant education students could complete their (not least ICT resources) to support management associations and bodies programmes of study and have access both that model and the high quality and, where necessary, the Public Health to the appropriate accreditation or I education provided to our students authorities and other partners. The certification, including changes to instigating an effective campaign of Union has also addressed issues to and assessment procedures in the FET action wherever instances of through the ICTU where it is the body and third level sectors and the opportunism or exploitation by that represents employees at particular development and implementation of a employers occur and, in this regard, national fora – such as the Labour, calculated grades system at second if necessary, balloting members for Employer, Economic Forum (LEEF). level. industrial action, at institutional, employer, sectoral, regional or As a direct result of TUI’s Congress is concerned that, I national level, as appropriate representations, functioning stakeholder notwithstanding commitments received pursuing the Union’s existing claims fora on COVID-19 issues are in place by the Union that no precedent will be with vigour. for the post-primary, Furt her and Adult established, some employers are seeking Education and Higher Education toI The TUI has been vigilant in addressing sectors. Through these fora, the Union normalise and embed these issues as and where they arise. has been able successfully to press home exceptional and once-off Recognising that local transgressions by its demands. arrangements, including the management would continue in the associated increases in workload absence of nationally agreed protocols At the time of writing, due to firm action I frustrate the Union’s legitimate and and protections, the Union negotiated an taken by the TUI (in the light of the very reasonable pre-existing claims, such Emergency Remote Teaching Agreement sharp increase in cases and the as the claim at Third Level, in respect with the Te chnological Higher Education emergence of COVID-19 variants that of on-line learning Association (THEA) and the are more transmissible) schools, centres I change terms and conditions of Technological University Dublin. This and colleges have not yet re-opened

www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 15 tui neWs

agreement makes it clear that emergency appropriate and adequate resources and In relation to post-primary, the TUI was measures related to or necessitated by that they are always in full compliance the first stakeholder to point to the need the COVID-19 public health emergency with the prevailing public health advice. for adjustments to the Leaving do not set a precedent and that members To that end, the TUI has insisted that all Certificate examinations 2021 to take can make appropriate academic documents first come to stakeholders in account of the disruption caused by decisions to facilitate student learning draft form for commentary. By providing COVID-19 restrictions, including during the emergency. extensive and consistent feed-back on all periods of school closure. The Union such drafts, the Union has succeeded in also highlighted the fact that the Similar “no precedent” agreements were exercising positive influence on the negative impact of these disruptions has negotiated by the Union for the post- documents that eventually issued to the varied substantially and that already primary and Further and Adult system and on associated levels of marginalised students have been further Education sectors. resourcing. marginalised, not least because of poor In respect of the alternative assessment connectivity, the lack of adequate ICT arrangements for 2020 – for example, resources and the cost (to families and/or the Calculated Grades process - the Motion 3 - Programmes of schools) of procuring such resources. Union insisted upon (and secured) a Study/Curriculum/Syllabi Jointly with the ISSU, the TUI, in autumn written agreement that these too would Recognising that restrictions imposed in 2020, addressed to the Minister and be deployed on a no precedent basis. through the media, the emerging problem Moreover, if, based on public health response to the Covid-19 health crisis have meant that some elements of certain of undue focus by some schools on serial advice and the prevailing conditions assessment of Leaving Certificate related to COVID-19, any such programmes of study/curriculum/syllabi could not be completed for particular students, to the detriment of appropriate alternative arrangements are again teaching and learning. required in 2021, the no-precedent cohorts of students, Congress instructs agreements will again have to apply. the Executive Committee to engage with Late in the year, the State Examinations the appropriate statutory authorities, Commission confirmed that adjustments The Union has raised workload concerns awarding bodies and/or management would be made to the return dates for directly with individual employers authorities with a view to having certain LC assessment components and (Institutes, ETBs, Boards of Management appropriate adjustments made to the that greater choice would be offered to of schools) and has, in most cases, programmes/curriculum and/or related students in the LC written examinations secured local resolution. In some cases assessments so that students are not in June 2020. At the time of writing, the that has required recourse to the unfairly and adversely affected by Union is seeking a more extensive range applicable grievance procedure. Where circumstances that are beyond their of adjustments to take fair account of the matters have not been resolved locally, control and that the necessary resourcing further period of school closure and the Union has brought them to the is provided to support any such reliance on emergency remote teaching national management bodies and/or to adjustments. Furthermore, such in early 2021. the relevant Industrial Relations national adjustments must respect fully members’ foru m (Teachers’ Conciliation Council, existing terms and conditions of The Union has also kept under review ETB IR Forum, IoT IR Forum or NNF). employment. the (QQI and other applicable) assessment modalities in Further and Health and safety matters relating to Congress also instructs the Executive Adult Education and is seeking remote working have been raised in the Committee to demand of Government appropriate adjustments. The Union has relevant stakeholders’ fora on COVID-19 and the relevant agencies that the also made specific representations in related issues or, if appropriate, at the educational inequalities that have been regard to courses in which placements industrial relations forum for the sector. starkly illustrated and exacerbated by the are a required element for qualification Some such matters have also been raised digital divide (as it has affected and progre ssion to employment. by the TUI at the ICTU Health and particular cohorts of students during the Safety Committee. period of school/college/centre closure) At third level, issues relating to be addressed as a matter of urgency and assessment have been addressed in the Throughout the period since March the requisite resources provided towards first instance at and through the 2020, the TUI has invested significant that end. designated academic fora. Where effort into ensuring that guidance matters of contention are not resolved documents issue from the DES and other This position was consistently set out in locally, they are brought – if need be as relevant departments in a timely manner, TUI press releases and by TUI IR issues – to the appropriate national that those documents are comprehensive contributors to national and regional forum. in their scope, that they prioritise the media in the weeks and months that health and safety of staff and students, followed Congress 2020. that they identify and provide for

16 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS tui neWs

B. PROCEDURAL MOTION OF CONSEQUENCE

Motion 4 – Annual Congress 2020 The Executive Committee will, under Rule 23 propose the following motion of consequence:

IRecognising the extraordinary circumstances created by the Covid-19 public health emergency, the requirement to protect the health and safety of members and their families and, in that regard, the decision of 13th March of the Executive Committee to postpone GENERAL SECERTARY’S ADDRESS, ANNUAL CONGRESS 26TH JUNE 2020 I Annual Congress 2020 he need, under the rules of the Union and the norms of good governance, to least 90 minutes shall be allowed for All other items/matters on the Final convene and conclude Annual discussion of emergency motions at Agenda of Annual Congress 2020, Congress as soon as possible and the I the Special Congress including the motions and amendments decision in that context to convene time shall also be allowed at the as prioritised, as well as all other I Annual Congress incorporeally Special Congress for updates in matters on the order of business as the limitations of the incorporeal respect of each of the sections into adopted for Annual Congress were format in relation to the conduct of which motions are grouped. brought to a Special Congress called by the normal three-day Congress the Executive Committee in accordance programme, including the facilitation ICongress also instructs that with Rule and held on 7th November of discussion and debate in the usual the Special Congress shall, if 2020. Due to the advice at the relevant manner. possible, be corporeal and shall time of the public health authorities, it convene as soon as it is practicable to was not possible to convene a corporeal CIongress instructs that do so and in compliance with Rule Special Congress. Therefore the Special Annual Congress 2020 shall directly and the advice of the public health Congress was incorporeal. proceed to ratification of I authorities appointments, questions to the Congress further instructs that if, due In addition to the motions and Annual Report (submitted in to the advice at the relevant time of amendments (referred to above), over 90 accordance with Rule 24) and the public health authorities, it is not minutes were allowed for discussion of adoption of the Annual possible to convene a corporeal emergency motions at the Special Accounts/Financial Statements and Special Congress, an incorporeal Congress and time was also allowed for Annual Report and shall then be Special Congress shall be convened updates in respect of each of the sections into which motions were grouped. I formally closed before the end of this calendar year. all other items/matters on the Final Agenda of Annual Congress 2020, This motion was passed by Annual including the motions and Congress 2020 on 26th June 2020. Its amendments as prioritised, as well as terms took immediate effect and, in all other matters on the order of consequence, Annual Congress 2020 - business as adopted for Annual having accepted the Annual Congress will be brought to a Special Accounts/Financial Statements, ratified Congress that shall be called by the appointments and dealt with questions to Executive Committee in accordance the Annual Report (submitted in I with Rule accordance with Rule 24) - adopted the in addition to the motions and Annual Report and was then formally amendments (referred to above), at closed.

www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 17 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

APPLY NOW

Are you looking for a postgraduate programme that can help you to develop and enrich your knowledge and practice in education? Do you aspire to a leadership position in education?

Trinity has been inspiring generations for over 400 years. Postgraduate programmes in the School of Education are flexibly arranged to fit with the busy schedule of today’s professionals. Check out our course websites and see what Trinity can do for you.

