Still No Budgets Details for Principals to Get to Work of Readying Schools

Aontú Leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín has highlighted that lack of detail in the Government’s Education announcement. An Teacha Tóibín stated;

“The devil is in the lack of detail with principals still none the wiser on how much money their school has to prepare for reopening. This is a real problem. The clock is counting down. Work to prepare has to start to commence now. The lack of detail slows the ability to get work done”.

“The creation of substitute teaching panels are welcome however there is no detail on how many teachers will be available for each school. There is also significant concerns that 1,000 teachers are likely to be retiring from schools before Christmas. Will the extra teachers promised even cover those that are retiring? Many schools will have 30 pupils in classrooms that is no more than 35 square metres in size. What are the guidelines for these schools? Should principles be splitting these classes into two? If so will there be an extra teacher available?

“The government have asked schools to appoint a Covid officer and an assistant Covid officer. This is a position of significant responsibility which will be unpaid. Teachers are already hammered with extra roles and responsibilities. Many questions remain unanswered unfortunately and much detail is still needed”.

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.