theirishtimes--2020-02-04--Next government will have to deal with calls for two-tier pay reversal

Whoever wins the general election will face having to address ongoing demands for a full reversal of lower pay arrangements introduced during the austerity years , not just in teaching but also in other parts of the public service .
About 19,000 members of the Teachers ’ Union of Ireland ( TUI ) staged a one-day strike on Tuesday which led to the closure of hundreds of schools .
Another second level teaching union , the ASTI , is expected to ballot its members in March for industrial action on the two-tier pay issue , although it is unlikely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by another education union .
Separately several thousand doctors , represented by the Irish Medical Organisation ( IMO ) , have already backed strike action over pay inequality .
However the union has deferred any immediate action pending talks on a proposed new contract for hospital consultants .
Lower pay arrangements for those recruited since 2011 has been a persistent issue of concern for public service trade unions for a number of years .
There have been a number of attempts by Government to resolve the issue but unions contend that while some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line that some personnel still receive less than more longer-serving colleagues remains .
The TUI has argued , for example , that teachers employed after January 1st 2011 will earn some €110,000 less than longer-serving colleagues over the course of a career .
The union has maintained that “ critically , they will earn over €50,000 less in the first ten years of their career when key life choices are made ” .
Medical representative bodies contend that recently-appointed hospital consultants can earn up to €50,000 per year less than longer-serving colleagues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fields maintain that this two-tier pay system is fuelling recruitment and retention problems in both schools and hospitals .
Minister for Education Joe McHugh said last April that the issue of the two-tier pay system would be given “ full consideration ” in either an upcoming pay review or in the context of the new round of pay talks .
However while unions and Government officials held months of preliminary discussions over the establishment of “ sectoral talks ” to look at issues such as the two-tier pay system in schools , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the general election and the envisaged sector talks never materialised .
The issue of the two-tier pay system is likely now to have to be addressed as part of overall talks on a new national public service agreement .
The current deal is schedule to expire at the end of the year .
However the logistics of having any such accord ratified by more than 20 different public service groups in time for the budget next October mean that negotiations would have to commence quite soon after Easter .
However negotiating a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be easy.Under the current deal most public service personnel will receive a 2 per cent increase in October .
However the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has urged affiliate organisations representing workers in the private sector to seek rises of between 3.5 and 4.5 per cent this year .
In its general election materials , Fórsa , the country ’ s largest public service trade union , stressed “ the need for inflation-plus increases to reflect the fact that economic improvements have run ahead of agreed pay provisions over the last three years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pledge to resolve remaining two-tier pay issues , it also wants progress on productivity measures introduced following the economic crash such as the requirement for some public service personnel to work longer hours .
Governments over recent years have insisted that while the pay reductions introduced during the austerity years would be rolled back , the various productivity measures were permanent .
Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan told members last month : “ The spending power of public service wages is being eroded by the increasing cost-of-living , including in housing and childcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rising at three times the rate of public service pay.
” Another issue which the next Government is likely have to face is whether to continue with legislative provisions which allow it to impose financial penalties on members of trade unions which are considered to have repudiated the public service agreement .
Such penalties including freezing of increments were imposed on members of the ASTI after they engaged in industrial action in autumn 2016 .
Members of the ASTI lost out on about €15 million in payments as a result .
However the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nurses following the strike last year by members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation .
The Department of Public Expenditure has not answered definitively as to whether penalties will be imposed on TUI members as a result of their strike , however the indications are that they will not be applied .
Last Friday a spokeswoman for Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe said it was “ not constructive ” to talk about financial penalties being applied to those teachers taking part in the planned strike .
The next government is likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to drop the provisions under financial emergency legislation to penalise members in the public service for taking industrial action in the future .
A campaign by the ASTI for reimbursement of the losses incurred by its members on foot of the Government-imposed penalties in 2016 is likely to continue in the weeks and months ahead .
After the strike on Tuesday , the TUI will have to decide on whether there are to be further stoppages before the end of the current school year or whether it will wait to see what develops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service agreement .
Either way the two-tier pay system is likely to continue to be a major issue in public service industrial relations .

Whoever wins the general election will face having to address ongoing demands for a full reversal of lower pay arrangements introduced during the austerity years, not just in teaching but also in other parts of the public service.
About 19,000 members of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) staged a one-day strike on Tuesday which led to the closure of hundreds of schools.
Another second level teaching union, the ASTI, is expected to ballot its members in March for industrial action on the two-tier pay issue, although it is unlikely to go on strike unless it is accompanied by another education union.
Separately several thousand doctors, represented by the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), have already backed strike action over pay inequality. However the union has deferred any immediate action pending talks on a proposed new contract for hospital consultants.
READ MORE
Lower pay arrangements for those recruited since 2011 has been a persistent issue of concern for public service trade unions for a number of years.
There have been a number of attempts by Government to resolve the issue but unions contend that while some progress has been made, the bottom line that some personnel still receive less than more longer-serving colleagues remains.
The TUI has argued,for example, that teachers employed after January 1st 2011 will earn some €110,000 less than longer-serving colleagues over the course of a career.
The union has maintained that “critically, they will earn over €50,000 less in the first ten years of their career when key life choices are made”.
Medical representative bodies contend that recently-appointed hospital consultants can earn up to €50,000 per year less than longer-serving colleagues.
Unions in both the education and medical fields maintain that this two-tier pay system is fuelling recruitment and retention problems in both schools and hospitals.
Minister for Education Joe McHugh said last April that the issue of the two-tier pay system would be given “full consideration” in either an upcoming pay review or in the context of the new round of pay talks.
Negotiations
However while unions and Government officials held months of preliminary discussions over the establishment of “sectoral talks” to look at issues such as the two-tier pay system in schools, the establishment of any such process was overtaken by the general election and the envisaged sector talks never materialised.
The issue of the two-tier pay system is likely now to have to be addressed as part of overall talks on a new national public service agreement.
The current deal is schedule to expire at the end of the year. However the logistics of having any such accord ratified by more than 20 different public service groups in time for the budget next October mean that negotiations would have to commence quite soon after Easter.
However negotiating a new national public service agreement may not be easy.Under the current deal most public service personnel will receive a 2 per cent increase in October. However the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has urged affiliate organisations representing workers in the private sector to seek rises of between 3.5 and 4.5 per cent this year.
In its general election materials, Fórsa, the country’s largest public service trade union, stressed “the need for inflation-plus increases to reflect the fact that economic improvements have run ahead of agreed pay provisions over the last three years”.
As well seeking candidates to pledge to resolve remaining two-tier pay issues, it also wants progress on productivity measures introduced following the economic crash such as the requirement for some public service personnel to work longer hours.
Governments over recent years have insisted that while the pay reductions introduced during the austerity years would be rolled back, the various productivity measures were permanent.
Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan told members last month: "The spending power of public service wages is being eroded by the increasing cost-of-living, including in housing and childcare, while private sector earnings are now rising at three times the rate of public service pay."
Financial Penalties
Another issue which the next Government is likely have to face is whether to continue with legislative provisions which allow it to impose financial penalties on members of trade unions which are considered to have repudiated the public service agreement.
Such penalties including freezing of increments were imposed on members of the ASTI after they engaged in industrial action in autumn 2016. Members of the ASTI lost out on about €15 million in payments as a result.
However the Government did not apply such sanctions to nurses following the strike last year by members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.
The Department of Public Expenditure has not answered definitively as to whether penalties will be imposed on TUI members as a result of their strike, however the indications are that they will not be applied.
Last Friday a spokeswoman for Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe said it was "not constructive" to talk about financial penalties being applied to those teachers taking part in the planned strike.
The next government is likely to come under pressure from trade unions to drop the provisions under financial emergency legislation to penalise members in the public service for taking industrial action in the future.
A campaign by the ASTI for reimbursement of the losses incurred by its members on foot of the Government-imposed penalties in 2016 is likely to continue in the weeks and months ahead.
After the strike on Tuesday, the TUI will have to decide on whether there are to be further stoppages before the end of the current school year or whether it will wait to see what develops in any talks on a new public service agreement.
Either way the two-tier pay system is likely to continue to be a major issue in public service industrial relations.


