Education Minister Norma Foley has promised teachers the Government is considering more cash benefits and supports on top of the Government’s existing cost of living package.
Ms Foley was speaking at the ASTI (Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland) annual conference in Cork, where cost of living motions dominated delegates’ discussions all day.
Ms Foley responded to these concerns in her speech.
Read More: No timeline yet for when teachers may see pay rise, says Education Minister Norma Foley
She said: “The Government is aware and alive to these pressures and is considering how to build on the already significant package announced to alleviate hardship.”
However, the Minister would not be drawn on the demands for pay rises for teachers.
She said that these would have to be dealt with in the context of the broader public pay talks being conducted by the Minister for Public Expenditure, Michael McGrath.
Ms Foley thanked our teachers for playing their part in welcoming Ukrainian children fleeing the war into our schools.
She said: “The public service ethos which was a hallmark of the past two years is again shining through with the welcome that schools up and down the country are showing to those families in great need and hardship who have come from Ukraine.
“The trade union movement has always played a hugely significant role in terms of social conscience and helping the most vulnerable.”
This will include the recruitment of special tutors for panels to support English for Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) tuition.
Ms Foley added: “We know from the OECD that it is important for young people arriving in these circumstances to be welcomed and integrated in so far as possible, and that a holistic supportive approach to their educational and pastoral needs is the hallmark of their treatment.
“We as a country continue to welcome and support people fleeing from this terrible violence and I commend and acknowledge the work of people across society to help the Ukrainian families.
“I know that you will join me in expressing our shared solidarity with the people of Ukraine at this time.”
Minister Foley also announced the Department of Education will pay for new courses for teachers to help them better understand sexual diversity in their schools.
She said: “I am pleased to announce today that I am putting in place a new postgraduate course to be developed for teachers in post-primary schools teaching Social, Personal and Health Education, and Relationships and Sexuality Education. Schools and teachers will be supported to access the upskilling programme and course fees will be covered by Department funding.”
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