Postgraduate Certificate in 21st Century Professional Master of Education (PME) Teaching and Learning Graduates of this full-time, 2-year degree are recognised by the A Level 9 Certificate which can be used as an entry route to a Teaching Council to teach in post-primary schools. 10 subject master’s level qualification. Selected topics include digital literacy, areas available. collaborative teaching and learning, programming and educational Details at: https://www.tcd.ie/Education/programmes/pme/ leadership. Details at: https://www.tcd.ie/Education/programmes/ Doctor of Education (D.Ed.) certificate-21Century-Teaching-Learning/ A practice-oriented research-based doctorate especially suited to mid-career and advanced professionals who want to deepen Master in Education (M.Ed) their own practice and/or pursue leadership positions. The flexible Study full-time (1 year) or part-time (2-3 years). Specialisms part-time format enables professionals to continue working, while include: advancing their learning and their understanding of research in their area of expertise. Programme involves completion of taught • Critical Perspectives on Education modules and a thesis. • Drama in Education Details at: https://www.tcd.ie/Education/programmes/ • Early Intervention doctoral/d-ed/ • Higher Education • Language Education Ph.D. • Leadership and Management in Education Students select an area of enquiry and work under the supervision • Mathematics Education of designated supervisors to demonstrate a range of high-level learning outcomes and skills. Students can develop knowledge and • Psychology of Education skills in research methods, communication, leadership, innovation • Science Education and career management. Programme involves completion of • Special Educational Needs taught modules and a thesis. Programme entails completion of taught modules and Details at: https://www.tcd.ie/Education/programmes/ a dissertation. doctoral/structured-phd/ Details at: https://www.tcd.ie/Education/programmes/masters/

Application dates vary by programme. Check website for details.

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin www.tcd.ie tui neWs

REPORT ON RESOLUTIONS OF SPECIAL CONGRESS – 7TH NOVEMBER 2020 AND ACTIONS TAKEN

FINAL AGENDA 2020

A. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE - SECOND LEVEL

12. Dublin & Dún Laoghaire Congress instructs the Executive Committee to call for the full restoration of guidance and counselling provisions in schools, a return to allocations that were in place prior to cuts in 2012 to facilitate the delivery on new educational and vocational initiatives, and as a response to the sharp increase in mental health issues presenting. An enhanced service is the only necessary way of addressing the needs of 21st Century educational settings here in MARTIN MARJORAM ADDRESSES SPECIAL CONGRESS Ireland. 7TH NOVEMBER 2020

Following the Budget cuts in 2012, 600 Guidance Counselling posts employment between 2011 and 2016 34. Executive Committee were lost. Resulting from the were denied incremental credit and The agreement between TUI and Union’s sustained campaign over forced to commence on point 1 of DES of May 2016 included a review successive years (including a the salary scale. This issue must be of Third Level lecturers’ workload, consistent demand in the TUI’s pre- referred to the IoT IR Forum and to be completed by March 2017. To budget submissions), by January must be included in the current pay date, this review has not 2020 some five hundred of these restoration campaign which commenced. Therefore, Congress posts had been restored. In attempts to undo the injustices that instructs the Executive Committee September 2020, as part of the emanated from FEMPI. to demand that the DES completes national discussions in relation to this review as a matter of urgency supports for the safe and The TUI, in a letter to Minister and further instructs that, if sustainable re-opening of schools in Harris, TD (Minister for Further significant progress is not made by the context of COVID-19, the TUI and Higher Education, Research May 31st 2020, a ballot of all Third secured restoration of a further 120 Innovation and Science) in advance Level members for industrial action posts. This represents the of the commencement of talks about be conducted. reinstatement of guidance provision a successor agreement to the PSSA, in schools to pre-cuts levels. TUI advised the Minister that the issue of The Review of Lecturing Report continues to highlight the important incremental credit must be issued to the TUI on 31st November work done by school pastoral teams, addressed as part of those talks. 2020 and was forwarded to all third including Guidance Counsellors, in The 1% sectoral bargaining level branches for their dealing with the challenges of the provision in Building Momentum is consideration. Discussion has since pandemic as they affect the school a mechanism that can be considered taken place at the NNF in relation to community. in this regard. progressing this Review and the It is noteworthy that meetings of the Union has also written to the B. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE – IoT IR had not been scheduled for Secretary General of DFHERIS in THIRD LEVEL several months toward the end of the this regard. year because the official side 40. Dublin Colleges(X2)/Executive objects to the Union’s industrial 48. Executive Committee/IT Carlow Committee action on online learning. The (Amended by Dublin Colleges) Congress instructs the Executive Union has rejected the official side’s Congress instructs the Executive Committee to tackle the decision position and has sought the Committee to demand that the resulting from FEMPI where all immediate commencement of IoT IR Department of Education and Skills lecturing staff who commenced Forum meetings. and the Department of Public

www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 19 tui neWs

Expenditure and Reform regulate permanently the existing practice of a similar immediate relative of a and limit the amount of public using Masters students, PhD cohabiting partner. money that can be spent by students and researchers to IoTs/TUs on private consultancy undertake unpaid lecturing work or The teacher unions brought a claim reports. lecturing work at a lower rate of pay for parity with the new civil service than the nationally agreed pay rates. arrangements in relation to (the The Union has requested the extension to 20 days of) DFHERIS to ascertain how much The Union had already raised this bereavement leave to the Teachers’ the IoTs/TUs are spending on issue at the IoT IR Forum and will Conciliation Council (TCC). The consultancy reports commissioned continue our efforts to ensure that Official side resisted the claim on from private sector providers. appropriate pay rates are protected, the grounds of cost and the practical that lecturing work is allocated to implications for schools. 46. Cork Colleges/Limerick lecturing staff and that post- Colleges/IT Tralee graduate students are not exploited. A similar claim was also lodged at Congress instructs the Executive the ETB IR Forum for grades other Committee to negotiate with the 52. Cork Colleges than teachers working in the ETB IoTs/Tus, that fees incurred by Congress instructs the Executive Sector. The claim was formally members as a result of affiliation Committee to conduct a national rejected earlier this year by the with professional bodies which are ballot for industrial action up to and Department and the matter has now necessary to the undertaking of including strike action, as a matter been referred to the Workplace lecturing duties be paid by the of urgency, in the event that any Relations Commission (WRC). Institute of consortium does not honour in full Technology/Technological its commitments to TUI members On behalf of TUI members in Third University. that are required to be honoured by Level, a claim was also lodged at the agreed time under an agreed the IoT IR Forum. This matter needs to be raised at the Memorandum of Understanding IoT IR Forum and NNF and, if between the relevant TUI branches D. ADULT EDUCATION necessary, lodged as a claim. As and IoT/TU management. mentioned in relation to Motion 40 118. Co. Roscommon above, meetings of the IoT IR Forum The Union has raised concerns at Congress instructs the Executive have not been scheduled in recent the National Negotiation Forum Committee vigorously to pursue months. regarding consortia and/or Education & Training Boards to pay technological universities not the agreed backpay for BTEI staff. 35. IT Sligo honouring the terms of local Congress instructs the Executive agreements, including those The TUI has raised the issue with Committee to defend regional enshrined in an MOU. The Union the individual ETBs that have yet to provision in all relevant for a as has also pursued such breaches in pay the monies owed. Technological Universities are the WRC. In line with normal established. industrial relations practice, where E. EDUCATION local disputes arise they need to be Before enactment of the processed locally in the first 121. Dublin & Dún Technological Universities Act instance. If local resolution is not Laoghaire/Executive 2018, the TUI campaigned for and achieved or is frustrated by Committee/Tipperary NR secured (by virtue of the management, recourse can be had to Congress instructs the Executive TUI/THEA/DES 2017 agreement) the appropriate fora and dispute Committee to demand that any an amendment that highlighted the resolution mechanisms. Where the revision to Senior Cycle centrality of regional provision to problem persists, industrial action curricula/specifications are properly the mission of Technological can be taken, subject to satisfaction and fully resourced with adequate Universities. The Union continues, of the legal requirements in that professional time, adequate and at every opportunity and in all regard. timely training and such material relevant fora, including the NNF, to resources as would be required for reiterate the importance of regional C. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE – delivery. Congress further instructs provision. It is a primary focus of GENERAL the Executive Committee to seek to the Union’s engagement with the ensure that there is no increase in various consortia and is specified in 93. Co. Waterford workload. Memoranda of Understanding. Congress directs the Executive Committee to demand in relation to The TUI has consistently, and 82. Executive Committee bereavement leave that the list of repeatedly, made clear to the Congress instructs the Executive relatives that qualify for leave be Department of Education, the NCCA Committee to demand that Institutes expanded in line with the civil and relevant agencies that any of Technology and Technological service so as to include brother-in- changes that may in time arise from Universities cease immediately and law, sister-in-law, step- relations and the Senior Cycle review must be

20 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP ASPIRING LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

Progress your 18 months Robust leadership career of part-time mix of the in Primary and blended academic & Post-Primary learning practical education

Partnership The programme is a collaboration between the Schools of Education at NUIG, UCD and UL. It is supported by Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) at UL and is taught by key academic team leaders and researchers from each accrediting institution. The programme is part-funded by the Department of Education and supported by the Centre for School Leadership.