theirishtimes--2020-02-04--Cork ‘lagging behind’ on cycling infrastructure

“ Cork was really ahead of the game in terms of cycling infrastructure , ” says Dr Dean Venables , chairman of the Cork Cycling Campaign , as he recalls the introduction of segregated counterflow cycle lanes in the city about five years ago .
These “ made a huge difference , ” he says , “ but since then there has been very little and the city council seem to be turning a blind end to continual and persistent abuse of cycle lanes.
” Venables , a UCC-based atmospheric chemist , believes Cork now lags behind other Irish cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not enough places to lock bicycles and he regards people parking vehicles in cycle lanes as a problem .
This led to just 241 fines being issued in the first 10 months of last year , and Venables believes enforcement is an issue .
“ We contend that when a person parks in a cycle lane , not only is it a loss of revenue to the city , but it ’ s an act that endangers vulnerable road users , ” he says .
A recent survey conducted by the cycling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent of cyclists believe cycling infrastructure in Cork is fit for purpose , with nearly 75 per cent of respondents citing safety concerns as the biggest obstacle to cycling on a regular basis .
In spite of these issues , Venables is heartened by the rising number of cyclists in the city , and elsewhere , in recent years .
Cycling featurs in election manifestos , but the campaign believes there has been a lack of serious political dialogue about it on the election campaign trail , as it is not perceived as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are apolitical group .
We want all political parties to engage with us on this , ” Venables says .
“ But it hasn ’ t really been emphasised.
” While the parties may not be saying a lot about cycling , Cork South Central Green Party candidate Cllr Lorna Bogue says constituents are exercised about the matter .
Emails , calls and Twitter messages come in every day asking about related issues , she says .
“ It ’ s getting increasingly difficult to believe that this government really cares about cycling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she says .
Bogue says a key part of combating the climate change crisis is getting people to cycle or use public transport instead of cars .
“ How can we expect people to make this change if they can ’ t be sure of getting to work on time , or if they feel like they ’ re taking their life in their hands by just cycling down the road ?
” she asks .
While the perception in Cork is that things are better in Dublin , cyclists in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infrastructure , limited funding and regular hostility from motorists .
The numbers cycling into Dublin city centre had been rising - from 5,000 people a day in 2006 to 12,447 in 2017 - but following more than a decade of year-on-year cycling increases , the figures took a dip in 2018 , down to 12,227 .
While this is more a plateau than a plummet , and with the figures for last year not yet available , it is still a cause for concern for Dublin City Council , which wants to double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 to 2 per cent of the Department of Transport ’ s capital spend goes on cycling , and cycling advocates say this needs to increase to 10 per cent - a level pledged by some political parties in their manifestos .
The Dublin Commuter Coalition has published its own manifesto , which puts the development of the Liffey Cycle route , planned since 2011 , at its centre .
The group also advocates for sustainable transport nationally and insists all new road projects “ must include the provision for safe , segregated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Green Party cycling spokesman Patrick Costello , who is seeking election in Dublin South Central , says cycling has to be made an attractive option for people of any age or ability .
“ Dublin is flat city , we are drier than the Netherlands , warmer than Denmark , there is no reason that we don ’ t have similar number of cyclists except for the lack of decent infrastructure.
” While greenways have been very successful in rural areas , particularly Mayo and Waterford , Costello says rural towns need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providing links from town and villages to near by greenways can help both improving existing infrastructure as well as creating new infrastructure.
” One prominent cycling advocate recently promised his vote to “ anyone who can stop people using the Rathgar Road cycle lane as a left turn filter ” .
A fellow campaigner responded that it would only take one bollard to force motorists take that turn legally .
One bollard , one vote , sounds like a fair enough deal .

“Cork was really ahead of the game in terms of cycling infrastructure,” says Dr Dean Venables, chairman of the Cork Cycling Campaign, as he recalls the introduction of segregated counterflow cycle lanes in the city about five years ago.
These “made a huge difference,” he says, “but since then there has been very little and the city council seem to be turning a blind end to continual and persistent abuse of cycle lanes.”
Venables, a UCC-based atmospheric chemist, believes Cork now lags behind other Irish cities in terms of cycling infrastructure. There are not enough places to lock bicycles and he regards people parking vehicles in cycle lanes as a problem. This led to just 241 fines being issued in the first 10 months of last year, and Venables believes enforcement is an issue.
“We contend that when a person parks in a cycle lane, not only is it a loss of revenue to the city, but it’s an act that endangers vulnerable road users,” he says.
READ MORE
A recent survey conducted by the cycling group found that fewer than 5 per cent of cyclists believe cycling infrastructure in Cork is fit for purpose, with nearly 75 per cent of respondents citing safety concerns as the biggest obstacle to cycling on a regular basis.
In spite of these issues, Venables is heartened by the rising number of cyclists in the city, and elsewhere, in recent years.
Cycling featurs in election manifestos, but the campaign believes there has been a lack of serious political dialogue about it on the election campaign trail, as it is not perceived as a vote getter.
Apolitical
“We an are apolitical group. We want all political parties to engage with us on this,” Venables says. “But it hasn’t really been emphasised.”
While the parties may not be saying a lot about cycling, Cork South Central Green Party candidate Cllr Lorna Bogue says constituents are exercised about the matter. Emails, calls and Twitter messages come in every day asking about related issues, she says.
“It’s getting increasingly difficult to believe that this government really cares about cycling, or anywhere outside of Dublin,” she says.
Bogue says a key part of combating the climate change crisis is getting people to cycle or use public transport instead of cars.
“How can we expect people to make this change if they can’t be sure of getting to work on time, or if they feel like they’re taking their life in their hands by just cycling down the road?” she asks.
While the perception in Cork is that things are better in Dublin, cyclists in the capital continue to cite issues with poor infrastructure, limited funding and regular hostility from motorists.
The numbers cycling into Dublin city centre had been rising - from 5,000 people a day in 2006 to 12,447 in 2017 - but following more than a decade of year-on-year cycling increases, the figures took a dip in 2018, down to 12,227.
While this is more a plateau than a plummet, and with the figures for last year not yet available, it is still a cause for concern for Dublin City Council, which wants to double the numbers cycling by 2030.
Just 1 to 2 per cent of the Department of Transport’s capital spend goes on cycling, and cycling advocates say this needs to increase to 10 per cent - a level pledged by some political parties in their manifestos.
Safe and segregated
The Dublin Commuter Coalition has published its own manifesto, which puts the development of the Liffey Cycle route, planned since 2011, at its centre. The group also advocates for sustainable transport nationally and insists all new road projects “must include the provision for safe, segregated and continuous walking and cycling infrastructure”.
Green Party cycling spokesman Patrick Costello, who is seeking election in Dublin South Central, says cycling has to be made an attractive option for people of any age or ability.
“Dublin is flat city, we are drier than the Netherlands, warmer than Denmark, there is no reason that we don’t have similar number of cyclists except for the lack of decent infrastructure.”
While greenways have been very successful in rural areas, particularly Mayo and Waterford, Costello says rural towns need cycling infrastructure too.
“Improving and providing links from town and villages to near by greenways can help both improving existing infrastructure as well as creating new infrastructure.”
One prominent cycling advocate recently promised his vote to “anyone who can stop people using the Rathgar Road cycle lane as a left turn filter” .
A fellow campaigner responded that it would only take one bollard to force motorists take that turn legally. One bollard, one vote, sounds like a fair enough deal.


theirishtimes--2020-02-04--Data commissioner starts investigations into Google and Tinder

Ireland ’ s Data Protection Commissioner ( DPC ) has opened investigations into search giant Google and Tinder , the matchmaking app .
Both investigations relate to how the companies ’ process and retain different types of data held on their users .
In a statement the DPC said it was starting the investigation into Google after it became concerned about issues relating to how the company processes location-based data and the transparency measures it employs on the data .
The DPC said it had received “ a number of complaints ” from various consumer organisations across the EU regarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The issues raised within the concerns relate to the legality of Google ’ s processing of location data and the transparency surrounding that processing , ” the DPC said .
Regarding Tinder , the DPC said it launched the inquiry into MTCH Technology Services , the corporate name for Tinder , after “ a number of issues ” were identified by individuals in Ireland and across the EU .
“ The identified issues pertain to… ongoing processing of users ’ personal data with regard to its processing activities in relation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ongoing processing and the company ’ s compliance with its obligations with regard to data subject right ’ s requests ” .
A subject request is when an individual consumer asks a company to release the data held on them .
The inquiries will also examine whether either company has a legal basis for processing its users ’ personal data .
Both investigations have been started by the DPC under its “ own volition ” powers , rather than in response to specific complaints , although complaints have been received on both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws , Ireland ’ s DPC is the lead regulator for both companies as they have their main legal European establishment here and decision making for data processing takes place here .
The DPC plays this role for many of the largest tech companies in the world .
The DPC has been subject to criticism recently from other data protection bodies .
Germany ’ s federal data commissioner last week suggested the DPC was overwhelmed and “ insufficiently equipped for its task ” .
Helen Dixon , the Data Protection Commissioner , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office had received just €1.6 million extra in budget allocation , one third of what she had sought .

The Data Protection Commissioner says it has received ‘a number of complaints’ from consumer organisations across the EU regarding how Google processes data. Photograph: Getty
Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) has opened investigations into search giant Google and Tinder, the matchmaking app.
Both investigations relate to how the companies’ process and retain different types of data held on their users.
In a statement the DPC said it was starting the investigation into Google after it became concerned about issues relating to how the company processes location-based data and the transparency measures it employs on the data.
The DPC said it had received “a number of complaints” from various consumer organisations across the EU regarding how the search company treats the data.
READ MORE
“The issues raised within the concerns relate to the legality of Google’s processing of location data and the transparency surrounding that processing,” the DPC said.
Regarding Tinder, the DPC said it launched the inquiry into MTCH Technology Services, the corporate name for Tinder, after “a number of issues” were identified by individuals in Ireland and across the EU.
Helen Dixon, Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner. Photograph: Cyril Byrne
“The identified issues pertain to… ongoing processing of users’ personal data with regard to its processing activities in relation to the Tinder platform, the transparency surrounding the ongoing processing and the company’s compliance with its obligations with regard to data subject right’s requests”.
A subject request is when an individual consumer asks a company to release the data held on them.
The inquiries will also examine whether either company has a legal basis for processing its users’ personal data.
Both investigations have been started by the DPC under its “own volition” powers, rather than in response to specific complaints, although complaints have been received on both counts.
Under strict European data protection laws, Ireland’s DPC is the lead regulator for both companies as they have their main legal European establishment here and decision making for data processing takes place here.
The DPC plays this role for many of the largest tech companies in the world.
The DPC has been subject to criticism recently from other data protection bodies. Germany’s federal data commissioner last week suggested the DPC was overwhelmed and “insufficiently equipped for its task”.
Helen Dixon, the Data Protection Commissioner, said last year she was disappointed that her office had received just €1.6 million extra in budget allocation, one third of what she had sought.


theirishtimes--2020-02-04--Spike in number of patients on hospital trolleys as 640 wait for a bed

There was a spike in the number of patients on trolleys waiting for hospital beds on Tuesday , figures show .
There were 640 patients considered by doctors to require admission to hospital waiting on trolleys in emergency departments or on wards .
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation ( INMO ) said it was the highest trolley figure since a record level of overcrowding was experienced on January 7th .
The INMO said there were 72 patients waiting for a bed at University Hospital Limerick , 64 at Cork University Hospital and 46 at St Vincent ’ s University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 of the patients without beds were children aged under 16 years .
It said eight children were on trolleys in Temple Street Children ’ s University Hospital .
INMO General Secretary , Phil Ní Sheaghdha , said : “ This is a dangerous and unacceptable figure , with worryingly high numbers of patients without beds across the country.
” “ When Ireland votes later this week , health will rightly be a major electoral priority .
All parties and political leaders must commit to lifting the recruitment freeze , funding safe staffing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reform package.
” “ This is an intolerable situation for vulnerable patients and frontline workers alike .
Nobody should have to endure this in a modern health service .
”

The INMO said 10 of the patients without beds were children aged under 16 years. Photograph: iStock
There was a spike in the number of patients on trolleys waiting for hospital beds on Tuesday, figures show.
There were 640 patients considered by doctors to require admission to hospital waiting on trolleys in emergency departments or on wards.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) said it was the highest trolley figure since a record level of overcrowding was experienced on January 7th.
The INMO said there were 72 patients waiting for a bed at University Hospital Limerick , 64 at Cork University Hospital and 46 at St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin.
READ MORE
The INMO said 10 of the patients without beds were children aged under 16 years. It said eight children were on trolleys in Temple Street Children’s University Hospital.
INMO General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha, said:“This is a dangerous and unacceptable figure, with worryingly high numbers of patients without beds across the country.”
"When Ireland votes later this week, health will rightly be a major electoral priority. All parties and political leaders must commit to lifting the recruitment freeze, funding safe staffing levels, and fully implementing the Sláintecare reform package."
“This is an intolerable situation for vulnerable patients and frontline workers alike. Nobody should have to endure this in a modern health service.”


theirishtimes--2020-02-04--PSNI looks to recruit 600 student officers

The PSNI on Tuesday unveiled a major recruitment drive for up to 600 student officers .
The recruitment when completed and allowing for retirements and other turnover off staff will maintain the number of police at about 6,900 .
Police say numbers should be 7,500 .
Chief constable Simon Byrne said on Tuesday his priority is to build community confidence and invest in neighbourhood policing .
The campaign comes amid continuing calls by some nationalist representatives for a return of 50:50 Catholic : Protestant recruitment , a demand that has been resisted by unionist politicians .
Currently just over 32 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Catholic background .
Female representation is at 29 per cent .
“ I want our service to be representative of the communities we serve .
It ’ s important for sustaining public support and public confidence , ” said Mr Byrne .
“ Currently we have a number of under-represented groups within our service from which we would particularly welcome applications , including females , including Catholics , young people ethnic minorities , working class communities and members of LGBT+ communities , ” he added .
“ If you care , listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your community and protect people from becoming victims of crime please apply it could be the start of an exciting and rewarding journey , ” he said .
In spite of Brexit the recruitment is open to applicants from the Republic .
The closing date for applications is February 25th .
Training takes 23 weeks , and students earn £20,000 ( €23,535 ) per annum in training .
When qualified the annual pay is £23,000 , but police say that taking in special allowances and overtime would see most new officers earn up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairwoman of the North ’ s Policing Board , said “ having a policing service that is representative of and accountable to the community is important for confidence in our policing service ” .
“ As a Policing Board we recognise the diversity of the PSNI .
We want to make sure policing is an attractive and supported career choice for everyone in our community and particularly those people who are currently under-represented in the service , ” she said .
“ Policing offers many exciting roles and opportunities for promotion .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t considered policing as a career choice in the past to take that first step and find out more about how to make that policing their future , ” Ms Connolly said .

Handout photo issued by Police Service of Northern Ireland of (left to right) Dolores Kelly, Mervyn Storey MLA, First Minister Arlene Foster, PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne, Anne Connolly, Chairperson of the NI Policing Board, Gerry Kelly MLA, Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy Chief Constable elect, Mark Hamilton, attending the launch of a new student officer recruitment drive by the PSNI at Garnerville Training College, Belfast. Photograph: PSNI/Stephen Davison/PA Wire
PSNI chief constable Simon Byrne has described a decision by Sinn Féin to attend the unveiling of a police recruitment drive in Belfast on Tuesday as “seismic and historic”.
Sinn Féin’s Deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, and one of the party’s three Policing Board members, Gerry Kelly, turned up at the PSNI training centre in Garnerville in east Belfast shortly after the campaign launch to recruit 600 new studant officers was completed.
Chief constable Mr Byrne was delighted that Sinn Féin for the first time had attended such an event. “I think it is seismic and historic in terms of the history of the PSNI and the commitment we have heard from Sinn Fein today,” he said.
Asked if Sinn Fein’s attendance make a difference in helping to recruit more Catholics he said, “I really hope so. We have called for that support in the past. Now people have stood up to that challenge and have stepped forward and are encouraging people to join the PSNI. So I think it is an historic day not just for policing but for Northern Ireland,” he added.
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While Sinn Féin has supported policing in Northern Ireland since 2006 this was the first time its senior members had attended such an event at Garnerville.
Ms O’Neill and Sinn Féin’s three Policing Board members – Mr Kelly, Linda Dillon and Philip McGuigan – had received invitations to the event well in advance but, according to PSNI sources, had not responded. There was speculation Sinn Féin might snub the event.
Any absence of Sinn Féin at the announcement was likely to trigger controversy, particularly in light of the general election and tonight’s RTE leaders’ debate which also will feature Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald alongside Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin.
It emerged, however, during the event, which began at 10am on Tuesday, that Ms O’Neill and DUP First Minister Arlene Foster, who had been attending an Executive Brexit sub-committee meeting, would attend after that meeting and towards the end of the launch.
Ms Foster arrived around 11.10am, and Ms O’Neill and Mr Kelly arrived about 15 minutes later. The First Minister and Deputy First Minister then joined the chief constable Mr Byrne and other police and Policing Board members. They also posed with pictures of recruitment posts urging people in relation to policing to “make it a career”.
After that Ms O’Neill and Mr Kelly did a brief doorstep with reporters. Asked was it a “last-minute” decision to attend she said she had just come from a Brexit sub-committee meeting of the Northern Executive. “I want to be here,” she added.
Ms O’Neill said “it is no secret” that nationalists and Catholics were under-represented in the police service. Catholic representation is at 32 per cent. “If we are going to have a police service that commands community confidence then it needs to be reflective of the community that it serves,” she added. “So we are here because of that reason.”
Ms O’Neill also said they were at the training centre to meet the chief constable Mr Byrne and to reassert Sinn Féin’s support for 50: 50 Catholic: Protestant recruitment to the PSNI. She also wanted to make the point about under-representation of women and people from ethnic backgrounds.
Asked would she encourage Catholics to apply to join the PSNI Ms O’Neill did not give a definitive answer but instead said: “The fact that I am here today speaks volumes in terms of what I am trying to do. We need a PSNI reflective of the community it serves.”
The chief constable had not heard Ms O’Neill’s earlier comments to the press where she did not quite go so far as encouraging Catholics to join the PSNI, despite her positive inference about her presence at Garnerville.
Mr Byrne said: “We don’t underestimate the significant step forward that Sinn Féin have taken in endorsing this campaign, merely by being here and beginning a conversation about how we can work differently to improve policing right across the country.”
On 50:50 recruitment Mr Byrne said that was a political decision, and not one for him.
First Minister Ms Foster said Ms O’Neill’s attendance was “significant and I very much welcome it”.
“It sends out a good message,” she added. Ms Foster hoped it would encourage more Catholics to join the PSNI. “I hope they will now come forward and join the police service.”
The PSNI is looking to recruit 600 new student officers. Allowing for retirements and other turnover of staff, the recruitment drive will maintain the number of police at about 6,900. Police say numbers should be 7,500.
Mr Byrne said on Tuesday his priority is to build community confidence and invest in neighbourhood policing.
Currently just over 32 per cent of the PSNI comes from a Catholic background. Female representation is at 29 per cent.
“I want our service to be representative of the communities we serve. It’s important for sustaining public support and public confidence,” said Mr Byrne.
“Currently we have a number of under-represented groups within our service from which we would particularly welcome applications, including females, including Catholics, young people ethnic minorities, working class communities and members of LGBT+ communities,” he added.
In spite of Brexit the recruitment is open to applicants from the Republic. The closing date for applications is February 25th. Training takes 23 weeks, and students earn £20,000 (€23,535) per annum in training. When qualified the annual pay is £23,000, but police say that taking in special allowances and overtime would see most new officers earn up to £30,000 annually.