The PDSL is delivered nationally using a blended learning format and open to qualified teachers with at least 5 yrs post qualification experience. Consult our website for this years locations and complete entry requirements.

Apply now: Visit www.ul.ie/pdsl to start your application and for full entry requirements, national locations and programme details

MORE INFORMATION www.ul.ie/pdsl tui neWs

adequately resourced. Such successful implementation of implementation of any changes at resources include professional time curricular change. Senior Cycle that may be proposed (with commensurate reduction in arising from the review of Senior class contact), timely and 160. Co. Cavan Cycle. appropriate training, and the Congress instructs the Executive provision of sample assessment Committee, with regard to dealing 159. Dublin & Dún Laoghaire materials. The TUI has also made with a TUSLA referral regarding a Congress instructs the Executive clear that recommendations arising Child Protection concern against a Committee to negotiate with the from Senior Cycle review can only member of the teaching staff, that in DES for a Teachers’ Charter in line be countenanced if there is no the interest of Child/Teacher with the Parent and Student Charter increase in workload for teachers concerns ETBs be asked to deal due for publication soon so as to and school leaders. The TUI with them within a defined protect the rights of teachers. reiterated this position throughout timeframe. At the moment there is 2020. no timeframe in place. During 2019 and 2020 the TUI was involved, jointly with our colleagues 157. Co. Clare The TUI has consistently sought that in the ASTI and INTO, in drafting a Congress instructs the Executive such referrals be dealt with in as Teachers’ Charter which the unions Committee to lobby against any expeditious a manner as is would seek to have included in the similar introduction of a CBA style consistent with due process and Education (Student and Parent assessment in the future Senior fairness to all concerned. It is Charter) Bill 2019. At the time of Cycle. regrettable but inevitable that writing, sign off on the draft by one adherence to a strictly defined of our sister unions is awaited. Throughout 2020, in all timeline is not always possible. engagements with the Department While acknowledging this, the It should be noted that, because of and relevant stakeholders, the TUI Union has requested that avoidable the General Election and its has consistently stated any proposed delays in the processing of referrals consequences for the outstanding changes that may arise from Senior be eliminated. legislative programme, the Cycle review must not include any Education (Student and Parent equivalent to Junior Cycle CBAs. 150. Dublin & Dún Laoghaire Charter) Bill 2019 did not progress Congress instructs the Executive towards enactment in 2020. 135. Galway City Committee to negotiate with the Congress instructs the Executive Department of Education and Skills F. EQUALITY Committee to demand the training (DES)/National Council for given for the new Leaving Curriculum and Assessment 165. Co. Clare/Dublin C & C Certificate be implemented before (NCCA)/State Examinations Congress instructs the Executive the curriculum changes are Commission (SEC) to ensure that a Committee to negotiate with introduced. full review of the new Junior Cycle DES/DPER to remove pregnancy Congress does not wish to see a is conducted and evaluated to related sick leave from the current repeat of the Junior Cycle fiasco guarantee that it fulfils its purpose sick leave limit of 183 days, after wherein teachers were teaching and objectives and is of benefit to which half pay begins. Restore this courses they had not been properly the students before commencing on to full pay. trained to teach. Congress further the implementation of the new instructs the Executive Committee Senior Cycle. The Union will raise this at the to ballot members for industrial relevant sectoral industrial action if these demands are not met. During 2020, the Department of Relations fora. However, as this is a Education and the NCCA agreed to matter of interest across the public TUI has consistently made clear to commence a longitudinal study of service, it is very probable that the the DES and relevant CPD the implementation of the revised union/s will be advised that the providers that any changes arising Junior Certificate programme. This matter will have to be dealt with from Senior Cycle review must be followed, and was guided by, centrally. accompanied by timely and repeated representations by the TUI adequate training and that such at the Junior Cycle Implementation 164. Co. Galway/Co. Cork/Dublin C & training should be targeted and Committee. The roll-out of the study C/ Executive Committee/Limerick available to teachers before, during stalled due to the COVID-19 Colleges/Cork Colleges (Amended and after implementation of any pandemic but, at the time of writing, by Co. Donegal) revised subject specifications or is expected to gain momentum from Congress instructs the Executive programme changes, taking account the middle of 2021. It should be Committee to seek to ensure that the of implementation issues that arise. noted that the DE has not supported new social insurance-based scheme The TUI also consistently calls for the proposition that this study must of 2 weeks parents leave for both the timely issue of sample be conducted and evaluated in full parents, on top of existing maternity assessment materials as essential to before commencement of and paternity entitlements, which

22 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS tui neWs

was introduced on 1st November certification purposes in both the allowances as enjoyed by colleagues 2019, be topped up by the employer Junior and Senior Cycle must be in mainstream education and that all in a similar manner to existing leave carried out externally by the SEC those newly appointed into the schemes, including the schemes for and not by students’ own teachers. sector be at the same teaching grade maternity leave and adoptive leave. At the time of writing the TUI is as their serving counterparts. confident that the outcome of Senior The TUI, along with the INTO and Cycle review is unlikely to cause any This is TUI policy and it is the ASTI, has raised this issue at the concern in this regard. reiterated at every relevant meeting TCC. with SOLAS, DFHERIS and ETBI. The matter was also raised by the 177. Co. Cork In addition, the TUI brought the Union at the other sectoral fora – Congress demands that the matter of jurisdiction to the TCC the IoT IR Forum and the ETB IR Department of Education and Skills and secured formal confirmation Forum - and was discussed by the (DES) and the State Examination that the Council remains the forum Executive Council of the ICTU. The Commission (SEC) issue for all teachers, irrespective of Department of Public Expenditure examination materials, such as where they are deployed (whether in and Reform has to date rejected the sample questions, sample papers Primary, Post-Primary or PLC claim owing to the cost involved. and project guidelines well in settings.) advance of the commencement of revised curricula. The tardiness in 186. Co. Westmeath/Galway City G. EXAMINATIONS producing such items seriously Congress instructs the Executive disadvantages students’ assessment Committee to oppose the 184. Tipperary NR prospects. outsourcing of courses and services Congress instructs the Executive in Further Education which is Committee to carry out a review of The TUI continues to demand that damaging the pay and conditions of CBAs and Assessment Tasks with sample assessment material be members in the sector. the DES in relation to the number of issued in a timely manner. The SEC hours they are consuming in schools however has repeatedly stated that This is TUI policy and the Union & the pressure they are putting on the policy of the Department of has resolutely opposed the students & teachers. Education is that sample exam outsourcing of courses and services papers only issue in the Autumn at every relevant meeting with Following requests from the TUI, a preceding first examination. SOLAS, DFHERIS and ETBI. longitudinal study of the impact of Junior Cycle has been commenced 176. Dublin & Dún Laoghaire/ 197. Co. Cavan that will include the issue of CBAs Executive Committee Congress instructs the Executive and ATs. Some of the issues referred Congress instructs the Executive Committee to safeguard Teacher to in the motion have also emerged Committee to negotiate a reduction terms and conditions in Further in initial reviews of Junior Cycle in the number of Classroom Based Education. English and CSPE. At the time of Assessments (CBAs) which must be writing, work that was under way on completed by Junior Cycle students. See Motion 185 above. The Union is initial impact review for a number of committed to the protection of other Junior Cycle subjects had See motions 184 above. teachers’ terms and conditions. been delayed due to the COVID-19 It is notable that the COVID-19 pandemic. It is possible that the pandemic led to a number of 190. Co. Kerry issue of CBAs and ATs may also changes in assessment Congress notes the emphasis on emerge in those individual subject arrangements on a once-off basis training rather than lifelong reviews. and that one of those changes was a learning/growth and development reduction in the number of CBAs. within Youthreach/FET. Congress 179. Co. Clare asserts that education is a long-term Congress instructs the Executive H. FURTHER EDUCATION investment in people as citizens, Committee to negotiate with the rather than a meek subservient NCCA on State Examinations policy 185. Co. Carlow/Co. Mayo(X2)/ activity to satisfy the needs of the for all project work and oral exams Waterford City Irish labour market for short-term in subjects in the new Senior Cycle Arising from the takeover by cost cutting, “box ticking” in order to prevent teachers SOLAS of all funding strands for objectives. assessing or marking these elements stand-alone PLC colleges, Congress of the final assessment. These instructs the Executive Committee The TUI has the principled view that elements should be corrected by the to seek to have existing terms and intrinsic to Further Education SEC to maintain the integrity of the conditions ringfenced for all provision is that it seeks to facilitate examination process. teaching staff in Further Education learners both to progress to an Colleges in terms of length of award at a higher level and/or to TUI policy in this regard is school year, promotional posts, progress to employment. In relation unambiguous - assessment for salary scales, qualification to Youthreach, it is the position of