theirishtimes--2020-02-04--Cancer campaigner angry at being sent polling card for late wife

Cervical smear test campaigner Stephen Teap has urged an overhaul of the electoral register after receiving a polling card for his late wife more than two years after her death .
Mr Teap said he was “ angry at the stupidity ” of being sent a polling card this week for his wife Irene ( 35 ) , who died from cervical cancer in 2017 after two cervical smear tests were misread .
The 36-year-old was left to rear their two young sons , Oscar and Noah , who were just four and two at the time .
Mr Teap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he got on social media after posting a picture of the polling card .
“ It seems to be an ongoing thing for many people , ” he told Newstalk radio .
Mr Teap said he has been sent a polling card for his late wife for the Eighth Amendment referendum , the presidential election and the local election before the latest one for the general election .
It would be “ logical ” and “ sensible ” to have a review of the electoral register system he said , possibly creating a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public service numbers .
“ Clearly something obviously needs to be done – if anything just to tackle the insensitive nature of it , ” he said .
In order to remove the name of a deceased from the Register of Electors a RFA1 form must be filled out , which is available from local authorities .

Cervical smear test campaigner Stephen Teap has urged an overhaul of the electoral register after receiving a polling card for his late wife more than two years after her death. Photograph: Michael MacSweeney/Provision
Cervical smear test campaigner Stephen Teap has urged an overhaul of the electoral register after receiving a polling card for his late wife more than two years after her death.
Mr Teap said he was “angry at the stupidity” of being sent a polling card this week for his wife Irene (35), who died from cervical cancer in 2017 after two cervical smear tests were misread.
The 36-year-old was left to rear their two young sons, Oscar and Noah, who were just four and two at the time.
Amazing how almost 3 years after Irene's passing she still gets a vote #GE2020 pic.twitter.com/eJD1hda0YR — (@Stephenteap) February 3, 2020
Mr Teap said he was surprised by the response he got on social media after posting a picture of the polling card.
READ MORE
A number of people reported similar experiences.
“It seems to be an ongoing thing for many people,” he told Newstalk radio .
Mr Teap said he has been sent a polling card for his late wife for the Eighth Amendment referendum, the presidential election and the local election before the latest one for the general election.
It would be “logical” and “sensible” to have a review of the electoral register system he said, possibly creating a centralised database of votes based on personal public service numbers.
‘Sensitive nature’
“Clearly something obviously needs to be done – if anything just to tackle the insensitive nature of it,” he said.
Paul Dingivan, from Cork, also received a polling card for his wife Julie, who died aged 36 in April 2017 from cervical cancer after having been given the all-clear in a smear test.
Mr Dingivan tweeted a picture of the card, adding: “Had ye not of killed her I’m sure she would of given ye her vote”.
Speaking to Red FM’s The Neil Prendeville show, the widower said his young daughter picked up the polling card when they were returning home and said
“there was a postcard there for Mammy”.
“I didn’t know what to think at first ... I though it was ridiculous,” he said.
“It’s just not nice to see it coming in the door.. it’s just crazy.”
In order to remove the name of a deceased from the Register of Electors a RFA1 form must be filled out, which is available from local authorities.
Polling cards are sent to registered voters by the returning office in each area, and legislation requires the cards be delivered no later than three days before the vote.
However, a Department of Housing spokeswoman said voters do not need a polling card to vote, once they attend the polling station on the day with a valid form of identification.
This can include a driving licence, a passport, a Public Services Card, or a student card as long as it contains a photograph.


theirishtimes--2020-02-04--Healthcare for trans people in Ireland ‘inadequate’ – European report

Healthcare for trans Irish people has been described as “ inadequate ” by an international report into the human rights of LGBTI people across Europe .
Concern about the inability of Irish people under 16 years of age to be legally recognised as trans was also expressed in the annual review of ILGA-Europe .
The umbrella body , which represents 600 organisations from across Europe and Central Asia , is an advocacy group promoting the rights of the LGBTI community .
The review also highlights the need for legislation which would enable LGBTI couples to register as parents when a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lesbian asylum seekers face “ double isolation and marginalisation ” in the direct provision system , it also warns .
In its annual review , the group warns that while progress for LGBTI people in Europe “ paints an image of the region as a leading light ” for rights and equality , these developments are “ a surface impression that does not tell a complete or accurate story ” .
The report ’ s findings paint “ a complex picture that diverges from the widespread narrative that all is well for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Internationally , the sharp rise in anti-LGBTI hate speech by public figures in countries across Europe , including Poland , Finland , Turkey , Greece and Portugal , has “ very real consequences ” in people ’ s lives , the ILGA-Europe report warns .
Online hate-speech and physical attacks on LGBTI people , which is often “ premeditated and brutal ” , is also increasingly a problem , it adds .
This rise in hatred is a “ pan-European problem ” with a growing presence of “ anti-LGBTI , anti-gender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during Pride parades and film screenings , says the report .
It also links anti-LGBTI hate crimes in the UK to populist narratives around Brexit .
Increasing numbers of LGBTI people are also fleeing from countries such as Albania , and Bosnia and Herzegovina seeking safety in western Europe , it writes .
In its analysis of Ireland , the report notes that healthcare for trans people is “ inadequate ” with waiting times now estimated at more than two years .
While the 2019 Pride celebrations saw the houses of the Oireachtas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the parade in uniform , the festivities also featured an alternative pride event which criticised the “ corporatisation ” and “ commodification ” of the more mainstream event , notes the report .
The review acknowledges the signing of commencement orders for the parts of the Child and Family Relationships Act 2015 which will allow female couples who conceive through a registered fertility clinic to both register as the child ’ s parents .
However , campaigns are still ongoing to introduce legislation which will regulate surrogacy and other donor-assisted reproduction for same-sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s review of the 2015 Gender Recognition Act , and the State ’ s subsequent commitment to introduce legislation which would allow teenagers between ages 16-17 to legally change their gender , is welcomed by civil society , notes the report .
However , concerns remain that trans children under 16 can not get legal identity of their gender , it adds .
Gay asylum seekers continue to face exclusion from Irish society and placement in accommodation that does not take their LGBTI status into account , with reports of people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries where they are at “ severe risk ” , writes the report .
Under the heading “ year of positive developments for rainbow families ” , the report commends the UK parliament for voting to extend the right to same-sex marriage and abortion to people across Northern Ireland .

Healthcare for trans Irish people has been described as "inadequate" by an international report into the human rights of LGBTI people across Europe.
Concern about the inability of Irish people under 16 years of age to be legally recognised as trans was also expressed in the annual review of ILGA-Europe.
The umbrella body, which represents 600 organisations from across Europe and Central Asia, is an advocacy group promoting the rights of the LGBTI community.
The review also highlights the need for legislation which would enable LGBTI couples to register as parents when a child is born through surrogacy.
READ MORE
Gay and lesbian asylum seekers face "double isolation and marginalisation" in the direct provision system, it also warns.
In its annual review, the group warns that while progress for LGBTI people in Europe “paints an image of the region as a leading light” for rights and equality, these developments are “a surface impression that does not tell a complete or accurate story”.
The report’s findings paint “a complex picture that diverges from the widespread narrative that all is well for LGBTI people in large parts of Europe”.
Hate speech
Internationally, the sharp rise in anti-LGBTI hate speech by public figures in countries across Europe, including Poland, Finland, Turkey, Greece and Portugal, has "very real consequences" in people's lives, the ILGA-Europe report warns. Online hate-speech and physical attacks on LGBTI people, which is often "premeditated and brutal", is also increasingly a problem, it adds.
This rise in hatred is a "pan-European problem" with a growing presence of "anti-LGBTI, anti-gender and neo-Nazi protestors in public spaces" during Pride parades and film screenings, says the report. It also links anti-LGBTI hate crimes in the UK to populist narratives around Brexit. Increasing numbers of LGBTI people are also fleeing from countries such as Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina seeking safety in western Europe, it writes.
In its analysis of Ireland, the report notes that healthcare for trans people is "inadequate" with waiting times now estimated at more than two years.
While the 2019 Pride celebrations saw the houses of the Oireachtas raise a rainbow flag and gardaí join the parade in uniform, the festivities also featured an alternative pride event which criticised the "corporatisation" and "commodification" of the more mainstream event, notes the report.
The review acknowledges the signing of commencement orders for the parts of the Child and Family Relationships Act 2015 which will allow female couples who conceive through a registered fertility clinic to both register as the child’s parents. However, campaigns are still ongoing to introduce legislation which will regulate surrogacy and other donor-assisted reproduction for same-sex couples, it notes.
Last year’s review of the 2015 Gender Recognition Act, and the State’s subsequent commitment to introduce legislation which would allow teenagers between ages 16-17 to legally change their gender, is welcomed by civil society, notes the report. However, concerns remain that trans children under 16 cannot get legal identity of their gender, it adds.
Gay asylum seekers continue to face exclusion from Irish society and placement in accommodation that does not take their LGBTI status into account, with reports of people who are denied asylum being deported back to countries where they are at “severe risk”, writes the report.
Under the heading "year of positive developments for rainbow families", the report commends the UK parliament for voting to extend the right to same-sex marriage and abortion to people across Northern Ireland.


theirishtimes--2020-02-04--Alleged child abusers to be allowed interview complainants

People under investigation for child abuse , including sexual abuse , will be permitted to personally interview their alleged victims in certain circumstances under new Tusla investigatory procedures .
Child protection experts have expressed serious concern that the guidelines , which are contained in the Tusla ’ s new Child Abuse Substantiation Procedures , are overly weighted in favour of the rights of alleged abusers and risk “ re-traumatising ” alleged victims of abuse .
The new policy guidelines , a copy of which has been seen by The Irish Times , are set to come into force in June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiving training in their implementation .
The introduction of the guidelines follows several legal cases brought against Tusla by individuals investigated over abuse allegations who claim their rights were breached by the agency .
Social workers must “ stress test ” allegations when interviewing complainants , the guidelines state , including by asking if there may be an “ alternative explanation ” or “ misinterpretation on their part ” in relation to the allegations .
In some cases social workers should facilitate suspects to “ stress test ” the allegations themselves by personally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complainant is still a child or is a “ vulnerable adult ” , it would be “ generally ” inappropriate for them to be questioned by their alleged abuser , the guidelines state .
If direct questioning is judged inappropriate , other forms of “ stress testing ” should be considered , including allowing the suspect to write out questions to be put to the complainant , allowing their solicitor to question the complainant or allowing the suspect to ask questions via videolink .
In some cases a suspect may be allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put by a social worker , the guidelines state .
“ Consider using a screen to separate the complainant or witness who is being questioned.
” Tusla staff are instructed that the identity of the alleged victim should be disclosed to the suspect at an early stage , even in cases where the “ complainant is at serious risk from the [ alleged abuser ] .
” In most cases alleged abusers should be allowed to tell their employers or partners that they are under investigation before Tusla does so .
In cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to children , the rights of the accused must take precedence over the need to inform third parties of abuse allegations , the guidelines state .
Tusla social workers tasked with substantiating allegations of child abuse should also consider the impact their findings could have on an alleged abuser , including the impact on their employment prospects , their family or on childcare proceedings they are involved in , the document states .
Tusla defended the guidelines on Monday , stating they were drafted to comply with emerging case law and court directions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Alleged abusers are constitutionally entitled “ to fair procedure and due process ” and Tusla ’ s guidelines are in line with best practice , a spokeswoman said .

The new policy guidelines, a copy of which has been seen by The Irish Times, are set to come into force in June, and Tusla social workers are currently receiving training in their implementation. File photograph: iStockPhoto
People under investigation for child abuse, including sexual abuse, will be permitted to personally interview their alleged victims in certain circumstances under new Tusla investigatory procedures.
Child protection experts have expressed serious concern that the guidelines, which are contained in the Tusla’s new Child Abuse Substantiation Procedures, are overly weighted in favour of the rights of alleged abusers and risk “re-traumatising”alleged victims of abuse.
The new policy guidelines, a copy of which has been seen by The Irish Times, are set to come into force in June, and Tusla social workers are currently receiving training in their implementation.
The introduction of the guidelines follows several legal cases brought against Tusla by individuals investigated over abuse allegations who claim their rights were breached by the agency.
READ MORE
Social workers must “stress test” allegations when interviewing complainants, the guidelines state, including by asking if there may be an “alternative explanation” or “misinterpretation on their part” in relation to the allegations.
Facilitate suspects
In some cases social workers should facilitate suspects to “stress test” the allegations themselves by personally questioning complainants or witnesses.
If the complainant is still a child or is a “vulnerable adult”, it would be “generally” inappropriate for them to be questioned by their alleged abuser, the guidelines state.
Photograph: Alan Betson
If direct questioning is judged inappropriate, other forms of “stress testing” should be considered, including allowing the suspect to write out questions to be put to the complainant, allowing their solicitor to question the complainant or allowing the suspect to ask questions via videolink.
In some cases a suspect may be allowed to be in the room while questions are put by a social worker, the guidelines state. “Consider using a screen to separate the complainant or witness who is being questioned.”
Tusla staff are instructed that the identity of the alleged victim should be disclosed to the suspect at an early stage, even in cases where the “complainant is at serious risk from the [alleged abuser].”
Tell employers
In most cases alleged abusers should be allowed to tell their employers or partners that they are under investigation before Tusla does so.
In cases not involving “immediate serious risk” to children, the rights of the accused must take precedence over the need to inform third parties of abuse allegations, the guidelines state.
Tusla social workers tasked with substantiating allegations of child abuse should also consider the impact their findings could have on an alleged abuser, including the impact on their employment prospects, their family or on childcare proceedings they are involved in, the document states.
Tusla defended the guidelines on Monday, stating they were drafted to comply with emerging case law and court directions “in this complex legal area”.
Alleged abusers are constitutionally entitled “to fair procedure and due process” and Tusla’s guidelines are in line with best practice, a spokeswoman said.


theirishtimes--2020-02-04--Legal fears overshadow victims in new Tusla guidelines

The fear of legal action being taken against Tusla , the child and family agency , runs through controversial new guidelines for how the agency will investigate allegations of child abuse .
The unpublished guidelines , seen by The Irish Times , pull back the curtain on how social workers deal with allegations of child abuse .
The Child Abuse Substantiation Practice ( Casp ) was drawn up to better standardise policy , where previously there was criticism over a lack of consistency in how allegations were investigated .
The new policy continually references the rights of the person subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be afforded fair procedures .
However , there is little guidance as to how social workers should ensure the rights of the alleged victim are upheld through what can be a difficult process .
The policy covers alleged abuse relating to current children and adults disclosing childhood abuse .
The guidelines are to come into force in June , and were drawn up in part to “ incorporate new legal judgments in this complex area of law and practice , ” according to Tusla .
There lies the root of concerns organisations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some in the sector privately feel reads in parts as if it was written by the lawyer of an alleged perpetrator .
Tusla has been subject to several legal challenges from individuals investigated over abuse allegations in recent years .
As a result the agency has internally become increasingly wary of court battles , a caution clearly on show throughout the guidelines for social workers .
The element of the policy likely to be most controversial covers how the alleged victim can potentially be questioned by their alleged abuser or their legal representative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the claims .
One striking line from the guidelines states “ it would generally be inappropriate for a child or vulnerable adult to be directly questioned ” by the accused .
Tusla has taken significant flak over previous controversies , and risks further reputational damage if it is seen as prioritising the rights of the accused over the rights and wellbeing of the alleged victim – based on a fear one is more likely to take legal action .
A spokeswoman for Tusla said the Casp policy was written within the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tusla “ has and continues to seek a stronger legislative framework ” for its functions .
Throughout the guidelines Tusla does stress that the safety of the child should take priority where the social worker believes “ there is or may be an immediate serious risk ” of harm .
However , accurately assessing the level of risk to a child is a difficult task in a sphere where judgment calls are made in a grey area .
Under Children First legislation organisations that provide counselling to abuse survivors are mandated to report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the individual does not want the agency to pursue the matter .
The result is an adult disclosing childhood abuse as part of a healing process is pulled into a Tusla investigation they never intended to instigate .
The Casp policy states “ no guarantee ” can be given to the alleged victim that their name will be withheld from the alleged perpetrator , due to the need to afford the accused fair procedures .
“ Even where there is a serious risk to them from the [ alleged perpetrator ] no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintaining their anonymity , ” it states .
Taken together , survivors ’ organisations fear several elements of the new policy risk re-traumatising the most vulnerable person in the process , the alleged victim .