www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 23 tui neWs

the TUI that it provides an agenda item at the TCC and is being majority of the damage; educational programme, customised considered as a claim. 5. Working to protect the interests to the needs of learners, that must of TUI members and working enjoy parity of esteem with other J. MISCELLANEOUS people generally in what should post-primary programmes. be a just transition to a carbon- 222. Co. Meath/Dublin & Dún neutral economy; 189. Co. Kerry Laoghaire/ Co. Galway/ 6. Using what influence TUI has in Congress instructs the Executive Dublin C & C/Dublin the development of curricula and Committee to engage with the Colleges/Tipperary NR programmes of study at all levels Department of Education and Skills Congress notes the absence of any of education to have the matter of in the provision of a supported statutory mechanism for the climate change and climate programme to allow Further representation of justice included where Education and Training teaching Pensioner Organisations at appropriate; staff to gain a teaching qualification. pay/pension talks and considers this 7. Minimising any negative climate a denial of rights. Congress impact of TUI’s activities; The matter of appropriate support mandates the Union to support 8. Advocating for best practice in for programmes of study undertaken moves to have appropriate TUI workplaces with regard to by FET staff will be raised by the legislation put in place to correct environmental awareness. Union at the ETB IR Forum. this anomaly. The TUI is actively pursuing the In the course of the revision of the In the absence of such policy set out in the motion. Teacher Refund of Fees scheme, representation, the ICTU has for The issue of a “just transition” has which took place in late 2020, the some time provided assistance to the been prioritised by the Executive TUI advocated the position reflected coalition of retired public servants. Council of ICTU in its approach to in this motion, i.e. that the refund There is a representative of retired a post-austerity, post-COVID-19 model should be extended to the members on the Executive Council economy. FET sector. The TUI position was of ICTU. The Public Services not supported by the official side Committee of the ICTU consults K. ORGANISATION which clarified the current situation with and takes account of the views of funding for CPD in the sector as of retire d members in pay/pension No motions were carried in this section follows: discussions. • Teachers in the FET sector should A representative of the TUI Retired seek funding from their local ETB. Members’ Association attends TUI L. PAY / NATIONAL AGREEMENTS • In the parameters document (FET Executive Committee meetings for Funding allocation document) for agenda items that are of relevance 263. Dublin & Dún Laoghaire/ 2021: “Provision of CPD is to retired members. Dundalk IT/Executive Committee 0.75% of the individual ETB’s Congress notes that, on the 1st of overall grant to improve the 220. Executive Committee October 2020, there will be a 2% delivery of FET provision and Congress instructs the Executive pay restoration and a 5% restoration services including technical and Committee to engage actively in a to allowances. The cut to allowances pedagogical elements of FET leadership role in efforts to combat was applied at the start of the course provision.” The CPD climate change and secure climate financial crisis, in 2008/09. requirements are agreed upon justice, by: Although Gross pay may have locally via the Director of FET 1. Continuing support for the returned to 2008 levels, the USC based on local need and support Schools’ Climate Action Network and ASC deductions ensure that of FET course provision's (SCAN); take- home pay is still less for pedagogical elements. 2. Organising and participating in members than the equivalent take- demonstrations and marches; home pay in 2008. In addition to I. HEALTH AND SAFETY 3. Organising and participating in this, post-2010 entrants deal with conferences to help inform public discriminatory pay reductions due to 219. Co. Cork debate on the scientific evidence their date of entry into employment. Congress deplores that the current of climate change and the Congress also notes that members Assault Leave provisions, for measures needed to address it; now struggle to pay their rent, teachers, applies only to absences 4. Campaigning, where possible in mortgages, childcare costs and Third that are medically certified as a conjunction with other unions, to Level fees and expenses for adult “physical injury”. Congress ensure that the burden of children. Congress further notes the demands that mental health combating climate change does actual pay increases secured in the issues/illness associated with such not fall disproportionately on private sector in recent years and/or assaults are also be covered by the working people but is also carried in prospect for the coming years. relevant Circular Letters. to a just and correct extent by the Congress demands pay increases companies and corporate interests that will help members meet the This was tabled by the unions as an that are responsible for the vast escalating cost of living and that

24 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS tui neWs

will make employment in the While this adjustment, it was noted, reiterated at the recent Special education sector attractive for the might be viewed as resolving pay Congress future. inequality for primary teachers, it • to ballot members to renew our would not address pay inequality for mandate for industrial action, this At its meeting on 15th December post-primary teachers. A significant ballot to be conducted at the same 2020 the Executive Committee pay differential would remain – time as the ballot on the considered the terms of “Building some €80,000 over 25 years – with proposals. Momentum (A new Public Service the biggest pay differential being in agreement 2021-2022’), the the early years of a teacher’s career. The Executive Committee also proposed successor agreement to decided that, deploying the same the PSSA The Executive Committee strategy as was used in relation to considered the ramifications of the LRA and PSSA, the TUI will use The Committee noted the pay repudiating or deciding not to be the mandate given by members adjustments over the period of the covered by the agreement, were the wisely and in a manner that will not agreement (which would see the proposals to be accepted by the be detrimental to them. return of pay increases for all public Public Services Committee of the servants). ICTU. In this regard, if the proposals are • A general round increase in accepted by (a majority of) the annualised basic salary for all Strategically, it was considered to be affiliate unions of the Public public servants of 1% or €500 very important that the TUI would Services Committee, the TUI, (whichever is greater) on 1st be in position to attend discussions exercising its sovereign judgement, October 2021 related to the Sectoral Bargaining will agree to be encompassed by and • A further general round increase Fund as, otherwise, the agenda in will not repudiate the agreement. in annualised basic salary for all relation to use of the 1% will be set public servants of 1% or €500 by others. The TUI needs to seek use This will allow members to benefit (whichever is greater) on 1st of the fund for TUI issues – for from the pay increases and will give October 2022. example, to solve (in full or in part) the TUI access to the Sectoral The Committee also noted the the H. Dip/PME claim, to resolve Bargaining Fund discussion while proposed establishment of a pay inequality for ALs and, in the continuing our campaign for pay Sectoral Bargaining Fund FET sector, to address pay equality and retaining our capacity equivalent in value to a 1% increase inequality as well as concluding the to take industrial action that does in annualised basic salaries, with Chairman’s note discussions for not constitute a repudiation of the payment effective from 1st February Adult tutors. It was noted that, agreement. 2022. following resolution of such matters, Access to the fund would be any remaining funds could be The Union’s decision was set out in available to each sectoral unit or available to the relevant grades as a a press statement and in subsequent union which will have the option of general pay increase. media engagements. using some or all the fund to pay outstanding awards, to progress It was noted that this agreement is a 267. Dublin Colleges/Dublin & existing claims (with a view, for relatively short agreement and that Dún Laoghaire/Co. Galway/ example, further to reduce the pay any outstanding issues that are not Co. Meath/Tipperary NR inequality gap for those who entered resolved but are resolved in part by Congress directs the Executive the profession on or after 1st the sectoral bargaining discussions Committee to demand that the Irish January 2011) or of electing for the could be carried over to the Congress of Trade Unions will not fund to be used as a sectoral pay subsequent agreement and that this conclude talks on a round for the grades/s in the is stipulated in the current replacement/successor to the PSSA sectoral unit. proposals. until FEMPI Legislation and associated punitive clauses are In regard specifically to new entrant The TUI advised the PSC of the removed. teachers, the agreement provides for ICTU of its decision in relation to an additional increment skip for the proposals. See Motion 263 above. In its those currently in employment who submissions to the Public Services commenced teaching on or after 1st Taking account of all the Committee of the ICTU, the TUI has January 2011 - i.e. after progressing circumstances, the Executive consistently sought that a successor to point 11 on the salary scale, such Committee decided to the PSSA should not be teachers would skip point 12 on • that the proposed Building constrained by any element of the their next increment date. If they Momentum agreement would be FEMPI legislation and the have already reached point 12 on put to a ballot of members with a associated punitive clauses. the salary scale, they would skip one recommendation for rejection point further than normal on their because the proposal does not 264. Co. Kerry next increment date. resolve the Union’s key priority of Congress instructs the Executive pay inequality – a policy Committee to seek the support of