The fear of legal action being taken against Tusla, the child and family agency, runs through controversial new guidelines for how the agency will investigate allegations of child abuse.
The unpublished guidelines, seen by The Irish Times, pull back the curtain on how social workers deal with allegations of child abuse. The Child Abuse Substantiation Practice (Casp) was drawn up to better standardise policy, where previously there was criticism over a lack of consistency in how allegations were investigated.
The new policy continually references the rights of the person subject to an abuse allegation and how they must be afforded fair procedures.
However, there is little guidance as to how social workers should ensure the rights of the alleged victim are upheld through what can be a difficult process. The policy covers alleged abuse relating to current children and adults disclosing childhood abuse.
READ MORE
Concerns
The guidelines are to come into force in June, and were drawn up in part to “incorporate new legal judgments in this complex area of law and practice,” according to Tusla.
There lies the root of concerns organisations supporting survivors have with Casp, which some in the sector privately feel reads in parts as if it was written by the lawyer of an alleged perpetrator.
Tusla has been subject to several legal challenges from individuals investigated over abuse allegations in recent years. As a result the agency has internally become increasingly wary of court battles, a caution clearly on show throughout the guidelines for social workers.
The element of the policy likely to be most controversial covers how the alleged victim can potentially be questioned by their alleged abuser or their legal representative as a means of “stress testing” the claims.
One striking line from the guidelines states “it would generally be inappropriate for a child or vulnerable adult to be directly questioned” by the accused.
Tusla has taken significant flak over previous controversies, and risks further reputational damage if it is seen as prioritising the rights of the accused over the rights and wellbeing of the alleged victim – based on a fear one is more likely to take legal action.
A spokeswoman for Tusla said the Casp policy was written within the current statutory authority of the agency, and Tusla “has and continues to seek a stronger legislative framework” for its functions.
Safety
Throughout the guidelines Tusla does stress that the safety of the child should take priority where the social worker believes “there is or may be an immediate serious risk” of harm.
However, accurately assessing the level of risk to a child is a difficult task in a sphere where judgment calls are made in a grey area.
Under Children First legislation organisations that provide counselling to abuse survivors are mandated to report disclosures of abuse to Tusla, even if the individual does not want the agency to pursue the matter. The result is an adult disclosing childhood abuse as part of a healing process is pulled into a Tusla investigation they never intended to instigate.
The Casp policy states “no guarantee” can be given to the alleged victim that their name will be withheld from the alleged perpetrator, due to the need to afford the accused fair procedures.
“Even where there is a serious risk to them from the [alleged perpetrator] no guarantee can be given in respect of maintaining their anonymity,” it states.
Taken together, survivors’ organisations fear several elements of the new policy risk re-traumatising the most vulnerable person in the process, the alleged victim.


theirishtimes--2020-02-04--Guidelines for investigating abuse ‘horrifying’, says survivor

For abuse survivor Fiona Doyle , the most striking section of Tusla ’ s new procedures for investigating child abuse is the provision that suspects may be allowed to personally interview alleged victims .
“ It ’ s horrifying , ” said Ms Doyle who was sexually abused by her father , Patrick O ’ Brien , in the 1970s and 1980s .
O ’ Brien ( 80 ) was released late last year having served six years in prison for his crimes .
“ There seems to be no consideration for the victim , ” Ms Doyle said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ find that very intimidating.
” Tusla ’ s new Child Abuse Substantiation Procedures policy has been introduced following several high-profile court cases taken against the agency by alleged abusers claiming their rights were breached during investigations .
The policy states that “ generally ” children should not be interviewed by their alleged abuser but that social workers should not assume that an adult victim would object to such a process .
If a complainant does object , the social worker should consider other forms of “ stress testing ” allegations , including allowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – including behind a screen – during questioning .
“ It shouldn ’ t even be on the table , ” said Ms Doyle .
“ An abuser works on power , works on intimidation and works on grooming .
To give an abuser that power would be really traumatic for the victim .
I ’ d really be concerned about that.
” The new policy will be used when investigating historical cases of child abuse ( where the victim is now an adult ) and “ extrafamilial ” allegations such as those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and social workers .
They will also be used in intrafamilial cases where the parents are refusing to constructively co-operate with Tusla .
Ms Doyle ’ s concerns are echoed by other child-protection experts and groups who see the policy as too weighted in favour of alleged abusers at the expense of complainants .
Maeve Lewis , executive director of abuse survivors charity One in Four , said the organisation was very concerned about Tusla ’ s requirement to inform the accused of the alleged victim ’ s name at an early stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guarantee ” can be given to a complainant their name will be kept from the alleged perpetrator “ even where there is a serious risk to them from the [ accused ] ” .
Under Children First legislation , organisations such as One in Four are mandated to report disclosures of child abuse to Tusla where a victim names an alleged perpetrator , even if the individual does not wish the State agency to pursue the matter .
Tusla ’ s policy to inform the accused of the complainant ’ s name at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being placed in danger , Ms Lewis said .
“ It is difficult enough for survivors coming forward … victims have rights to privacy too , ” she said .
Social workers carrying out investigations according to these new guidelines will now also be required “ as a matter of routine procedure ” to hand over all information they gather to the alleged abuser , including witness statements gathered by gardaí .
Senior Garda sources have expressed concern these requirements could endanger criminal investigations which may be running in parallel to a Tusla @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put them at risk of coming under pressure from the accused .
Clíona Saidléar , executive director of the Rape Crisis Network Ireland , called for the new guidelines to be “ victim-proofed ” .
“ Victims whose cases are subject to mandatory reporting need their right to privacy , dignity , health and life to be integrated into this policy , ” she said .
Dr Joe Mooney , a former social worker and current lecturer in University College Dublin , said the new procedures had the potential to cause the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The guidelines were “ cast in favour ” of protecting the rights of the accused , in order to “ protect Tusla from legal action ” , he said .

‘There seems to be no consideration for the victim,’ says abuse survivor Fiona Doyle. ‘Even at my age I would find that very intimidating.’ File photograph: Alan Betson
For abuse survivor Fiona Doyle, the most striking section of Tusla's new procedures for investigating child abuse is the provision that suspects may be allowed to personally interview alleged victims.
“It’s horrifying,” said Ms Doyle who was sexually abused by her father, Patrick O’Brien, in the 1970s and 1980s. O’Brien (80) was released late last year having served six years in prison for his crimes.
“There seems to be no consideration for the victim,” Ms Doyle said. “Even at my age I would find that very intimidating.”
Tusla’s new Child Abuse Substantiation Procedures policy has been introduced following several high-profile court cases taken against the agency by alleged abusers claiming their rights were breached during investigations.
READ MORE
The policy states that “generally” children should not be interviewed by their alleged abuser but that social workers should not assume that an adult victim would object to such a process.
If a complainant does object, the social worker should consider other forms of “stress testing” allegations, including allowing alleged abusers to be in the room – including behind a screen – during questioning.
“It shouldn’t even be on the table,” said Ms Doyle. “An abuser works on power, works on intimidation and works on grooming. To give an abuser that power would be really traumatic for the victim. I’d really be concerned about that.”
The new policy will be used when investigating historical cases of child abuse (where the victim is now an adult) and “extrafamilial” allegations such as those against teachers, coaches, foster parents and social workers.
Intrafamilial cases
They will also be used in intrafamilial cases where the parents are refusing to constructively co-operate with Tusla.
Ms Doyle’s concerns are echoed by other child-protection experts and groups who see the policy as too weighted in favour of alleged abusers at the expense of complainants.
Maeve Lewis, executive director of abuse survivors charity One in Four, said the organisation was very concerned about Tusla's requirement to inform the accused of the alleged victim's name at an early stage.
The policy states that “no guarantee” can be given to a complainant their name will be kept from the alleged perpetrator “even where there is a serious risk to them from the [accused]”.
Under Children First legislation, organisations such as One in Four are mandated to report disclosures of child abuse to Tusla where a victim names an alleged perpetrator, even if the individual does not wish the State agency to pursue the matter.
Tusla’s policy to inform the accused of the complainant’s name at an early stage could result in clients being placed in danger, Ms Lewis said. “It is difficult enough for survivors coming forward … victims have rights to privacy too,” she said.
Social workers carrying out investigations according to these new guidelines will now also be required “as a matter of routine procedure” to hand over all information they gather to the alleged abuser, including witness statements gathered by gardaí.
Senior Garda sources have expressed concern these requirements could endanger criminal investigations which may be running in parallel to a Tusla inquiry and could also endanger witnesses or put them at risk of coming under pressure from the accused.
‘Victim-proofed’
Clíona Saidléar, executive director of the Rape Crisis Network Ireland, called for the new guidelines to be “victim-proofed”.
“Victims whose cases are subject to mandatory reporting need their right to privacy, dignity, health and life to be integrated into this policy,” she said.
Dr Joe Mooney, a former social worker and current lecturer in University College Dublin, said the new procedures had the potential to cause the "retraumatisation" of the alleged victim.
The guidelines were “cast in favour” of protecting the rights of the accused, in order to “protect Tusla from legal action”, he said.


theirishtimes--2020-02-04--Anger as Irish Rail removes hedgerows along Limerick Junction-Waterford line

Removal of hedgerows over stretches of the Limerick Junction to Waterford rail link has provoked outrage among environmental campaigners , who are demanding all work cease .
Save Our Hedgerows ( SOH ) is staging its third protest this week and has claimed hedges in place for more than 150 years are being removed and replaced by wires and cement pillars .
They say it has taken an unacceptable toll on wildlife and is in contravention of the all-Ireland pollinator plan , which the company has endorsed .
Members of the group , including some landowners along the line , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without hedgerow destruction ” .
“ All efforts should be made to minimise interference with hedgerows which are recognised as a vital haven for wildlife including songbirds , pollinating insects and a diverse range of threatened native plant species , ” said SOH secretary Alan Moore .
Its spokesman , PJ O ’ Meara , expressed disappointment Irish Rail had not agreed to suspend work near Limerick Junction , and between Cahir and Clonmel .
A request to Irish Rail calling for “ a moratorium on further destruction pending an expert review and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent on January 15th and the company responded last week .
Irish Rail has agreed to meet the group on February 12th .
“ There is mounting frustration and anger about the methods being employed by contractors working for Irish Rail .
Instead of the traditional method of hedge cutting along the railway embankment , long sections of ancient native hedgerow have been destroyed without any obvious purpose , ” Mr O ’ Meara added .
Irish Rail spokesman Barry Kenny said the work was in line with legislative requirements to erect new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ species would take place , which would over time enrich biodiversity .
Under rail safety legislation there was no need for an environmental impact assessment .
There was 4.4km of fencing renewal on the line , by agreement with adjoining landowners and outside of nesting season , during 2019 .
Hedgerow was removed where it had compromised existing fencing “ or where existing areas are incompatible with the current fencing standards set out in our safety systems ” .
At the meeting with SOH , Irish Rail would outline its vegetation management processes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replanting , as well as the key safety considerations we must take into account when maintaining the railway boundary ” , he said .
Replacement of a 150-year-old hedgerow with a new planted hedge “ takes no account of the massive loss to our environment of such a rich and established source of wildlife ... We believe they wish to push on with the work with all speed ahead of the end of February nesting season cut-off , ” Mr Moore said .
Ireland has the lowest tree cover in Europe ; and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Unfortunately Irish Rail is not the only culprit in hedge and tree destruction .
We ’ ve seen in recent months ongoing ripping out of hedgerows on farms around the county , which appears to be associated with a new industrial style of farming , ” he said .

Hedgerow removal on the Limerick Junction to Waterford line. Irish Rail spokesman Barry Kenny said the work was in line with legislative requirements to erect new fencing, and confirmed replanting of native species would take place
Removal of hedgerows over stretches of the Limerick Junction to Waterford rail link has provoked outrage among environmental campaigners, who are demanding all work cease.
Save Our Hedgerows (SOH) is staging its third protest this week and has claimed hedges in place for more than 150 years are being removed and replaced by wires and cement pillars. They say it has taken an unacceptable toll on wildlife and is in contravention of the all-Ireland pollinator plan, which the company has endorsed.
Members of the group, including some landowners along the line, insisted “new fencing could be erected without hedgerow destruction” .
"All efforts should be made to minimise interference with hedgerows which are recognised as a vital haven for wildlife including songbirds, pollinating insects and a diverse range of threatened native plant species," said SOH secretary Alan Moore.
READ MORE
Its spokesman, PJ O'Meara, expressed disappointment Irish Rail had not agreed to suspend work near Limerick Junction, and between Cahir and Clonmel.
A request to Irish Rail calling for “a moratorium on further destruction pending an expert review and meeting with Irish Rail officials” was sent on January 15th and the company responded last week. Irish Rail has agreed to meet the group on February 12th.
“There is mounting frustration and anger about the methods being employed by contractors working for Irish Rail. Instead of the traditional method of hedge cutting along the railway embankment, long sections of ancient native hedgerow have been destroyed without any obvious purpose,” Mr O’Meara added.
A hedgerow near Limerick Junction prior to its removal by Irish Rail
Works completed at the same location after removal of the hedgerow and the accompanying plantation
Enrich biodiversity
Irish Rail spokesman Barry Kenny said the work was in line with legislative requirements to erect new fencing, and confirmed replanting of native species would take place, which would over time enrich biodiversity. Under rail safety legislation there was no need for an environmental impact assessment.
There was 4.4km of fencing renewal on the line, by agreement with adjoining landowners and outside of nesting season, during 2019. Hedgerow was removed where it had compromised existing fencing “or where existing areas are incompatible with the current fencing standards set out in our safety systems”.
At the meeting with SOH, Irish Rail would outline its vegetation management processes “to detail how we will undertake replanting, as well as the key safety considerations we must take into account when maintaining the railway boundary”, he said.
Replacement of a 150-year-old hedgerow with a new planted hedge “takes no account of the massive loss to our environment of such a rich and established source of wildlife...We believe they wish to push on with the work with all speed ahead of the end of February nesting season cut-off,” Mr Moore said.
Ireland has the lowest tree cover in Europe; and much of it is hedgerows, he said. "Unfortunately Irish Rail is not the only culprit in hedge and tree destruction. We've seen in recent months ongoing ripping out of hedgerows on farms around the county, which appears to be associated with a new industrial style of farming," he said.


theirishtimes--2020-02-04--Claims that up to 12 women had delayed cancer diagnosis at Letterkenny

Up to 12 women suffered delayed diagnosis of their cancers at Letterkenny University Hospital , it has been claimed , as a review of its gynaecological services gets under way .
The review was ordered by the HSE last autumn after a number of cases of alleged missed cancers at the unit were revealed .
Now the whistleblower who sparked the investigation says she knows of at least 10 further cases .
Donegal-born doctor Margaret MacMahon , whose late sister Carol ’ s endometrial cancer was missed for two years , says she has been contacted by a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the hospital .
Dr MacMahon has called on the review to ensure all these cases are examined , while some of the families involved have written to the review team seeking formal investigations .
“ This is about recurrent major incidents , including totally avoidable deaths , in a peripheral unit that has not been managed or monitored appropriately , ” Dr MacMahon says .
A geriatrician based in Bristol , Dr MacMahon claims she told the hospital and the Saolta hospital group ( of which Letterkenny is a member ) when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death that a problem existed , “ but I was obstructed at every point.
” Saolta admitted in a report on Carol MacMahon ’ s death there was a delay in diagnosing her endometrial cancer due to “ a series of failings ” .
Dissatisfied with the response of the hospital and the hospital group to her sister ’ s death , Dr MacMahon took her concerns to Minister for Health Simon Harris and HSE management , which ultimately ordered an independent review .
After the details of her sister ’ s case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donegal family came forward to say their mother ’ s cancer had been missed , after which the HSE agreed to set up the review .
Edel Peoples , from Convoy , said her mother , Philomena , was diagnosed with stage four cancer 18 months after first presenting to the hospital .
Last month , another local woman alleged to the Donegal News her cancer had been missed .
Margaret Doherty , from Stranorlar , said she was only told about her cancer three years after initial tests were carried out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her back and kidneys .
Last week , the family of the late Annie Farrell , from Buncrana , formally requested an investigation of her case .
Ms Farrell ’ s cancer was missed despite regular visits to the clinic , her daughter Emily McClelland alleges .
Dr MacMahon says if lessons had been learned from earlier deaths , “ later tragedies could have been avoided.
” Families had told her they had been reluctant to complain “ because we only have one hospital ” and they did not want to be identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Irish Times in December the “ clinical service review ” may make recommendations to improve the quality and safety of gynaecological services in the hospital .
The members of the review team are consultant obstetrician John Price , retired nursing director Ann Kelly and HSE official Gareth Clifford .
Questions about the current status of the review , and in relation to the group of missed cancers alleged by Dr MacMahon and individual families , had not been responded to by Monday evening .
It is not the practice of the HSE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr MacMahon says the HSE needs to convene an open forum “ as a gesture of goodwill ” when the review is complete and the recommendations are known .
“ Families and patients affected by this need to be invited .
Apologies will need to be made .
Keeping the results behind closed doors is not going to work and will backfire.
” The family of Annie Farrell , from Buncrana , is the latest to go public in Co Donegal with their concerns about the care provided at Letterkenny University Hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote last week to the Minister for Health , Simon Harris , seeking a formal investigation into their mother ’ s death in 2010 , which they believe was due to a delayed cancer diagnosis .
Mrs Farrell was admitted to the hospital in November 2008 after suffering bleeding , and underwent extensive tests .
She had had cancer of the uterus 31 years before , for which she was successfully treated .
The family say she was told there was nothing seriously wrong , and that a thickening of the lining of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous treatment .
“ The bleeding continued and she was not given a management plan , any solution and was never offered a hysterectomy despite ongoing symptoms , ” her daughter says .
“ Mam was a worrier .
She was saying , ‘ There ’ s something wrong .
I think the disease is back.
’ ” However , the tests were clear and “ we thought we were being stupid ” , Ms McClelland recalls .
However , in June 2009 , Mrs Farrell ’ s GP referred her for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advanced cancer of the womb .
She died in 2010 , still in her 60s , and her husband , who had health issues , deteriorated and died shortly after .
“ She had a miserable time with blocked kidneys , chemotherapy and a slow death from a condition that should have been treated and sorted , ” according to Ms McClelland .
“ She had everything to live and love for.
” She says the family always felt uneasy about the manner in which their mother died , but it was only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the hospital raised by other families that they decided to seek answers .
“ Our mother never got an apology for the lack of care and management she received when she needed it the most .
We as a family did not get any answers or explanations for her late diagnosis .
Absolutely nobody offered any meetings or discussions , nothing .
”