www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 25 tui neWs

ALL other Public Sector Unions in The link between pay and pensions O. RULES order to strengthen our position by has been maintained in Building presenting a united front to the Momentum – the proposed 290. Executive Committee (Amended Government in seeking to abolish successor agreement to the PSSA. by Executive Committee) the Additional Superannuation The rotation of members and the Contribution, previously known as N. POSTS OF RESPONSIBILITY length of term on the Benevolent the Pension Related Deduction Fund Committee as stipulated in the (Pension Levy). This is a punitive 280. Executive Committee/Cork City motion (as amended) passed by tax on Public Sector Employee Schools Congress 2019 are incompatible. income, and it discriminates against Congress notes that the current Furthermore, TUI has been advised Public Sector Employees by proportion of teachers holding Posts to change the name of the implementing a two-tier tax system of Responsibility is under half of Benevolent Fund. A rule change on its citizens. what had been obtained before the motion will be required (amending It is mandatory to contribute to a moratorium. Congress deplores the Rules 101, 140, 141, 142, 143 and a Public Sector pension in contrast to failure of Government (and, in Section Heading): Congress agrees the Private Sector where there is a particular, the Department of to the following amendments to the choice as to whether to contribute to Education and Skills) to Rule Book: Rule 101: At point (vii), a pension scheme. Current appropriately resource leadership replace the word “Benevolent” with deductions from wages include and management structures in the word “Assistance”. In the Superannuation 1, Superannuation 2 schools. Congress instructs the Section Heading before Rule 140, and Widows & Orphans (now Executive Committee to demand, replace the word “Benevolent” with known as Spouses & Children). not only a full restoration of Posts of the word “Assistance”. Rule 140: In Also, the Additional Superannuation Responsibility to pre-2009 the first line, replace the words “a Contribution was never meant to be proportions but also the additional Benevolent” with the words “an a tax to be implemented Posts of Responsibility required to Assistance”. Replace the word indefinitely: discharge the new/expanded “Benevolent” with the word “The Pension Levy was introduced responsibilities devolved to schools “Assistance” in the other three by the Minister of Finance, Michael and the associated workload. places where it occurs. Amend Rule Noonan, to fund the Governments 141 so that it reads as follows: “The ‘Jobs Initiative’ of May 2011 as a The restoration of posts of Assistance Fund shall be managed 0.6% charge on Pension Fund assets responsibility to a pre-moratorium by a Committee of the Union (the held in the state. It will be charged level is a high priority issue for TUI. “Assistance Fund Committee”) for a period of 4 years only”. It continues to be pursued consisting of four in-benefit vigorously at the national fora, such members of the TUI (elected from This matter was not addressed in the as the Teachers’ Conciliation each of four separate Area discussion leading to the Building Council. As a result of the May 2016 groupings) and one in-benefit Momentum proposals. agreement, TUI secured a member of the Retired Members’ commitment to restoration of posts Association. Each Area grouping of responsibility. CL 03/2018 will consist of a number of the M. PENSIONS signalled commencement - albeit electoral Areas as decided on from very limited - of the process of time to time by the Executive 273. Co. Galway/Dublin & Dun restoration. The TUI’s campaign in Committee. The members of the Laoghaire/ Co. Meath/Co. this regard continues. Committee will be elected by Offaly/Co. Waterford/ Dublin C & The TUI’s directive to members not members in their respective C/Dublin Colleges/ Tipperary NR to undertake duties which had been groupings. Members of this TUI Congress 2019 confirmed that the duties of the posts which have Committee shall serve no more than it is TUI policy to retain the link been lost and are still not replaced two consecutive two-year terms, between the pay of serving remains in place. The text of this with at least two members elected colleagues and the pension directive is available on the TUI annually. A term will commence at applicable to retired peers. This website. the close of Annual Congress. The Congress also notes the Additional The TUI is currently in talks with election process will be held at the Superannuation Contribution the DE and the management bodies same time as the elections to the imposed on workers through the to secure a new circular to replace Executive Committee, the Standing PSSA. Congress directs the CL03/2018. As part of our Orders Committee and the Security Executive Committee to seek the demands, the TUI is seeking an Fund Committee. The member of support of the Public Services increase in Posts of Responsibility the RMA shall be nominated by Committee of the Irish Congress of in schools. Regrettably the her/his Association. Members of the Trade Unions to lodge a legal Department has been responsible Executive Committee, the Standing challenge immediately if any for very significant delay in Orders Committee and the Security attempt is made to replace the pay convening and concluding these Fund Committee shall not be and pension parity link. talks. members of the Assistance Fund Committee. At the first meeting

26 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS tui neWs

after Annual Congress, the Committee to seek the incorporation achieve pay parity. Congress Assistance Fund Committee shall of Droichead into the 2nd year of demands that all post 2011 entrants elect a Chairperson from amongst the PME. receive the same value of salary as its members. A quorum shall consist those who entered pre-2011 in terms of any three members.” Rule 142: See Motion 312 above of core salary (inclusive of the value Replace the word “Benevolent” with of the honours primary degree and the word “Assistance” in the two TUI secured paid substitution for H.Dip./PME allowance). Congress places where it occurs. Rule 143: co-operating teachers to provide notes the one-day strike in February Replace the word “Benevolent” with them with time to interact with those and the huge public support for it. the word “Assistance”. teachers undertaking the Droichead Congress instructs the Executive to programme in schools. call for further days of strike action, The Rule book has been updated to The members of the TUI on the if possible in conjunction with ASTI reflect this change and procedures Teaching Council are seeking the and INTO, until pay parity is and processes are being put in support of others, including teacher achieved. place to give effect to this motion, representatives from the other including election to membership of teacher unions, to have the Given that the TUI already had a the Committee. Droichead programme included in mandate for industrial action on this year two of the PME. issue – strategically exercised by way of strike action on 4th February P. TEACHING COUNCIL 314. Galway City 2020, before the General Election – Congress instructs the Executive the Union wrote to the ASTI in 312. Dublin & Dún Laoghaire Committee to demand that the October 2020, immediately Congress instructs the Executive Teaching Council report on how following its ballot, to ask our sister Committee to re-negotiate the two- teacher’s membership fees are being union to act jointly with us, as far as year PME to a one-year PGDE. used and that any surplus is to be possible, to bring to an end the put back into much needed discrimination against those who At meetings with the Department’s resources for schools and centres. entered the profession on or after Teacher Supply Steering Group and 1st January 2011. in other fora convened to consider The members of the TUI on the the implications of and means to Teaching Council at all points seek, In that regard, the TUI suggested address the teacher supply crisis, through the Council’s structures, to that the campaign should include at the TUI has strongly expressed the ensure full transparency and least one day of strike action, to be view that the move to a two-year accountability in relation to use by taken as soon as possible but in any PME - with the associated direct the Council of the funds it sources event before Easter 2021. and opportunity costs and loss of through the registration fee. The earnings - has had a hugely TUI has consistently expressed At the TUI’s suggestion, a joint detrimental effect on the numbers of concern about excessive deployment press statement was issued by the graduates choosing to enter the of these funds for legal services. three unions (ASTI, INTO and TUI) teaching profession. on the key issues. In 2020, when the COVID-19 crisis Q. YOUTHREACH further exacerbated and highlighted The TUI’s determined and the teacher supply crisis, the TUI No motions were carried in this section principled position in terms of pay successfully engaged with the discrimination was set out in the Teaching Council to ensure that R. NEW ENTRANTS / PAY EQUITY press statement and subsequent second-year PME students who are media interviews after the Union’s registered under an alternative route 341. Executive Committee/IT Executive Committee recommended (Route 3 – Further Education) could Carlow/Co. Carlow(X2) rejection of the proposed new be offered paid supervision and (Amended by Dublin City/Dublin ‘Building Momentum’ agreement in substitution. The Union also Colleges) December 2020. demanded and secured an Congress notes the resounding appropriate rate of payment for this mandate given to the TUI Executive At all times during the COVID-19 work. TUI will seek to keep this Committee (92%) for industrial crisis, the Union has highlighted payment in place post COVID-19. action, up to and including strike how the teacher recruitment and action, as part of the campaign to retention crisis caused by pay 310. Executive Committee end pay discrimination. Congress discrimination has made the Congress instructs the Executive reiterates that pay parity is a key challenges faced by school Committee to seek to ensure that priority of the TUI and instructs that communities even more difficult PME students in their 2nd year of all necessary measures must now be while similar challenges face other the programme receive payment on taken to secure full pay equality sectors in which we operate. the first point of the teacher’s once and for all. Elimination incremental salary scale. Congress (temporary or permanent) of salary The TUI also brought the continuing further instructs the Executive scale points does not, of itself, injustice of pay discrimination to