Up to 12 women suffered delayed diagnosis of their cancers at Letterkenny University Hospital, it has been claimed, as a review of its gynaecological services gets under way.
The review was ordered by the HSE last autumn after a number of cases of alleged missed cancers at the unit were revealed. Now the whistleblower who sparked the investigation says she knows of at least 10 further cases.
Donegal-born doctor Margaret MacMahon, whose late sister Carol’s endometrial cancer was missed for two years, says she has been contacted by a number of families who are alleging sub-standard gynaecological care at the hospital.
Minister for Health Simon Harris. Dr MacMahon took her concerns to Mr Harris and HSE management. Photograph: Aidan Crawley for the Irish Times
Dr MacMahon has called on the review to ensure all these cases are examined, while some of the families involved have written to the review team seeking formal investigations.
READ MORE
“This is about recurrent major incidents, including totally avoidable deaths, in a peripheral unit that has not been managed or monitored appropriately,” Dr MacMahon says.
A geriatrician based in Bristol, Dr MacMahon claims she told the hospital and the Saolta hospital group (of which Letterkenny is a member) when seeking information about her sister’s death that a problem existed, “but I was obstructed at every point.”
Saolta admitted in a report on Carol MacMahon’s death there was a delay in diagnosing her endometrial cancer due to “a series of failings”.
Independent review
Dissatisfied with the response of the hospital and the hospital group to her sister's death, Dr MacMahon took her concerns to Minister for Health Simon Harris and HSE management, which ultimately ordered an independent review.
After the details of her sister's case became public last year, a second Donegal family came forward to say their mother's cancer had been missed, after which the HSE agreed to set up the review.
Edel Peoples, from Convoy, said her mother, Philomena, was diagnosed with stage four cancer 18 months after first presenting to the hospital.
Last month, another local woman alleged to the Donegal News her cancer had been missed. Margaret Doherty, from Stranorlar, said she was only told about her cancer three years after initial tests were carried out and by that stage it had spread to her back and kidneys.
Last week, the family of the late Annie Farrell, from Buncrana, formally requested an investigation of her case. Ms Farrell's cancer was missed despite regular visits to the clinic, her daughter Emily McClelland alleges.
Dr MacMahon says if lessons had been learned from earlier deaths, “later tragedies could have been avoided.” Families had told her they had been reluctant to complain “because we only have one hospital” and they did not want to be identified as “troublemakers”.
Recommendations
Saolta told The Irish Times in December the "clinical service review" may make recommendations to improve the quality and safety of gynaecological services in the hospital. The members of the review team are consultant obstetrician John Price, retired nursing director Ann Kelly and HSE official Gareth Clifford.
Questions about the current status of the review, and in relation to the group of missed cancers alleged by Dr MacMahon and individual families, had not been responded to by Monday evening. It is not the practice of the HSE to comment on individual patient cases.
Dr MacMahon says the HSE needs to convene an open forum “as a gesture of goodwill” when the review is complete and the recommendations are known. “Families and patients affected by this need to be invited. Apologies will need to be made. Keeping the results behind closed doors is not going to work and will backfire.”
Case study: Annie Farrell, Buncrana, Co Donegal
The family of Annie Farrell, from Buncrana, is the latest to go public in Co Donegal with their concerns about the care provided at Letterkenny University Hospital.
Mrs Farrell’s daughter Emily McClelland wrote last week to the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, seeking a formal investigation into their mother’s death in 2010, which they believe was due to a delayed cancer diagnosis.
Mrs Farrell was admitted to the hospital in November 2008 after suffering bleeding, and underwent extensive tests. She had had cancer of the uterus 31 years before, for which she was successfully treated.
The family say she was told there was nothing seriously wrong, and that a thickening of the lining of her womb was a side-effect of the previous treatment.
“The bleeding continued and she was not given a management plan, any solution and was never offered a hysterectomy despite ongoing symptoms,” her daughter says.
“Mam was a worrier. She was saying, ‘There’s something wrong. I think the disease is back.’”
However, the tests were clear and “we thought we were being stupid”, Ms McClelland recalls.
However, in June 2009, Mrs Farrell’s GP referred her for an MRI, which showed that she had advanced cancer of the womb.
She died in 2010, still in her 60s, and her husband, who had health issues, deteriorated and died shortly after.
“She had a miserable time with blocked kidneys, chemotherapy and a slow death from a condition that should have been treated and sorted,” according to Ms McClelland. “She had everything to live and love for.”
She says the family always felt uneasy about the manner in which their mother died, but it was only when they read about concerns in relation to the hospital raised by other families that they decided to seek answers.
“Our mother never got an apology for the lack of care and management she received when she needed it the most. We as a family did not get any answers or explanations for her late diagnosis. Absolutely nobody offered any meetings or discussions, nothing.”


theirishtimes--2020-02-04--Hundreds of schools closed due to strike action over pay

Several hundred schools across the country are closed on Tuesday as part of an ongoing campaign against a two-tier pay system by the Teachers ’ Union of Ireland ( TUI ) .
The one-day stoppage will also affect institutes of technology and centres of further education .
The TUI , which represents roughly 19,000 members , claims that a “ discriminatory ” two-tier pay system is in operation for teachers , resulting in teachers employed after January 2011 earning a starting salary that is 14 per cent lower than that earned by colleagues employed before that date .
The union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress in pay equality , teachers employed after January 2011 will still earn some €110,000 less than longer-serving colleagues over the course of a 40-year career .
Latest figures indicate the strike is set to close about 400 of the country ’ s 700-plus secondary schools.The Department of Education said it was likely that virtually all of the 248 Education and Training Board schools and 96 community and comprehensive schools would be closed .
In addition , at least 45 of the country ’ s 380 voluntary secondary schools will also shut .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the campaign will continue until pay equality is restored .
“ We have exhausted every avenue open to us to bring this matter to resolution .
The overwhelming mandate given to us by members to engage in a campaign of industrial action shows that the resolve of teachers and lecturers on this issue has strengthened , ” Mr Lahart said .
“ The clear message from our members is that they have been patient long enough and that our actions must now escalate.
” He added : “ We regret any inconvenience caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuation of pay discrimination risks inflicting further damage on the education system.
” The National Parents ’ Council Post-Primary ( NPCPP ) said it was “ disappointed ” that the strike action was affecting children ’ s education .
“ Pupils ( our children ) should not suffer because of any HR dispute .
NPCPP emphasise our opposition to any industrial action taking place during classroom hours , lesson time or exams , ” a spokesman said .
Members of the Association of Secondary Teachers , Ireland ( ASTI ) are not taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to register their attendance at schools in order to be paid , regardless of whether the school is open or closed to students .
In official advice , the ASTI has informed its members that they must be “ available for work ” in order to be paid .
The Department of Education said an agreement on new-entrant pay , which would see incremental pay increases , was agreed in 2018 and that the Government remains committed to this .
“ The matter of new-entrant pay is a cross-sectoral issue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector , ” a spokesman for the department said .
“ The Government supports the gradual , negotiated repeal of the Fempi legislation [ emergency fiscal measures during the downturn ] , having due regard to the priority to improve public services and in recognition of the essential role played by public servants.
” He added : “ The starting salary for a new-entrant teacher in 2012 was €30,702 .
The starting salary of a teacher is now €36,953 .
From October 1st , 2020 onwards , the starting salary of a teacher @ @ @ @ @

Several hundred schools across the country are closed on Tuesday as part of an ongoing campaign against a two-tier pay system by the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI). Video: Kathleen Harris
Several hundred schools across the country are closed on Tuesday as part of an ongoing campaign against a two-tier pay system by the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI).
The one-day stoppage will also affect institutes of technology and centres of further education.
The TUI, which represents roughly 19,000 members, claims that a “discriminatory” two-tier pay system is in operation for teachers, resulting in teachers employed after January 2011 earning a starting salary that is 14 per cent lower than that earned by colleagues employed before that date.
The union stated that while there has been some progress in pay equality, teachers employed after January 2011 will still earn some €110,000 less than longer-serving colleagues over the course of a 40-year career.
READ MORE
Latest figures indicate the strike is set to close about 400 of the country’s 700-plus secondary schools.The Department of Education said it was likely that virtually all of the 248 Education and Training Board schools and 96 community and comprehensive schools would be closed.
In addition, at least 45 of the country’s 380 voluntary secondary schools will also shut.
Seamus Lahart, TUI president, said the campaign will continue until pay equality is restored.
“We have exhausted every avenue open to us to bring this matter to resolution. The overwhelming mandate given to us by members to engage in a campaign of industrial action shows that the resolve of teachers and lecturers on this issue has strengthened,” Mr Lahart said.
“The clear message from our members is that they have been patient long enough and that our actions must now escalate.”
He added: “We regret any inconvenience caused to students and their families but a continuation of pay discrimination risks inflicting further damage on the education system.”
Parents
The National Parents’ Council Post-Primary (NPCPP) said it was “disappointed” that the strike action was affecting children’s education.
“Pupils (our children) should not suffer because of any HR dispute. NPCPP emphasise our opposition to any industrial action taking place during classroom hours, lesson time or exams,” a spokesman said.
Members of the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) are not taking part in the strike action, and will have to register their attendance at schools in order to be paid, regardless of whether the school is open or closed to students.
In official advice, the ASTI has informed its members that they must be “available for work” in order to be paid.
The Department of Education said an agreement on new-entrant pay, which would see incremental pay increases, was agreed in 2018 and that the Government remains committed to this.
“The matter of new-entrant pay is a cross-sectoral issue, not just an issue for the education sector,” a spokesman for the department said. “The Government supports the gradual, negotiated repeal of the Fempi legislation [emergency fiscal measures during the downturn], having due regard to the priority to improve public services and in recognition of the essential role played by public servants.”
He added: “The starting salary for a new-entrant teacher in 2012 was €30,702. The starting salary of a teacher is now €36,953. From October 1st, 2020 onwards, the starting salary of a teacher will be €37,692.”