www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 27 tui neWs

every meeting of the four teacher that mandate by taking strike action based on a set of assurances and unions (ASTI, IFUT, INTO and TUI) on 4th February 2020. The Building understandings given by the DES and made it clear to the officers of Momentum pay proposals, if the PSC, in advance of the Building accepted, will not eliminate pay and noting that the DES: Momentum pay discussions, that discrimination. That being the case, • breached and betrayed the trust of elimination of the injustice is a in December 2020, the Executive TUI members moral imperative. Given that the Committee of the TUI decided to • showed disregard for vulnerable proposed agreement - Building ballot members with a students and their families by Momentum - does not provide for recommendation that they reject the issuing rank order information to elimination of pay discrimination, proposals. At same time, members students - rank orders that served the TUI will continue its campaign will be balloted to refresh the no purposes whatsoever and will seek the support of our mandate for industrial action. sister unions, as appropriate, in this TUI Annual Congress instructs the regard. S. TEACHER UNITY Executive Committee to advise the DES and Government, without delay, that TUI 343. Co. Cork 346. Executive Committee members will not engage in the Congress recognises the severe Noting that Calculated Grades process, or variant challenges that schools face in the • the clear policy of the TUI is to thereof, for students due to sit State recruitment and retention of teachers seek teacher unity Examinations in 2021. for both and casual, fixed-term term • unity would best serve the and permanent contracts of interests of all members, of the If the priority of Government is to keep employment. Congress demands profession and of the public schools open during the COVID-19 improvements in the terms, education system pandemic and is currently doing so, the conditions and pay of teachers, to • unity would significantly enhance TUI cannot and will not countenance or make teaching a viable and bargaining strength and strategic accept any attempt not to hold the sustainable career once again. Most capacity traditional, highly trusted, SEC particularly, the cost and duration of Congress instructs the Executive administered and marked State the training and qualification period Committee to pursue the objective Examinations in 2021. for teachers is excessive. This is of teacher unity (in the first instance compounded by the insufficient with the ASTI and IFUT) with The TUI advised the DES of the contents incremental starting point for newly renewed vigour and purpose. of this motion and of the Union’s policy in recruited teachers, the lack of a this regard. The TUI has advised the Professional Masters in Education The TUI has consistently sought to Minister for Education and Skills, the (PME) allowance, Droichead, advance the cause of teacher unity State Examinations Commission (SEC) Cosán, and the appalling single and there is a standing invitation to and all relevant stakeholders that, if public service pension scheme. the ASTI to engage with us towards schools can open, the conventional Teaching is possibly the most that end. Even in the context of the Leaving Certificate examinations, scrutinised, regulated and inspected dispute that is moving towards inclusive of additional assessment profession in Ireland. The structures resolution through the ICTU’s components, can be held. The TUI’s imposed on newly qualifying procedures, the TUI has stated associated position is also clear and teachers are unwarranted and make clearly, repeatedly and in writing unambiguous – external assessment and teaching, as a career choice, most that teacher unity is the logical and State certification through the State unattractive. Congress also abhors rational goal to which all should Examinations Commission are key and the continued pay discrimination aspire and towards which we should must apply for the 2021 Leaving affecting new entrants to the actively work. Certificate cohort. teaching profession since 2011. Congress instructs the TUI to EMERGENCY MOTIONS TUI members remain fundamentally maintain a mandate for industrial opposed to assessing their own students action up to and including strike EMERGENCY MOTION NO. 1 for State certification. The experience of action and to ballot for such, when Co. Donegal / Waterford City / the emergency system of Calculated and where necessary, until these Limerick City Schools / Co. Louth / Grades for the class of 2020 has brought problems abate and the issues noted Co. Carlow / Donegal C and C / into sharp focus the value of the tried and above are finally resolved. Co. Leitrim / Dublin Colleges / trusted model, which, notwithstanding its Co. Meath flaws, still retains significant public trust. See Motion 263. Noting that the TUI: The TUI currently has a mandate • engaged fully, proactively and The Union has, as a matter of policy, for a campaign of industrial action, collaboratively with the consistently been guided by the advice of up to and including strike action, to Calculated Grades process owing the public health authorities. Unless, on bring to an end the injustice of pay to the unexpected public health foot of that advice, the 2021 SEC discrimination against those who emergency examinations cannot be held, the TUI’s entered the profession on or since • engaged, in a good faith basis, in position is that they must be held. 1st January 2011. The TUI exercised the Calculated Grades process

28 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS tui neWs

EMERGENCY MOTION NO. 6 IT Tralee / IADT TUI / Cork Colleges / Co. Louth / Dublin Colleges / Limerick City Schools / Limerick Colleges / Dublin Dún Laoghaire / Co Donegal / Co. Carlow / Co. Kerry / Athlone IT The COVID emergency resulted in teachers and lecturers being forced to continue teaching and assessing from home. Many had to purchase equipment and other consumables in order to continue to carry out their duties. With emergency remote teaching still a reality for many it is totally unacceptable that members continue to be out of pocket ANNUAL CONGRESS 2020 NERVE CENTRE where they had to purchase items necessary to do their job in the absence of these being supplied by their employer. members for industrial action, at Representation on the National Steering Congress instructs the executive to pursue institutional, employer, sectoral, group for DFHERIS re COVID-19 was an agreement to refund members for regional or national level, as sought by ICTU and is now in place. expenses incurred in carrying out their appropriate duties due to working from home during • pursuing the Union’s existing Issues referred to in the motions were also the COVID pandemic. claims with vigour”. raised at the ICTU and, through ICTU, with the relevant Ministers and agencies. This matter has been raised at the Congress notes that the workload of relevant fora. members has continued to increase and MOTIONS REFERRED that insufficient support has been EMERGENCY MOTION NO. 7 provided for the wholesale shift to online 23. Shannon/Dublin City Dublin Colleges / IADT / Co. Louth / learning that has occurred especially in Congress notes Motion 19 passed at IT Tralee / Dublin City / IT Carlow / the Technological Universities and the Congress 2019, which called for a Dublin Dún Laoghaire / IT Institutes of Technology. campaign for the removal of the Blanchardstown / Waterford IT / additional hours, imposed on Co. Kildare / IT Tallaght / Congress therefore instructs the Executive members in Post Primary and Dublin Colleges / Athlone IT / to immediately ballot members for Further Education as a result of the St. Angela’s, Sligo industrial action including strike action if Croke Park Agreement. Congress notes the Motions of there is no agreement before the Congress also notes that no progress Consequence passed at the TUI Congress commencement of teaching after has been made on this issue and that in June 2020. Christmas 2020 to reduce the teaching workloads across the sectors, which The motion on workloads stated that: loads of members in Technological the Union represents, are increasing. “Congress rejects such opportunistic Universities and the Institutes of Congress also notes that the manipulation of the goodwill of TUI Technology. obligation on members in the members and exploitation of the public Colleges to teach two additional health crisis. Following representations by the TUI in hours has been removed following a regard to COVID-19 industrial relations campaign and a ballot. Congress instructs the Executive matters, additional funding was provided Congress therefore instructs the Committee to protect members against to HEI’s for the procurement of ICT and Executive Committee to issue, such exploitation by other resources. following a ballot of relevant members, an instruction to member • demanding and negotiating a The TUI concluded an Emergency Remote to discontinue doing Croke Park sustainable workload model, to Teaching Agreement with the hours from January 1, 2021. include an interim arrangement (if Technological Higher Education This will allow the union the necessary)for the coming year Association (THEA) and the opportunity to include this matter in • negotiating the necessary Technological University Dublin. the talks on a new pay agreement resources(not least ICT and for the Government to agree to resources)to support both that Workload concerns have been raised in a the ending of the Croke Park hours. model and the high quality number of meetings with Minister Harris education provided to our students (DFHERIS) and his officials. The RESULT Referred • instigating an effective campaign establishment of a stakeholder forum for of action wherever instances of the IoT/TU sector in respect of COVID-19 See the motions regarding the opportunism or exploitation by issues was sought and first met on 8th proposals for a national pay employers occur and, in this March. agreement to succeed the PSSA. The regard, if necessary, balloting Building Momentum proposal

www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 29 tui neWs

includes a provision for the in intensive negotiations with the • Redefinition of a close contact as commencement of removal of the Department of Education and Skills any person who has spent more additional hours. A sum of €150 to eradicate forthwith the inclusion than 15 minutes in a classroom million is identified for this purpose. of weekends and bank holidays with a positive Covid-19 case; It should be noted that this would when calculating already seriously • Guaranteed test turnaround times represent only a fraction of the ravaged sick leave entitlements. of 24 hours; value of the additional hours being • Provision for any teacher in the worked across the public sector, RESULT Referred high-risk category to either teach where an average of two additional from home or home or safely hours per week applies. The implications of this motion will within school environs; need to be considered particularly • Provision of IT resources, so that, 65. Cork Colleges in terms of any unintended teachers/students can work Congress notes that in many consequences that could arise. remotely if classes are required to Institutes of Technology there is a self-isolate, or schools required to Student Grievance Procedure, which 251. Limerick City Schools close due to Covid-19. can facilitate a student in making a Congress wishes to depoliticise the In the event that these demands are not complaint about a staff member. interview process for appointments conceded by mid November the TUI will However, Congress further notes to General Secretary or other ballot members for industrial action, that in many Institutes there is no General Officers. Congress deplores including strike action, and discuss a joint corresponding procedure for a the current practice whereby campaign with the ASTI to progress member of staff to complain about Executive Committee members these demands. the behavior of a student. interview colleagues and friends for Congress therefore instructs the these important positions. RESULT Referred Executive Committee to take Under Rule 68, the Executive appropriate steps, including Committee is charged with setting The TUI has secured: engaging with the official side, to up the interview board. Congress • a redefinition of close contacts so put in place a facility for members instructs the Executive Committee that the definition used in schools to lodge grievances against students. to set up an interview board which and centres is the same as that consists of the President, the used in all other workplaces RESULT Referred General Secretary and 3 individuals • priority testing for those working from a reputable external agency. in the education sector This is a complex matter and will • a broadening of the categorisaton need careful consideration at the RESULT Referred of very high-risk to include more Colleges Sub-Committee in the first members who were previously instance. It will be necessary to The TUI Executive Committee will, categorised as high-risk establish what types of practices are as it always does, having full regard • additional funding for all sectors in place and what type of procedure to the relevant rules, review the for the provision of ICT resources would best serve members’ interests. relevant recruitment and selection • additional resourcing for the Once this process is complete the procedures in advance of the education sector for the purchase matter could be pursued at the IoT appointment of TUI Head Office of appropriate PPE IR Forum and/or the NNF. staff, including appointments under • health and safety protocols, Rule 68. measures and procedures for the 103. Co. Mayo/Co. Clare education sector workplace. Congress notes that in recent years EMERGENCY MOTION NO. 3 sick leave entitlements have being Dublin City / Co. Louth / IADT / The Union has raised the issue of the shattered to half of their original Dublin Colleges / Co. Clare / IT Tralee / digital divide with the Ministers and their allocation. As such, it is a total IT Blanchardstown / IT Carlow / Departments and has sought a violation that Saturdays and Waterford City / Co. Mayo / Co. Laois / comprehensive medium term strategy to Sundays are counted as sick leave Co. Carlow / Co. Kerry address this societal inequality as well as days for teachers out on extended Covid-19 Pandemic immediate measures to ameliorate the leave. It’s not as if a teacher can The Covid-19 Pandemic is presenting a specific educational disadvantage caused work on Saturday or Sunday when serious Health, Safety and wellbeing by poor access to the equipment and they are in full health. If a teacher challenge to all of society in the coming facilities needed in the emergency remote was unfortunate enough to be ill and winter months and beyond. learning environment . unfit for work, instead having 18 Despite teachers and principals returning weeks sick leave (5 working days to work in the new terms and per week) they currently only have demonstrating a huge commitment to 12 weeks full pay because there are student safety the government has failed 24 extra days counted (Saturdays to put in adequate support to protect the and Sundays). Congress instructs health of teachers. the Executive Committee to engage Special Congress therefore demands:

30 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS tui neWs

Dear Member,

During the periods of school/college/ centre closure owing to COVID-19, it is not possible to conduct workplace ballots or forward information to workplaces. Therefore, it is essential that the TUI has your correct up-to-date personal contact details so that you can: • Participate in Union ballots and /or surveys. • Receive Union advice and guidance.

Please use the link here to enter your contact details. Alternatively copy and paste this URL https://www.tuiservices.ie/updatemydetailsshortcut.aspx into your browser and complete the form.

If you have any questions please contact [email protected] The information requested is essential and required to enable the union to provide a service to members and will be used for balloting and communications purposes.

The information will not be used for marketing. The union does have GDPR data sharing agreements with some companies in order to provide specific services to members. TUI complies with GDPR and respects members' privacy. Further details are available on our website.

www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 31 tui neWs

update to the teacher fee refund scheme – prioritisation of funding Excerpt from Circular Letter 15/2021

commissioned a review of the Teacher the eligibility criteria set out in the introduction and Fee Refund Scheme. The aim of this annual circular. Purpose review was to ensure that the resources The Teacher Fee Refund Scheme is available are targeted at areas which are Further adopted recommendations are: funded by the Department of Education. aligned with curricular developments and • Courses already funded, in part or Its purpose is to provide funding Department policies and strategies whole, by the Department are not towards the cost of course participation aimed at school improvement and eligible for funding under the Teacher and examination fees on successful system reform. Fee Refund Scheme. completion of professional development • Only courses which are subject to courses/course year. The funding is Having accepted the recommendations award by an appropriate accrediting available for courses that are directly of the review, the Department now authority recognised by the relevant and of benefit to both teachers proposes to implement those Department are eligible for funding and schools and that are subject to an recommendations. under the Teacher Fee Refund award by an appropriate accreditation Scheme. authority recognised by the Department The main recommendation of the review • Only courses linked directly to of Education. is that the funding available to the teaching, learning and assessment and Teacher Fee Refund Scheme should be endorsed by school management are The changes outlined in this circular will used to prioritise teachers’ professional eligible for funding under the Teacher come into effect initially for refunds learning in areas clearly linked to Fee Refund Scheme. claimed in 2023 relating to successful learning, teaching and assessment. completion of courses/course year operation of the during the period from 1st September With effect from the beginning of the 2021 to the 31st August 2022. The terms 2021/22 school year, i.e. for all teacher fee refund of this circular will apply to all claims courses/course year completed from 1st scheme thereafter. The notification of the September 2021 onwards, 80% of the Details on how to claim a refund of fees prioritisation of funding is being funding for the Te acher Fee Refund under the Teacher Fee Refund Scheme provided in advance of teachers deciding Scheme will be allocated to provide a are set out in an annual circular letter to undertake courses from 1st refund of fees to registered teachers which is published on MIE’s website and September 2021. undertaking relevant programmes in line the Department of Education’s website. with policy priorities in the following key The scheme provides funding towards Refunds for courses/course year areas: the cost of course participation and completed up to the 31st of August a) Upskilling for post primary teachers examination fees on successful 2021 will operate as normal as outlined leading to registration with the completion of professional development in the relevant annual circular. Teaching Council in an additional courses/course year. The annual circular subject, to support teacher supply at outlines the eligibility criteria, deadlines The Teacher Fee Refund Scheme will post-primary level and application process and should be continue to be subject to rev iew and b) Inclusion and tackling disadvantage read in conjunction with this Circular changes may be implemented c) Promoting well-being Letter 15/2021. periodically to improve the effectiveness d) Digital technologies in teaching, of the scheme. learning and assessment Claims in respect of courses/course year e) Improving students’ literacy and completed in the periods 1st September numeracy 2019 to 31st August 2020 and 1st review of teacher f) Curricular initiatives including pre- September 2020 to 31st August 2021 fee refund scheme identified areas of systemic need are not affected by any changes outlined The Teacher Fee Refund Scheme has endorsed by school management in this circular. Please refer to the been operated by the Department of (identified in the annual circular relevant annual circular in relation to Education since 1997 and is administered relating to the period in which claims for courses/years of courses through Marino Institute of Education course/year of course is completed). completed in these years. (MIE). In response to significant policy Any queries in relation to this circular developments in education and The remaining 20% of funding will be curricular changes, the Teacher and operation of the scheme should be allocated to provide a refund of fees for emailed to the Teacher Education Education Section (ITE and Professional courses which are not dire ctly linked to Development) (TES) of the Department Section of the Department of Education the areas outlined above but still fulfil at [email protected]

32 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS tui neWs important notice for Prsi class a contributors - changes in number of days for claiming illness benefit

In September 2019 the Department of complete the application form for department for the full period Education (DE), as payroll provider, illness/injury benefit (IB1). The of the absence will be introduced revised procedures in certificate of incapacity for work deducted over a number of regard to the collection of illness (MED1) is completed by the payrolls. Deductions will be made benefit deductions from teachers, doctor and either returned to the in line with the DEASP rules governing special need assistants and other staff employee or submitted to DEASP eligibility for receipt of illness benefit. paid on the payrolls operated by the directly. the teachers, special The payment received by the claimant Department. need assistants/staff from DEASP will compensate for this member’s bank account deduction. Claims for illness benefit by staff paid details must be included on o n Department payrolls who pay “A” Where a teacher, special needs the form IB1. The completed Class PRSI contributions are made to application form (IB1) and assistant or other staff member is in the Department of Employment Affairs certificate of incapacity for work receipt of reduced rate of illness and Social Protection (DEASP) and the (MED1) form should be forwarded benefit due to income levels or illness benefit is paid directly to the directly to DEASP at the address insufficient contributions and not staff member by DEASP. staff referenced on the forms. eligible to receive illness benefit, they should not send their deasP should notify the department claims to the department of 2. Ensure the school receives the of education of this by education for processing. all medical certificates and enters the forwarding a copy of the forms should be fully absences in a timely manner deasP decision letter to completed and submitted to through the On-Line Claims illness Benefit unit, the deasP directly at the System (OLCS). department of education address provided on the IB1 and skills, athlone, and MED1 ( certificate of 3. The payroll system will calculate co. Westmeath, n37 x659 as incapacity for Work). the number of eligible days for soon as possible. The daily illness benefit based on the sick deduction rate will be adjusted on Staff must also obtain a standard leave record entered by the school receipt of this notification. medical certificate from their doctor and will deduct the amount from for school records and ensure the the salary. Deductions from salary Please ensure your Bank school receives the medical certificates will continue until the full amount details are up to date and and enters the absences in a timely due based on dates of absence on included on the IB1 form. the manner through the On-Line Claims OLCS has been recouped. illness benefit payments will System (OLCS). be issued to your account 4. DEASP will notify the Revenue directly by deasP. Commissioners after the illness new arrangements benefit is paid and tax credits will Further information on the for claiming illness be adjusted automatically by illness benefit process is Benefit from Revenue to take account of the available on the DEASP 1st March 2021 income. website - www.welfare.ie 1. When teachers, special needs It is very important that schools are assistants and other staff are absent advised of the sick leave absence by on sick leave (certified, critical and the staff member and that the school pregnancy-related at full/ half rate authorities enter the absences on the OLCS system as soon as possible after of pay) for more than three days after the 1st March 2021, they the absence starts. if an absence is must submit a DEASP illness not notified in time or if a benefit claim. Prior to the 1st number of weeks have elapsed March 2021 this was six days. The before the absence is entedre employee should obtain and on the olcs, the recoupment of illness benefit due to the

www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 33 tui neWs

the emerging shadow

There is a worrying increase in mental health problems that is emerging in our schools and colleges. Anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, self-harm, and suicidal ideation have all increased, which will have long-term consequences for our young people. There is great work being carried out by guidance teachers, management, and members of pastoral care in attempting to plug the ever- increasing holes in the large dam which represents the pending mental health crisis in our education system. There is little purpose in my attempt to offer advice on this recognising that these people are already breaking new and innovative ground in their support of our students. We need to be aware of the impact of this on us as educators. Our guidance teachers in partnership encourage our MEPs to examine the Wellbeing forms the cornerstone of with the pastoral care team are in a possibility of creating a E uropean-wide education, yet many su ffer from unique position to undertake this fund for mental health support in burnout, leading to exhaustion, loss of specific challenge. To do this we need education. In the past, the European confidence and cynicism. We should to think outside the box, plan, and put parliament funded inter-rail travel for never ignore it, and awareness, peer in place dedicated resources. young people; this and other support, leadership and self-care innovative ideas could be introduced strategies will certainly mitigate against Appointing ‘COVID officers’ last and broadened, again providing unique it. September provided a level of wellbeing opportunities. Health is a confidence for teachers on their priority, but they need to plan for our History informs us that with war, the return, ensuring that the work mental health. psychological manifestations of the environment would be as safe as trauma only really emerge in its possible. Would it be possible to In conclusion, I am simply flying a red aftermath. In essence, when society provide more resource hours for flag, and hopefully start a proactive return to some ‘normality’ those with guidance teachers next September that conversation, so that the powers that mental health issues will feel will ensure the provision of mental be, would sit up and notice, and be abandoned, casting a long shadow in health care for our students? Could proactive for the sake of our young the years ahead. Unfortunately, the the possibility of employing the unique people and their educators. crisis will be left in the hands of a few, expertise of counselling psychologists within a system that is under be examined, shared with a group of Shane Moran, Counselling Psychologist, resourced at present. The question is schools providing psychological first Largy College, Clones Shane is author of whether there is a plan. aid to the whole school community? the ‘The Clouds That Can Surround a School’, a guide for schools when dealing While NEPS psychologists provide Finally, as well as seeking the support with a Critical Incident. excellent support in our schools, there of our government to provide these is a need for specialised counselling. financial resources, lets us also

34 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS tui neWs rMa news

I hope you all are keeping safe in these 2022 would apply to pensions but the an RMA renewal form. If you have not very difficult times. Usually at this time of application of the February 2022 1% to renewed your RMA membership for year I would be giving you details of our pensioners is dependent on there not 2020/21 please complete this form. If you spring break. While COVID-19 has being agreement between Unions for its do not have access to a printer you can changed all that, hopefully we will be able use to settle sector-specific issues. instead send a note along with payment to enjoy a spring break in 2022 and containing your name, address and RMA maybe even an autumn break next alliance news: membership number. October. The Alliance of Retired Public Servants have got back to work on our behalf and Branch Matters: rMa agM: have been in contact with Bríd SmithD T In recent weeks, a number of RMATUI The Annual General Meeting of the whose proposed amendments to various Branches have held on-line meetings via Retired Members’ Association which was Acts re IR and Pensions were read into Zoom or other apps. We would due to take place on May13th 2020 in the the Dáil record in early February. The encourage Branches to engage in this way, Ardilaun Hotel, Galway, and later deferred Alliance hope to meet with Minister for but not to arrange any face-to-face to May 2021 has again been deferred as a Public Expenditure and Reform Michael meetings. Any Branch wishing to hold a result of current public health McGrath during the month of March. Zoom meeting that needs assistance may restrictions. An AGM will be organised contact our Chairperson Martin Hoye when public health advice allows. tui annual congress: ([email protected]). TUI’s Annual Congress will be held online With the continued and accelerating roll- Building Momentum: at Easter. A number of motions of out of vaccines, every effort will be made The latest public service agreement particular interest to RMA members have to resume normal activity when it is ‘Building Momentum’ has recently been appeared on the preliminary agenda and allowed, including an autumn break and accepted by the ICTU Public Services hopefully these will get debated at perhaps an AGM in conjunction with that. Committee. The terms provide for Congress. increases of 1% on October 1st 2021, Dan Keane, RMA Secretary 1% on October 1st 2022 and a 1% in rMa Membership: February 2022 for ‘’sectoral’ bargaining. At the bottom of this page you will find The 1% on October 2021 and October £ ARE YOU RETIRING THIS YEAR? Join the Retired Members’ Association Your First Year’s Membership is Free name (Block letters) ______address ______

MOBILE TELEPHONE NO.:______E-MAIL ADDRESS:______

RETIRED FROM______(Name of College/School/Education Centre)

TUI BRANCH ______

Signature ______Date ______

Please forward the completed application form to Membership Officer: Michael Mcnulty, Mount Pleasant, Ballymackey, nenagh, co. tipperary

aPathY is a luxurY We cannot afford in retireMent Join our team and be involved in promoting the interests of retired members

rMa Website: Visit our website www.rmatui.ie to find further details about the association tui neWs

Congratulations to Sponsored by Vol 43 No 2 winner Martina Hegarty, Killarney Community College

€250crossword prize for the first correct answer drawn from the entries Only one entry per member. 1 2345 6

Photocopies can be submitted. 7

Name ______89 10 11

______12 13 Workplace ______

______14 15 16 17 18 19

Address ______

20 21 22 23 24 25 ______

______26 27 28 29 30

Contact number 31

______32 33 34 35

TUI Branch 36 37

______38

39 40 41 42 Send entries to TUI Crossword March/April ‘21,

TUI, 73 Orwell Rd, Rathgar, 43 44 45 46 Dublin 6, D06 YP89. 47

Closing date for entries: 48 Friday, 23rd April 2021

ACROSS 36 A mixed drink made of liquor a nd water with sugar and 11 The capital and principal port of Tunisia (5) 1 Tony Christie queried the route to this Texan town (8) spices and served hot (5) 16 Someone or something that is, or is set up to be, an easy 4 Southpaw (4-6) 37 Powder made by cold-pressing unroasted cocoa beans target for criticism or a British game played in which 8 A planned series of future events or performances. (9) (5) players throw sticks or balls at a wooden dummy. (4,5) 10 Type of battleship armed with heavy-calibre guns in 38 Villa or Martin (5) 18 A glassy thermoplastic; can be cast and moulded or used turrets: so called from British battleship launched in 1906, 39 The boundary dividing Europe into two separate areas in coatings and adhesives (7) the first of its type. (11) from 1945 until 1991 (4,7) 19 A sudden violent change in the earth’s surface (9) 12 Batman movie villain played by Cillian Murphy )(9 42 A Latin American dance similar in rhythm to the rumba 21 Smaller metropolitan area located somewhat near to 13 Anarchist, public speaker, and crusader for free speech, (5) larger metropolitan areas. (9,4) birth control, and workers’ rights in early 20th century 43 Raise in rank, character, or status (5) 22 Exclude from a church or a religious community (13) USA (4,7) 44 A particular dislike (French) (4,5) 25 The space in a theatre or similar venue that functions as 14 Heartbreak -----1986 Clint Eastwood film (5) 47 The Shape of ---- 2017 film nominated for 13 Oscar a waiting room and lounge for performers before and 15 The last (24th) letter of the Greek alphabet (5) nominati)ons (5 after a performance (5,4) 17 Roman slave who led an uprising against Roman legions 48 Having a pleasant odour; fragrant (8) 28 An enclosed space for producing rev erberation of a (9) sound (4,7) 20 Body or force armed with legal authority (5) 30 Leather shorts worn especially by men and boys in 23 A knot or coil of hair arranged on the back of a woman’s DOWN Bavaria (10) head (7) 2 Large-eyed arboreal prosimian having foxy faces and long 31 Subsequent to or coming later than that which is 24 A meet ing for boat races (7) furry tails (5) modern., characterized by by ironic self-reference and 26 Provoke someone to do something with promises or 3 Presumptuously conceited, overconfident or proud (11) absurdity (as in literature) (10) persuasion (6) 4 Spoon-shaped vessel with a long handle (5) 32 A wanderer who has no established residence or visible 27 A delicate pale blue colour (8) 5 A member of a widespread secret fraternal order means of support (8) 29 Distinguish oneself (5) pledged to mutual assistance and brotherly love (9) 34 Involving trust, especially with regard to the relationship 32 A membranous covering attached to the immature 6 A pre-Christian priest among the Celts of ancient Gaul between a trustee and a beneficiary. )(9 fruiting body of certain mushrooms (5) and Britain and Ireland (5) 40 A fashion reminiscent of the past (5) 33 Viscera and trimmings of a butchered animal often 7 Mark used to indicate the omission of one or more 41 Widely known and esteemed (5) considered inedible by humans (5) letters from a printed word (10) 45 No amount at all; something of no value or importance 35 Repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse 9 Fasten by passing through a hole or around something (3) (9) (5) 46 A particle that is electrically charged (3)

36 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS