theirishtimes--2020-09-08--Traineeships are flexible and adaptable

Traineeships are flexible and adaptable

We ’ re all having to be adaptable during Covid-19 .
The certainties of both education and employment are melting away .
More remote working requiring very different patterns of thinking .
We are already witnessing an increased emphasis on IT and data .
And businesses need employee flexibility and adaptability at the same time as they face pressure to be more ethical and responsible in how they treat both staff and the wider environment .
In education , remote working and learning will become important , but teachers will also have to be more responsive to the needs of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learner voice listened to in far more than a tokenistic way .
Throughout education , one sector is already perhaps more adaptable to changing needs than any other , and that ’ s workplace training .
“ Employers have always had to be very adaptable , ” says Alan McGrath , director of apprenticeships and workplace learning at Solas , the further education and training authority .
“ Courses vary in duration between six and 20 months , and involve a minimum of 30 per cent on-the-job learning .
We are really seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the pandemic , with a shift to Zoom , MS teams and small tutorial groups .
All the training has been based on public health advice , and the longer the traineeship , the more adaptable it can be.
” “ Traditionally , traineeships were unemployed people looking at their options , but that is changing , ” says McGrath .
“ We are seeing many women returning from having children who are using traineeships and PLCs to upskill or increase their qualifications .
What ’ s most important is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are aware that it can open doors to higher education : trainees have a chance to progress on to level six or seven NFQ programmes and we are improving the local arrangements and progression routes all the time.
” The numbers enrolled have fallen slightly .
At the end of June , there were 893 learners who had started a traineeship in 2020 , including 200 people under the age of 25 and 693 over that age .
About 51 per cent of learners are female and 49 per cent are male @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enable potential learners find the course that suits them best , in the best location .
“ These courses are so local and there is a facility in pretty much every community , ” says McGrath .
Traineeships span a wide range of industries including animal science , business , care , construction , engineering , fashion & beauty , finance , hospitality , transport , manufacturing , media , retail and sports and leisure .
Within this , the course portal FetchCourses.ie currently lists over 110 traineeships including : Legal studies administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 52-week course comprising 50 per cent work-based learning in a solicitor ’ s practice and 50 per cent classroom and online learning blend .
This course takes place in Ballinasloe , Co Galway .
Pharmacy sales : A 32-week course during which participants will learn what they need to know about working in a pharmacy as well as gain opportunities to upskill to different roles including pharmacy technician , purchasing , merchandising and more .
This course takes place in Baldoyle , Dublin 13 .
Professional HGV training programme : On this 30-week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to know in order to gain employment in driving rigid and artic body heavy good vehicles .
This course takes place in Wexford Town Horticulture traineeship : Over 30 weeks , participants on this course will learn the skills needed to work as a general operative in horticulture and gain the knowledge , skills and competence to select , establish , grow and maintain a range of plants .
The course will open up further employment and learning opportunities for interested graduates .
It takes place at Sligo Training Centre .
OEM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stepping stone for a career in engineering and will provide learners with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in engineering , fabrication , welding , electrical and electronics .
It takes place in conjunction with Combilift , a major employer in Monaghan .
Storytelling and documentary making : This is an unusual traineeship that displays how innovative and adaptable these types of courses are .
On this course , which takes place one evening a week across ten weeks , participants will gain the skills to work in media including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalism ; creative audio production and radio/podcasting production .
This course takes place in Tralee , Co Kerry .
A related course , digital journalism and radio broadcasting , runs for 52 weeks in Kerry and has similar course content and learning outcomes .
Covid-19 has changed how we think about hairdressing , says Martyna Marek , a 20-year old former trainee who completed the hairdressing traineeship at the Further Education and Training Centre in Raheen , Limerick , last year .
People really missed their hairdressers during the closures and realised the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re booked out for two months ; everyone needs a hairdresser , ” says Marek .
“ I always knew I wanted to be a hairdresser , ” says Marek .
“ The course involved computer work and theory at first .
There ’ s also some science on it as we learn about the scalp , skin and hair and what works on different scalp and hair types .
Then we learned some entry-level skills around shampooing , styling , cutting , plaiting , dressing and twisting.
” Marek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on hair cutting .
As part of her qualification , she worked with Siobhán Burke , owner of Alley Cuts Hair and Beauty Salon in Newcastle West , Co Limerick , who provided her with on-the-job training .
The salon offers a wide range of Keune colour and Keune and Kerastase hair products .
“ The best training is working in a salon in a traineeship in conjunction with the school , ” says Burke .
“ The trainee gets the basics of hairdressing and then moves to the salon for the practical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to practice and learn their individual skills .
This is beneficial for both the trainee and the employer.
” Marek ’ s traineeship provides a pathway to the new national hairdressing apprenticeship , which Limerick and Clare ETB are the lead coordinating providers for .

Traineeships are available in a wide selection or roles ranging from horticulture to engineering, fashion and beauty.
We’re all having to be adaptable during Covid-19. The certainties of both education and employment are melting away. More remote working requiring very different patterns of thinking. We are already witnessing an increased emphasis on IT and data. And businesses need employee flexibility and adaptability at the same time as they face pressure to be more ethical and responsible in how they treat both staff and the wider environment.
In education, remote working and learning will become important, but teachers will also have to be more responsive to the needs of learners, which should increasingly see the learner voice listened to in far more than a tokenistic way.
Throughout education, one sector is already perhaps more adaptable to changing needs than any other, and that’s workplace training.
“Employers have always had to be very adaptable,” says Alan McGrath, director of apprenticeships and workplace learning at Solas, the further education and training authority. “Courses vary in duration between six and 20 months, and involve a minimum of 30 per cent on-the-job learning. We are really seeing a lot of innovation in this sector because of the pandemic, with a shift to Zoom, MS teams and small tutorial groups. All the training has been based on public health advice, and the longer the traineeship, the more adaptable it can be.”
READ MORE
“Traditionally, traineeships were unemployed people looking at their options, but that is changing,” says McGrath. “We are seeing many women returning from having children who are using traineeships and PLCs to upskill or increase their qualifications. What’s most important is that learners find a course that interests them and are aware that it can open doors to higher education: trainees have a chance to progress on to level six or seven NFQ programmes and we are improving the local arrangements and progression routes all the time.”
The numbers enrolled have fallen slightly. At the end of June, there were 893 learners who had started a traineeship in 2020, including 200 people under the age of 25 and 693 over that age. About 51 per cent of learners are female and 49 per cent are male.
Course portal FetchCourses.ieis well designed to enable potential learners find the course that suits them best, in the best location. "These courses are so local and there is a facility in pretty much every community," says McGrath.
Traineeships: what’s on offer?
Traineeships span a wide range of industries including animal science, business, care, construction, engineering, fashion & beauty, finance, hospitality, transport, manufacturing, media, retail and sports and leisure. Within this, the course portal FetchCourses.ie currently lists over 110 traineeships including:
Legal studies administration with European Computer Driving License: a 52-week course comprising 50 per cent work-based learning in a solicitor's practice and 50 per cent classroom and online learning blend. This course takes place in Ballinasloe, Co Galway.
Pharmacy sales: A 32-week course during which participants will learn what they need to know about working in a pharmacy as well as gain opportunities to upskill to different roles including pharmacy technician, purchasing, merchandising and more. This course takes place in Baldoyle, Dublin 13.
Professional HGV training programme: On this 30-week course, trainees will learn what they need to know in order to gain employment in driving rigid and artic body heavy good vehicles. This course takes place in Wexford Town
Horticulture traineeship: Over 30 weeks, participants on this course will learn the skills needed to work as a general operative in horticulture and gain the knowledge, skills and competence to select, establish, grow and maintain a range of plants. The course will open up further employment and learning opportunities for interested graduates. It takes place at Sligo Training Centre.
OEM engineering technology traineeship: This 38-week is the stepping stone for a career in engineering and will provide learners with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in engineering, fabrication, welding, electrical and electronics. It takes place in conjunction with Combilift, a major employer in Monaghan.
Storytelling and documentary making: This is an unusual traineeship that displays how innovative and adaptable these types of courses are. On this course, which takes place one evening a week across ten weeks, participants will gain the skills to work in media including research; print, radio and video journalism; creative audio production and radio/podcasting production. This course takes place in Tralee, Co Kerry. A related course, digital journalism and radio broadcasting, runs for 52 weeks in Kerry and has similar course content and learning outcomes.
Martyna Marek worked with Siobhán Burke, owner of Alley Cuts Hair and Beauty Salon in Newcastle West, Co Limerick, who provided her with on-the-job training.
Trainee profile: Martyna Marek, hairdressing traineeship
Covid-19 has changed how we think about hairdressing, says Martyna Marek, a 20-year old former trainee who completed the hairdressing traineeship at the Further Education and Training Centre in Raheen, Limerick, last year.
People really missed their hairdressers during the closures and realised the importance and value of their skills. “We’re booked out for two months; everyone needs a hairdresser,” says Marek.
“I always knew I wanted to be a hairdresser,” says Marek. “The course involved computer work and theory at first. There’s also some science on it as we learn about the scalp, skin and hair and what works on different scalp and hair types. Then we learned some entry-level skills around shampooing, styling, cutting, plaiting , dressing and twisting.”
Marek followed up this traineeship with a course on hair cutting. As part of her qualification, she worked with Siobhán Burke, owner of Alley Cuts Hair and Beauty Salon in Newcastle West, Co Limerick, who provided her with on-the-job training. The salon offers a wide range of Keune colour and Keune and Kerastase hair products.
Siobhan Burke
“The best training is working in a salon in a traineeship in conjunction with the school,” says Burke. “The trainee gets the basics of hairdressing and then moves to the salon for the practical work, which gives them an environment to practice and learn their individual skills. This is beneficial for both the trainee and the employer.”
Marek’s traineeship provides a pathway to the new national hairdressing apprenticeship, which Limerick and Clare ETB are the lead coordinating providers for.


theirishtimes--2020-09-08--'I thank further education every day for helping me get to this point'

The teenage years were a struggle .
We moved from Dublin to Athy in Co Kildare when I was 13 , and it was a real culture shock for me .
I experienced bullying in school , and I ended up falling in with the wrong crowd .
I could not settle in school .
I was battling anxiety .
At times I felt like I was drowning .
One day I stood in the kitchen with my mam and she told me that my mental health was more important than education .
I promised one day I would return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I didn ’ t know if that was true .
Legally , because I was so young , I was still required to be engaged in some form of education .
At that time Youthreach was the only real option for me and the fact that I had friends there made it more appealing .
My confidence was on the floor ; Youthreach helped me build it up again .
The staff went over and above to make sure we attended .
If 9am came and someone was missing , they were straight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ okay .
They are the most dedicated educators .
I wasn ’ t great at maths – I ’ m still not – but they were there to provide one-to-one support .
Modules included communications , woodwork , home economics and simple life skills like cooking .
After Youthreach , I wanted to enter the workforce , earn money and be independent .
I went to London with my mam and stepdad for a year ; they opened a pub but later decided to return to Ireland .
Just before my 17th birthday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London on my own .
I had €300 in my pocket , no job and no real plan .
A friend let me stay in their apartment while I looked for work .
After two weeks , I got a job in an Irish pub and I stayed there for a year , living in the flat above the pub .
I also had a job in a major clothes shop on Regent Street in London .
It was scary , yes , but I ’ ve always been a fiery , independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Looking back , maybe I should have been more scared than I was , but you take risks at that age and the life experience I gained was invaluable .
I came home after a year , secured a job in a hotel bar working long hours .
At that time , I still had no concrete plan for the future or what I really wanted out of life .
Everything changed when I fell pregnant at 18 .
During the early stages of my pregnancy I was living alone , struggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms with the fact that I was going to become a mother .
At an ultrasound appointment , they told me that there was something wrong with my baby .
After a battery of tests abnormalities were discovered , along with a lack of amniotic fluid , and I was told that the baby wouldn ’ t survive outside the womb .
I was quite far along in my pregnancy and because of this we had to get a plot for a grave and prepare for a funeral , which was extremely traumatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , instead of not being able to breathe , he was screaming bloody murder .
It was the most beautiful sound .
Stephen had a lot of health issues and didn ’ t leave hospital until he was six weeks old .
They said it was a miracle and , to this day , nobody quite understands how he did so well .
But it was a tough year .
Crumlin Children ’ s Hospital became my second home .
I was 19 years old and sleeping on the floor beside Stephen ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two and a half , I noticed that he wasn ’ t meeting his milestones , and he was diagnosed with autism .
It was a hellish time and Stephen was a difficult toddler .
I did struggle , of course .
I think I experienced some postnatal depression and also some post-traumatic stress from the pregnancy .
I enrolled in the Moving on Programme for young mothers in Carlow .
They had a creche where all the children were cared for while we took part in the course , which focused on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best years of my life , and I made great friends on it .
This course was a major academic turning point for me .
It was all about what was going on for us and what could be done to help us .
The facilitators organised counselling and career guidance for those who needed it .
Then they started to talk to me about college .
I genuinely believed that if you didn ’ t do the Leaving Cert you had no opportunities , you were a nobody .
I thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there was no way back .
But they explained about further education to me and supported me to make an application for a Post-Leaving Cert course .
I did the interview for a business administration and legal studies course , and got in .
Around this time , I started the course and , to my surprise , found myself enthralled by law .
I took it so seriously and worked so hard .
The first time I got a high mark , I felt like I had won the lottery .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ feedback and found my voice .
My tutors expressed that I should consider undertaking a degree .
I didn ’ t have a Leaving Cert but wasn ’ t old enough to get in as a mature student , so I had to get all distinctions in my PLC .
I worked so hard – and I did it .
Honestly , life in IT Carlow was kind of tough : I had some literacy issues from not finishing school and , although there were supports there , I was too stubborn and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I didn ’ t know a word , I would write it down and look it up later .
The fact that I was so passionate about the course made it a lot easier .
Sometimes I felt too old to fit in with the younger students , but at the same time too young to fit in with the mature ones , but I just focused on what I was there to do : learn and build a better life for me and Stephen .
By the time college ended I knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the traditional legal route of becoming a solicitor .
Doing a masters was an easy decision and I got accepted to the MA in comparative criminology and criminal justice at Maynooth University .
Straight away , I loved it .
We studied prison law , youth justice , comparative criminology , and international human rights .
It was so engaging , and we debated about policies and theories in class .
There was a lot of active learning .
One of my professors became my thesis supervisor and I wrote about addiction and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ex-addicts , parents , social workers , gardaí and people in the community .
I remember being parked up in a car park when my supervisor rang me to say my thesis was up there with the best he had ever read .
I sobbed crying .
I couldn ’ t believe it .
He asked me if I ’ d ever considered doing a PhD .
I came on board as a research assistant at Maynooth and it really felt like one of those “ pinch-me ” moments .
I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I decided to apply for the John and Pat Hume scholarship as I would need to secure funding to be able to do a PhD .
I didn ’ t think I would have a chance because it is so hugely competitive .
I got it !
This will pay my fees and give me a stipend for four years .
It is such an enormous privilege and I am incredibly grateful to Maynooth University .
Stephen was non-verbal until he was three years old , but when he started talking all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ melt away .
With support , he has thrived .
I never tell him that he can ’ t do anything .
He is eight now and he knows he is autistic – and is proud to be .
I have always tried to teach him self-love .
He still has his struggles , but he is strong , brave , and resilient and I am so very proud of him .
I hugely look up to my little boy .
He is my hero : he doesn ’ t care what people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dances and introduces himself to everyone , and he reminds me that we can all work hard on caring less .
I want him to look at his mam and be proud too , and I thank further education every day for helping me get to this point .
It is my hope that I can continue to make a difference through research , eventually becoming a full-time academic and lecturer .

The teenage years were a struggle. We moved from Dublin to Athy in Co Kildare when I was 13, and it was a real culture shock for me. I experienced bullying in school, and I ended up falling in with the wrong crowd. I could not settle in school. I was battling anxiety. At times I felt like I was drowning.
One day I stood in the kitchen with my mam and she told me that my mental health was more important than education. I promised one day I would return to education but, being honest, I didn’t know if that was true.
Legally, because I was so young, I was still required to be engaged in some form of education. At that time Youthreach was the only real option for me and the fact that I had friends there made it more appealing.
My confidence was on the floor; Youthreach helped me build it up again. The staff went over and above to make sure we attended. If 9am came and someone was missing, they were straight on the phone checking that everything was okay. They are the most dedicated educators. I wasn’t great at maths – I’m still not – but they were there to provide one-to-one support. Modules included communications, woodwork, home economics and simple life skills like cooking.
READ MORE
After Youthreach, I wanted to enter the workforce, earn money and be independent. I went to London with my mam and stepdad for a year; they opened a pub but later decided to return to Ireland. Just before my 17th birthday, I decided to go back to London on my own. I had €300 in my pocket, no job and no real plan. A friend let me stay in their apartment while I looked for work. After two weeks, I got a job in an Irish pub and I stayed there for a year, living in the flat above the pub. I also had a job in a major clothes shop on Regent Street in London.
It was scary, yes, but I’ve always been a fiery, independent spirit determined to walk my own path. Looking back, maybe I should have been more scared than I was, but you take risks at that age and the life experience I gained was invaluable.
I came home after a year, secured a job in a hotel bar working long hours. At that time, I still had no concrete plan for the future or what I really wanted out of life.
Everything changed when I fell pregnant at 18. During the early stages of my pregnancy I was living alone, struggling financially, and trying to come to terms with the fact that I was going to become a mother.
At an ultrasound appointment, they told me that there was something wrong with my baby. After a battery of tests abnormalities were discovered, along with a lack of amniotic fluid, and I was told that the baby wouldn’t survive outside the womb. I was quite far along in my pregnancy and because of this we had to get a plot for a grave and prepare for a funeral, which was extremely traumatic.
When Stephen came into the world, instead of not being able to breathe, he was screaming bloody murder. It was the most beautiful sound. Stephen had a lot of health issues and didn’t leave hospital until he was six weeks old. They said it was a miracle and, to this day, nobody quite understands how he did so well.
But it was a tough year. Crumlin Children's Hospital became my second home. I was 19 years old and sleeping on the floor beside Stephen's cot.
When he was about two and a half, I noticed that he wasn’t meeting his milestones, and he was diagnosed with autism. It was a hellish time and Stephen was a difficult toddler.
I did struggle, of course. I think I experienced some postnatal depression and also some post-traumatic stress from the pregnancy. I enrolled in the Moving on Programme for young mothers in Carlow. They had a creche where all the children were cared for while we took part in the course, which focused on employability skills. It was one of the best years of my life, and I made great friends on it.
This course was a major academic turning point for me. It was all about what was going on for us and what could be done to help us. The facilitators organised counselling and career guidance for those who needed it.
Then they started to talk to me about college. I genuinely believed that if you didn’t do the Leaving Cert you had no opportunities, you were a nobody. I thought I had lost my chance at success and there was no way back. But they explained about further education to me and supported me to make an application for a Post-Leaving Cert course. I did the interview for a business administration and legal studies course, and got in.
Around this time, I started the course and, to my surprise, found myself enthralled by law. I took it so seriously and worked so hard. The first time I got a high mark, I felt like I had won the lottery. I started to thrive off the good feedback and found my voice.
My tutors expressed that I should consider undertaking a degree. I didn’t have a Leaving Cert but wasn’t old enough to get in as a mature student, so I had to get all distinctions in my PLC. I worked so hard – and I did it.
Honestly, life in IT Carlow was kind of tough: I had some literacy issues from not finishing school and, although there were supports there, I was too stubborn and embarrassed to ask for help. If I didn’t know a word, I would write it down and look it up later. The fact that I was so passionate about the course made it a lot easier.
Sometimes I felt too old to fit in with the younger students, but at the same time too young to fit in with the mature ones, but I just focused on what I was there to do: learn and build a better life for me and Stephen. By the time college ended I knew I did not want to go down the traditional legal route of becoming a solicitor.
Doing a masters was an easy decision and I got accepted to the MA in comparative criminology and criminal justice at Maynooth University. Straight away, I loved it. We studied prison law, youth justice, comparative criminology, and international human rights. It was so engaging, and we debated about policies and theories in class. There was a lot of active learning.
One of my professors became my thesis supervisor and I wrote about addiction and addiction related crime in Athy, speaking to ex-addicts, parents, social workers, gardaí and people in the community.
I remember being parked up in a car park when my supervisor rang me to say my thesis was up there with the best he had ever read. I sobbed crying. I couldn’t believe it. He asked me if I’d ever considered doing a PhD.
I came on board as a research assistant at Maynooth and it really felt like one of those “pinch-me” moments. I was so excited to be given the opportunity.
I decided to apply for the John and Pat Hume scholarship as I would need to secure funding to be able to do a PhD. I didn't think I would have a chance because it is so hugely competitive. I got it! This will pay my fees and give me a stipend for four years. It is such an enormous privilege and I am incredibly grateful to Maynooth University.
Stephen was non-verbal until he was three years old, but when he started talking all of that frustration he had started to melt away. With support, he has thrived. I never tell him that he can’t do anything. He is eight now and he knows he is autistic – and is proud to be. I have always tried to teach him self-love. He still has his struggles, but he is strong, brave, and resilient and I am so very proud of him.
I hugely look up to my little boy. He is my hero: he doesn’t care what people think of him, he sings and dances and introduces himself to everyone, and he reminds me that we can all work hard on caring less.
I want him to look at his mam and be proud too, and I thank further education every day for helping me get to this point. It is my hope that I can continue to make a difference through research, eventually becoming a full-time academic and lecturer.
In conversation with Peter McGuire


theirishtimes--2020-09-08--Europe's longest lockdown:  Irish ‘wet’ pubs set to reopen on September 21st

The Government is likely to authorise the reopening of pubs which do not serve food on September 21st , after discussions with the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) advised they should not open before that date .
The reopening of “ wet ” pubs , which have been closed since March , will be subject to strict regulations on social distancing and hygiene .
One political source familiar with the plan said , “ It ’ s not business as usual.
” The Cabinet is expected to agree to the reopening date at a meeting on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern over rising levels of infections , particularly in Dublin .
The news will come as a relief to the owners and operators of the 60 per cent of pubs which do not serve food and have not been permitted to open .
Irish pubs have experienced the longest lockdown in Europe and publicans have been lobbying fiercely in recent weeks to be allowed reopen .
Tipperary publicans will protest outside Leinster House on Tuesday about the continuing closure of pubs , as well as the new regulations , while the Rural Independents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Michael and Danny Healy-Rae – has tabled a private members ’ motion for the Dáil on Wednesday opposing new regulations requiring pubs keep receipts of food consumption for 28 days .
Publicans who held protests outside the offices of Ministers Simon Coveney and Michael McGrath in Carrigaline , Co Cork , on Monday have vowed to roll out similar demonstrations nationwide if the Government fails to protect their livelihoods .
Public health officials suggested that counties with a high incidence of Covid-19 could be excluded from the mooted reopening of pubs later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down by Government sources .
Acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said he thought it was “ possible ” for wet pubs to reopen in the middle of September , but he flagged a “ particular concern ” about a number of counties .
Rising case numbers in Dublin and Limerick are causing concern among public health officials , who have called on residents of both counties to limit their social interactions as much as possible .
“ The next seven days , in terms of people ’ s behaviour , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If things stay stable , we ’ ll see.
” Meanwhile up to 40 schools have contacted public health officials about cases of Covid-19 involving students , but as yet no clusters or outbreaks have been reported in schools .
One per cent of the 4,000 schools which have reopened in recent days have been in touch with public health officials , a NPHET briefing was told on Monday evening .
However , this does not mean an outbreak has occurred , according to public health specialist Dr Abigail Collins , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the community .
In some cases , classes or pods of students had been removed from the school and further testing ordered , she said , but “ at this point there are no confirmed outbreaks in schools ” .
Dr Collins said she was optimistic about the reopening of schools , which she praised for reacting in a “ pragmatic , sensitive and caring ” way .
A further 102 confirmed cases of Covid-19 have been notified to NPHET , while no further deaths were reported .
Dublin accounted for 56 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Commission on Monday published a proposal for a common EU system governing travel restrictions between member states .
Ministers are expected to discuss current travel restrictions on Tuesday , though sources say decisions are unlikely until next week .

The Long Hall on South Great George’s Street: Irish pubs have experienced the longest lockdown in Europe and publicans have been lobbying fiercely to be allowed reopen. Photograph: Aidan Crawley
The Government is likely to authorise the reopening of pubs which do not serve food on September 21st, after discussions with the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) advised they should not open before that date.
The reopening of “wet” pubs, which have been closed since March, will be subject to strict regulations on social distancing and hygiene. One political source familiar with the plan said, “It’s not business as usual.”
The Cabinet is expected to agree to the reopening date at a meeting on Tuesday.
However, it comes amid growing concern over rising levels of infections, particularly in Dublin.
READ MORE
The news will come as a relief to the owners and operators of the 60 per cent of pubs which do not serve food and have not been permitted to open. Irish pubs have experienced the longest lockdown in Europe and publicans have been lobbying fiercely in recent weeks to be allowed reopen.
Tipperary publicans will protest outside Leinster House on Tuesday about the continuing closure of pubs, as well as the new regulations, while the Rural Independents Group – including Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath and Michael and Danny Healy-Rae – has tabled a private members' motion for the Dáil on Wednesday opposing new regulations requiring pubs keep receipts of food consumption for 28 days.
Livelihood of publicans
Publicans who held protests outside the offices of Ministers Simon Coveney and Michael McGrath in Carrigaline, Co Cork, on Monday have vowed to roll out similar demonstrations nationwide if the Government fails to protect their livelihoods.
Public health officials suggested that counties with a high incidence of Covid-19 could be excluded from the mooted reopening of pubs later this month, though this was played down by Government sources.
Acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said he thought it was “possible” for wet pubs to reopen in the middle of September, but he flagged a “particular concern” about a number of counties.
Rising case numbers in Dublin and Limerick are causing concern among public health officials, who have called on residents of both counties to limit their social interactions as much as possible.
“The next seven days, in terms of people’s behaviour, are really important,” he said. “If things stay stable, we’ll see.”
Meanwhile up to 40 schools have contacted public health officials about cases of Covid-19 involving students, but as yet no clusters or outbreaks have been reported in schools.
School progress
One per cent of the 4,000 schools which have reopened in recent days have been in touch with public health officials, a NPHET briefing was told on Monday evening.
However, this does not mean an outbreak has occurred, according to public health specialist Dr Abigail Collins, who said usually cases involving children had occurred in the community.
In some cases, classes or pods of students had been removed from the school and further testing ordered, she said, but “at this point there are no confirmed outbreaks in schools”.
Dr Collins said she was optimistic about the reopening of schools, which she praised for reacting in a “pragmatic, sensitive and caring” way.
A further 102 confirmed cases of Covid-19 have been notified to NPHET, while no further deaths were reported. Dublin accounted for 56 of the new cases.
Meanwhile, the European Commission on Monday published a proposal for a common EU system governing travel restrictions between member states. Ministers are expected to discuss current travel restrictions on Tuesday, though sources say decisions are unlikely until next week.


theirishtimes--2020-09-08--‘Apprenticeships a very strong transition to employment’

During the last recession apprenticeship numbers plummeted from a high of 20,000 to just 1,000 .
With another downturn looming , could that happen again ?
Far from it , says Alan McGrath , director of apprenticeships and work-based learning at Solas , the further education and training agency .
“ Particularly outside hospitality , we ’ ve seen a surge in interest in areas including information and computer technology ( ICT ) , biopharmaceuticals and logistics , and we had 850 registrations for new apprenticeships between March and June .
“ And it ’ s not just the standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone .
We are continuing to work with students and parents to help them understand what they are really interested in and , these days , young people have a growing confidence to say what they really want .
Apprenticeship registrations have increased substantially since 2015 with 3,153 registrations to 6,177 by the end of 2019 .
“ More broadly , we ’ ve all got a real appreciation for how skilled apprenticeship graduates really are , and how vital they are to society .
During the Covid crisis , people either needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hairdressers and tradespeople .
These are not ‘ low-skilled ’ jobs : they are developed over two to four years in , for instance , traineeships .
And the employment can be very resilient ; look at hairdressers or plumbers.
” In a time of precarious employment and with the social side of college fundamentally altered – although most third levels are making great efforts to ensure that students still have at least some type of full college experience – apprenticeships offer a chance to get a qualification and earn at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediate and considerable draw , ” says McGrath .
“ Being an apprentice means that you immediately become an employee , and this has to be attractive in a time of high unemployment especially among young people .
By the time you finish your two to four years you won ’ t just have your qualification , you ’ ll also have work experience that will stand to you .
There is a very strong transition to employment and , indeed , many apprentices ultimately stay with their employer.
” Apprentices spend time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some classroom-based learning , whether in an approved learning centre or on a traditional campus such as the University of Limerick of IT Sligo , so they often get a good taste of student life – even if that is somewhat suspended for now .
“ Rates of pay do vary because that is between the employer and employee , ” explains McGrath .
“ On craft apprenticeships such as motor mechanics , construction , electrical and engineering , your employer pays you a rate for while you are on the job , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay aligned to rates in the sector which increases as you pass through .
For apprenticeships that were created after 2016 and in newer areas , all the pay comes through the employer side and is an agreed rate between employer and apprentice.
” McGrath says he is unaware of any changes in salaries this year .
Spreading the word has been tougher because of travel and distancing restrictions but , McGrath says , the Generation Apprenticeship competition – where students create a giant letter A using the materials , equipment and tools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a theme of sustainability , and entries were dedicated to local heroes working on the frontline , including retail staff , nurses and parents and guardians working through the pandemic .
“ We also partner networks so in the IT sector , for example , there are people who help promote the apprenticeship opportunities in their sector .
And we have been running a billboard campaign too.
” One area that still needs more work is encouraging more females to consider apprenticeships .
“ We are making good progress , ” says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had just 26 female apprentices .
Now we have 706 out of 17,965 which , while a steep climb , is not a figure we ’ re satisfied with .
There are cultural and systemic reasons for this .
While there are excellent female apprentices in crafts , on a systemic level girls don ’ t always have the same access to vocational-based subjects in the senior cycle and we need to change this .
On the other hand , we are seeing good numbers in areas like insurance , accounting technician and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all their options – there is more than just college.
” For more information , see apprenticeship.ie • Apprenticeships span from levels six to nine on the national framework of qualifications , with a level eight being equivalent to a higher degree and level nine being a postgraduate qualification .
In conjunction with Solas , the University of Limerick is also introducing the first doctoral level apprenticeship , where qualified candidates will spend four years working towards the professional doctorate in engineering ( DEng ) ; this will prepare them for an academic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems .
• In July , the Government announced a financial incentive for companies by providing them with €2,000 upon hiring and registering new apprentices and a further €1,000 in 2021 if the apprentice is still working with them .
• A recent Central Statistics Office report found that more than 80 per cent of apprentices qualified in 2014 were still employed two years after completion of their apprenticeship .
• A new action plan for apprenticeships is due to be launched this month .
Matthew Casey ( 22 ) got more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was more than enough to secure a place on UCC ’ s commerce course .
He turned it down .
Instead , he chose to train as an apprentice accounting technician .
“ Yes , people thought it was the wrong move , ” Casey says .
“ There is a feeling that the best pathway when you finish is college and that even a seventh CAO choice is a better option than apprenticeship .
I have proven them wrong with a valuable qualification , and I got to earn money at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applied for the apprenticeship as a fallback option .
“ But after spending the summer working in a restaurant after the exams I felt that working in a chosen career would give me more experience than college books.
” Casey was in the first-ever graduation class from the Accounting Technicians Ireland apprenticeship programme last year after two years with Crowley and McCarthy Chartered Accountants in Clonakilty .
During his two-year course , he learned about tax , law , financial accounting and other practical subjects with four days at work and one day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It was a very professionally-oriented course and I ’ m now on the way to becoming a chartered accountant after only two years , ” he says .
“ If I ’ d gone to college it would have taken four years for the degree and another 3½ for the chartered training contract ; this way it is two years of training followed by a four-year training contract.
” This year , Accounting Technicians Ireland will provide 150 jobs nationwide through its apprenticeship programme .
Locally-placed apprentices will earn at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is offered in 10 locations including Cork , Dublin , Galway , Limerick , Monaghan , Waterford and Wicklow .
Successful graduates may progress to full accountancy with Chartered Accountants Ireland or one of the other professional accountancy bodies .
Michael McAteer is a partner with Grant Thornton , which has 14 accounting technician apprentices who all worked and studied remotely during lockdown .
“ It allows firms to broaden client offerings and provide excellent career prospects for students , ” he says .
“ The accounting technician apprenticeship is another way of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opens us up to people who have had other careers , not necessarily involving accounting .
“ The most important thing to avoid in any business is group think .
If all your graduates come through college degree courses , you may find a certain mind set there .
I ’ d encourage smaller businesses to take part in the scheme to ease work flows and mould apprentices into their companies .
”

Matthew Casey: ‘If I’d gone to college it would have taken four years for the degree and another three-and-a-half for the chartered training contract.’ Photograph: Billy MacGill
During the last recession apprenticeship numbers plummeted from a high of 20,000 to just 1,000. With another downturn looming, could that happen again?
Far from it, says Alan McGrath, director of apprenticeships and work-based learning at Solas, the further education and training agency.
“Particularly outside hospitality, we’ve seen a surge in interest in areas including information and computer technology (ICT), biopharmaceuticals and logistics, and we had 850 registrations for new apprenticeships between March and June.
“And it’s not just the standard boys-only apprenticeships anymore; those days are gone. We are continuing to work with students and parents to help them understand what they are really interested in and, these days, young people have a growing confidence to say what they really want. Apprenticeship registrations have increased substantially since 2015 with 3,153 registrations to 6,177 by the end of 2019.
READ MORE
“More broadly, we’ve all got a real appreciation for how skilled apprenticeship graduates really are, and how vital they are to society. During the Covid crisis, people either needed or desperately wanted healthcare assistants, barbers, hairdressers and tradespeople. These are not ‘low-skilled’ jobs: they are developed over two to four years in, for instance, traineeships. And the employment can be very resilient; look at hairdressers or plumbers.”
In a time of precarious employment and with the social side of college fundamentally altered – although most third levels are making great efforts to ensure that students still have at least some type of full college experience – apprenticeships offer a chance to get a qualification and earn at the same time.
“This is an immediate and considerable draw,” says McGrath. “Being an apprentice means that you immediately become an employee, and this has to be attractive in a time of high unemployment especially among young people. By the time you finish your two to four years you won’t just have your qualification, you’ll also have work experience that will stand to you. There is a very strong transition to employment and, indeed, many apprentices ultimately stay with their employer.”
Apprentices spend time learning on the job and also do some classroom-based learning, whether in an approved learning centre or on a traditional campus such as the University of Limerick of IT Sligo, so they often get a good taste of student life – even if that is somewhat suspended for now.
“Rates of pay do vary because that is between the employer and employee,” explains McGrath. “On craft apprenticeships such as motor mechanics, construction, electrical and engineering, your employer pays you a rate for while you are on the job, and this is an agreed rate of pay aligned to rates in the sector which increases as you pass through. For apprenticeships that were created after 2016 and in newer areas, all the pay comes through the employer side and is an agreed rate between employer and apprentice.”
McGrath says he is unaware of any changes in salaries this year.
Apprenticeships span from levels six to nine on the national framework of qualifications, with a level eight being equivalent to a higher degree and level nine being a postgraduate qualification.
Spreading the word has been tougher because of travel and distancing restrictions but, McGrath says, the Generation Apprenticeship competition – where students create a giant letter A using the materials, equipment and tools of their industry – took place online with a theme of sustainability, and entries were dedicated to local heroes working on the frontline, including retail staff, nurses and parents and guardians working through the pandemic.
“We also partner networks so in the IT sector, for example, there are people who help promote the apprenticeship opportunities in their sector. And we have been running a billboard campaign too.”
One area that still needs more work is encouraging more females to consider apprenticeships. “We are making good progress,” says McGrath. “In 2015, we had just 26 female apprentices. Now we have 706 out of 17,965 which, while a steep climb, is not a figure we’re satisfied with. There are cultural and systemic reasons for this. While there are excellent female apprentices in crafts, on a systemic level girls don’t always have the same access to vocational-based subjects in the senior cycle and we need to change this. On the other hand, we are seeing good numbers in areas like insurance, accounting technician and financial services. People have to get all their options – there is more than just college.”
For more information, see apprenticeship.ie
New in apprenticeships
Apprenticeships span from levels six to nine on the national framework of qualifications, with a level eight being equivalent to a higher degree and level nine being a postgraduate qualification. In conjunction with Solas, the University of Limerick is also introducing the first doctoral level apprenticeship, where qualified candidates will spend four years working towards the professional doctorate in engineering (DEng); this will prepare them for an academic career and the training to address scientific problems.
In July, the Government announced a financial incentive for companies by providing them with €2,000 upon hiring and registering new apprentices and a further €1,000 in 2021 if the apprentice is still working with them.
A recent Central Statistics Office report found that more than 80 per cent of apprentices qualified in 2014 were still employed two years after completion of their apprenticeship.
A new action plan for apprenticeships is due to be launched this month.
Apprentice spotlight: Accounting technician
Matthew Casey (22) got more than 550 points in his Leaving Cert. It was more than enough to secure a place on UCC's commerce course.
He turned it down. Instead, he chose to train as an apprentice accounting technician.
“Yes, people thought it was the wrong move,” Casey says. “There is a feeling that the best pathway when you finish is college and that even a seventh CAO choice is a better option than apprenticeship. I have proven them wrong with a valuable qualification, and I got to earn money at the same time.”
Casey initially only applied for the apprenticeship as a fallback option. “But after spending the summer working in a restaurant after the exams I felt that working in a chosen career would give me more experience than college books.”
Casey was in the first-ever graduation class from the Accounting Technicians Ireland apprenticeship programme last year after two years with Crowley and McCarthy Chartered Accountants in Clonakilty. During his two-year course, he learned about tax, law, financial accounting and other practical subjects with four days at work and one day at the College of Commerce in Cork.
“It was a very professionally-oriented course and I’m now on the way to becoming a chartered accountant after only two years,” he says. “If I’d gone to college it would have taken four years for the degree and another 3½ for the chartered training contract; this way it is two years of training followed by a four-year training contract.”
This year, Accounting Technicians Ireland will provide 150 jobs nationwide through its apprenticeship programme. Locally-placed apprentices will earn at least €19,700 a year, and the programme is offered in 10 locations including Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Monaghan, Waterford and Wicklow. Successful graduates may progress to full accountancy with Chartered Accountants Ireland or one of the other professional accountancy bodies.
Michael McAteer is a partner with Grant Thornton, which has 14 accounting technician apprentices who all worked and studied remotely during lockdown.
“It allows firms to broaden client offerings and provide excellent career prospects for students,” he says. “The accounting technician apprenticeship is another way of broadening the Grant Thornton skill base and opens us up to people who have had other careers, not necessarily involving accounting.
“The most important thing to avoid in any business is group think. If all your graduates come through college degree courses, you may find a certain mind set there. I’d encourage smaller businesses to take part in the scheme to ease work flows and mould apprentices into their companies.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-08--Leaving Cert 2020: What you need to know about the appeals process

From early on Monday , following the release of the Leaving Cert estimated grades for the class of 2020 , the queries poured into The Irish Times helpdesk , where our team of guidance counsellors have been answering your questions online .
A huge source of anxiety for callers was not being happy with the grade they achieved in one or more subjects in the assessed grade process , and wanting to know how to go about appealing such grades .
Unfortunately , for those who were disappointed with the grades they were allocated , there is no appealing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or the position in which they placed you in the order of achievement in your class group .
Furthermore , the appeals process will not examine any aspect of the accuracy of the four-stage process which led to the grade you received , starting with the percentage mark determined by your subject teacher .
Rather it will simply check the accuracy of the data transfer of results , from your school through the various stages of the internal Department of Education processes .
The department has integrated the timing of the first stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date for college entry in a few weeks ’ time .
This should , in almost all cases , allow students who do appeal their grade to take up during the 2020/2021 academic year a third-level place that has been awarded to them after a clerical error was discovered , resulting in them receiving an upgraded CAO place following stage one of the appeals process .
If a student were to appeal the first stage of the appeals process , and be successful at the independent appeal scrutineer stage , and consequently receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they will receive a deferred offer to start their course in the 2021/22 academic year .
Students who opt to sit the Leaving Certificate examinations in mid-November , if it is safe to hold those exams , and who receive an upgrade in one or more subjects , and consequently an improved CAO offer , on foot of these results , will also receive a deferred college offer to start their course in the 2021/22 academic year .
If a candidate who has started the first year of a course becomes entitled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accept same for the following academic year , attendance for the first year on the new course would remain eligible for free fees and Susi funding as appropriate .
If a student chooses to sit the Leaving Cert exam in any subject and their subsequent result is less than the grade awarded on Monday , they will still be entitled to use their assessed grade , whether for CAO entry purposes in 2021/22 , or in the future .
All of the results issued this year – calculated grades , appeals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered the results of the 2020 Leaving Certificate and can be used in 2021 or in any subsequent year to apply for courses through the CAO application process .
This is totally different to the normal regulations regarding CAO entry , where applicants can only be considered for entry to any course on the basis of the results secured in one sitting of the Leaving Cert .
The second biggest issue raised by those contacting our helpdesk related to those who had sat the Leaving Cert in previous years and are now experiencing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in CAO points next Friday .
This issue is also exercising the minds of the Government , and there is strong awareness at all levels of our education and political systems of the need to be seen to address the concerns of this group of college applicants .
The Higher Education Authority ( HEA ) has already sanctioned an additional 1,250 places across the entire third-level sector , and each college is now allocating these extra places across the pressure points of their courses .
Furthermore , under the Government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further 1,415 places are being created in science and technology courses to address the needs of the economy in these sectors .
These places may also bring down the final CAO points requirements in those programmes .
In the coming hours the third-level colleges will finalise the overall numbers of places which they will be able to offer , which the HEA sanctions and funds with ministerial approval .
At that stage they will apply the CAO points scores of all eligible applicants to the lists of available places .
Only then will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inflation for each course on offer , which will be revealed when round one places are offered at 2pm next Friday .
There is still a long way to go before we can discern whether the processes devised to manage the transition from school to college of this year ’ s college applicants have been successful .

From early on Monday, following the release of the Leaving Cert estimated grades for the class of 2020, the queries poured into The Irish Times helpdesk, where our team of guidance counsellors have been answering your questions online.
A huge source of anxiety for callers was not being happy with the grade they achieved in one or more subjects in the assessed grade process, and wanting to know how to go about appealing such grades.
Unfortunately, for those who were disappointed with the grades they were allocated, there is no appealing the percentage marks your teachers awarded you, or the position in which they placed you in the order of achievement in your class group.
Furthermore, the appeals process will not examine any aspect of the accuracy of the four-stage process which led to the grade you received, starting with the percentage mark determined by your subject teacher.
READ MORE
Rather it will simply check the accuracy of the data transfer of results, from your school through the various stages of the internal Department of Education processes.
The department has integrated the timing of the first stage of the appeals process with the start date for college entry in a few weeks' time. This should, in almost all cases, allow students who do appeal their grade to take up during the 2020/2021 academic year a third-level place that has been awarded to them after a clerical error was discovered, resulting in them receiving an upgraded CAO place following stage one of the appeals process.
If a student were to appeal the first stage of the appeals process, and be successful at the independent appeal scrutineer stage, and consequently receive an improved CAO offer at that stage, they will receive a deferred offer to start their course in the 2021/22 academic year.
Students who opt to sit the Leaving Certificate examinations in mid-November, if it is safe to hold those exams, and who receive an upgrade in one or more subjects, and consequently an improved CAO offer, on foot of these results, will also receive a deferred college offer to start their course in the 2021/22 academic year.
If a candidate who has started the first year of a course becomes entitled to a higher CAO place and chooses to accept same for the following academic year, attendance for the first year on the new course would remain eligible for free fees and Susi funding as appropriate.
If a student chooses to sit the Leaving Cert exam in any subject and their subsequent result is less than the grade awarded on Monday, they will still be entitled to use their assessed grade, whether for CAO entry purposes in 2021/22, or in the future.
All of the results issued this year – calculated grades, appeals and the later examination sitting – will be considered the results of the 2020 Leaving Certificate and can be used in 2021 or in any subsequent year to apply for courses through the CAO application process.
This is totally different to the normal regulations regarding CAO entry, where applicants can only be considered for entry to any course on the basis of the results secured in one sitting of the Leaving Cert.
Other concerns
The second biggest issue raised by those contacting our helpdesk related to those who had sat the Leaving Cert in previous years and are now experiencing huge levels of anxiety over the anticipated increase in CAO points next Friday.
This issue is also exercising the minds of the Government, and there is strong awareness at all levels of our education and political systems of the need to be seen to address the concerns of this group of college applicants.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has already sanctioned an additional 1,250 places across the entire third-level sector, and each college is now allocating these extra places across the pressure points of their courses.
Furthermore, under the Government’s “human capital” initiative, a further 1,415 places are being created in science and technology courses to address the needs of the economy in these sectors. These places may also bring down the final CAO points requirements in those programmes.
In the coming hours the third-level colleges will finalise the overall numbers of places which they will be able to offer, which the HEA sanctions and funds with ministerial approval.
At that stage they will apply the CAO points scores of all eligible applicants to the lists of available places.
Only then will we see the level of CAO points inflation for each course on offer, which will be revealed when round one places are offered at 2pm next Friday.
There is still a long way to go before we can discern whether the processes devised to manage the transition from school to college of this year’s college applicants have been successful.


theirishtimes--2020-09-08--Leaving Cert: Private schools turn to lawyers after ‘losing out’ in calculated grades

Lawyers have reported a surge in queries from parents and teaching staff in fee-charging and grind schools who feel they lost out under the new calculated grades process .
Many believe the decision to drop “ school profiling ” – a controversial measure which took into account a school ’ s past performance in the Leaving Cert – from the calculated grades process ended up penalising high-achieving schools .
Minister for Education Norma Foley , however , has said that the calculated grades process has been “ blind ” to socio-economic status of schools and that all students were treated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who declined to be named , said parents and teachers from fee-paying schools in particular were surprised at the relatively low proportion of top grades in many cases at a time when there was significant grade inflation in results nationally .
“ We ’ ve been getting lots of queries today on this from parents and teachers who saw fewer top grades and lower points then they would have expected , ” said one lawyer .
“ Our advice is to wait until the CAO offers issue on Friday and see what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being adjusted on Monday.
” The source said that if there was evidence of unfairness in this process – such as students being disproportionately downgraded – it could give rise to judicial review proceedings .
Brian Gill , head of employment law and commercial litigation at Callan Tansey Solicitors , also said the disclosure of teachers ’ estimated grades would be crucial in determining whether students had grounds for legal action .
“ The irony in this is that many of the schools that have done very well out of the system over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel they have lost out on this occasion , ” he said .
One student who attended a private grind school said there was widespread disappointment at the grades released on Monday .
“ I ’ m 40 points lower then expected and received the best results out of my friends , ” said Rachel , who declined to give her surname .
“ Some were 100 points below .
It seems like anyone in my school or other private schools who were aiming around 500 have all been downgraded by 40-100 points.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a political decision to normalise past school performance which negatively affected the “ above average ” private school population .

Lawyers have reported a surge in queries from parents and teaching staff in fee-charging and grind schools who feel they lost out under the new calculated grades process.
Many believe the decision to drop “school profiling” – a controversial measure which took into account a school’s past performance in the Leaving Cert – from the calculated grades process ended up penalising high-achieving schools.
Minister for Education Norma Foley, however, has said that the calculated grades process has been "blind" to socio-economic status of schools and that all students were treated fairly and equitably.
One legal source, who declined to be named, said parents and teachers from fee-paying schools in particular were surprised at the relatively low proportion of top grades in many cases at a time when there was significant grade inflation in results nationally.
READ MORE
“We’ve been getting lots of queries today on this from parents and teachers who saw fewer top grades and lower points then they would have expected,” said one lawyer.
"Our advice is to wait until the CAO offers issue on Friday and see what teachers' estimated grades were prior to being adjusted on Monday."
The source said that if there was evidence of unfairness in this process – such as students being disproportionately downgraded – it could give rise to judicial review proceedings.
‘Irony’ of estimated grading
Brian Gill, head of employment law and commercial litigation at Callan Tansey Solicitors, also said the disclosure of teachers' estimated grades would be crucial in determining whether students had grounds for legal action.
“The irony in this is that many of the schools that have done very well out of the system over many years are the ones who now feel they have lost out on this occasion,” he said.
One student who attended a private grind school said there was widespread disappointment at the grades released on Monday.
“I’m 40 points lower then expected and received the best results out of my friends,” said Rachel, who declined to give her surname.
“Some were 100 points below. It seems like anyone in my school or other private schools who were aiming around 500 have all been downgraded by 40-100 points.”
Another teacher said they believed there was a political decision to normalise past school performance which negatively affected the “above average” private school population.


theirishtimes--2020-09-09--Covid-19: Government ‘deliberately blurred’ line between coronavirus law and advice

The Government “ deliberately obfuscated the line ” between Covid-19 guidelines and legal requirements to maximise compliance , an Oireachtas committee will be told on Wednesday .
The Special Committee on Covid-19 Response will hear criticism of how the Government handled communications around the pandemic from a range of academics , civil society groups , and representatives of the legal profession .
The Law Society , the representative association for solicitors , will say there is a need for clearer communications on restrictions .
It will say “ confusion and resentment arose due to the lack of clarity as to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were legally binding or merely guidance , how they applied in different situations , and whether they were consistently enforced ” .
The group will also say communications around restrictions “ fell short ” of providing certainty with occasions when “ the extent and application of those restrictions was unclear to An Garda Síochána and to the legal profession , let alone the general public ” .
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties will say many regulations were not published in advance of coming into force , and were difficult to find even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We consider that at times the Government deliberately obfuscated the line between what was a legal requirement and what was a guideline in order to ensure the widest compliance with the guidelines .
[ We consider ] this approach to be unacceptable.
” Trinity College Dublin constitutional law expert David Kenny will tell the committee that failure to properly communicate the content of regulations is “ a major issue ” and that there has been “ repeated elision , in State communications , of legal requirements and public health advice ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the requirement to self-isolate after travel as consistently being presented as a legal obligation , and suggest that “ it might be thought in some quarters that this is a useful strategy for ensuring compliance with public health advice ” .
“ But such a strategy raises serious rule-of-law concerns , and has real costs .
It confuses members of the public ; erodes public trust in communication about the law ; and is an abuse of State power , implying a legal threat that does not exist.
” The Free Legal Advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying it has not always been possible to get access to legally binding measures before they come in to force , making it harder to “ carry out appropriate scrutiny ” .
It will also say it has been unclear which measures are legally binding or are merely advice or guidance , leading to “ significant uncertainty for ordinary citizens ” .
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties will also say there is “ significant room for improvement on the transparency of decision-making and communication with the public ” , including how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It will call for at least some of that team ’ s meetings to be held in public .
The Law Society will tell the committee that while a recent challenge to the constitutionality of Covid provisions fell flat , “ the laws enacted and regulations adopted to deal with the pandemic are not immune from constitutional challenge ” .
It will also call for clarity on what is meant by a “ civil offence ” , which Tánaiste Leo Varadkar suggested could be committed by someone breaking rules on numbers attending gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] is of concern as criminal and civil law should not be conflated in any way .
As such , clarity on this issue would be welcome.
” The Law Society will also say it has “ some concern ” over the proposal to empower gardaí to enter private dwellings to enforce Covid-19 regulations .

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar: suggested a civil offence could be committed by someone breaking rules on numbers attending gatherings in their homes. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
The Government "deliberately obfuscated the line" between Covid-19 guidelines and legal requirements to maximise compliance, an Oireachtas committee will be told on Wednesday.
The Special Committee on Covid-19 Response will hear criticism of how the Government handled communications around the pandemic from a range of academics, civil society groups, and representatives of the legal profession.
The Law Society, the representative association for solicitors, will say there is a need for clearer communications on restrictions.
It will say “confusion and resentment arose due to the lack of clarity as to what the rules were, whether they were legally binding or merely guidance, how they applied in different situations, and whether they were consistently enforced”.
READ MORE
The group will also say communications around restrictions "fell short" of providing certainty with occasions when "the extent and application of those restrictions was unclear to An Garda Síochána and to the legal profession, let alone the general public".
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties will say many regulations were not published in advance of coming into force, and were difficult to find even after being signed by a Minister.
“We consider that at times the Government deliberately obfuscated the line between what was a legal requirement and what was a guideline in order to ensure the widest compliance with the guidelines. [We consider] this approach to be unacceptable.”
Trinity College Dublin constitutional law expert David Kenny will tell the committee that failure to properly communicate the content of regulations is "a major issue" and that there has been "repeated elision, in State communications, of legal requirements and public health advice".
Cocooning advice
He will cite advice on cocooning and the requirement to self-isolate after travel as consistently being presented as a legal obligation, and suggest that “it might be thought in some quarters that this is a useful strategy for ensuring compliance with public health advice”.
“But such a strategy raises serious rule-of-law concerns, and has real costs. It confuses members of the public; erodes public trust in communication about the law; and is an abuse of State power, implying a legal threat that does not exist.”
The Free Legal Advice Centres will also criticise the process, saying it has not always been possible to get access to legally binding measures before they come in to force, making it harder to “carry out appropriate scrutiny”. It will also say it has been unclear which measures are legally binding or are merely advice or guidance, leading to “significant uncertainty for ordinary citizens”.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties will also say there is "significant room for improvement on the transparency of decision-making and communication with the public", including how the National Public Health Emergency Team operates. It will call for at least some of that team's meetings to be held in public.
The Law Society will tell the committee that while a recent challenge to the constitutionality of Covid provisions fell flat, “the laws enacted and regulations adopted to deal with the pandemic are not immune from constitutional challenge”.
It will also call for clarity on what is meant by a "civil offence", which Tánaiste Leo Varadkar suggested could be committed by someone breaking rules on numbers attending gatherings in their homes.
“[This] is of concern as criminal and civil law should not be conflated in any way. As such, clarity on this issue would be welcome.”
The Law Society will also say it has “some concern” over the proposal to empower gardaí to enter private dwellings to enforce Covid-19 regulations.


theirishtimes--2020-09-09--Government officials and unions to continue talks on potential pay deal for State workers

Trade unions and officials of the Department of Public Expenditure are expected to meet again later this month to discuss the potential for a new pay deal for 340,000 State employees .
Initial talks between the two sides which took place on Tuesday were described as “ exploratory ” .
Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath had earlier updated the Cabinet on the issue of public-service pay ahead of the engagement between his officials and senior figures of the public-service committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions .
It is understood that Mr McGrath told Ministers that informal exploratory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ to establish whether there is a basis to move to formal negotiations on a possible successor to the current pay deal ” .
The Minister said he would keep the Cabinet informed of developments in the weeks ahead .
A spokesman for Fórsa , the country ’ s largest public-service trade union , said the talks had been “ exploratory ” and the parties would meet again .
Further discussions are expected to take place before the end of September .
The current public-service agreement – which covers pay for 340,000 staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers , teachers , civil servants , local authority employees , gardaí and Defence Force personnel , will expire at the end of the year .
The Minister said in July that the Government would honour the terms of the current public-service pay agreement including a final 2 per cent increase which is scheduled for October 1st .
The payment of this increase had been criticised by some commentators given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on public finances .
Apart from the pay rises due in October , the Government is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial emergency legislation to the pay of higher earners – those receiving up to €150,000 – between October and next July .
The cost of these existing commitments means the Government ’ s public-service pay bill will increase by €330 million in 2021 , before the provisions of any new public-service pay accord are taken into account .
Briefing documents drawn up by the Department of Public Expenditure in June for Mr McGrath said the gross public-service pay bill would be about €19.7 billion this year .
The briefing material said the public-service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ €1 billion annually over recent years .
It said about a third of this increase was due to wage rises under public-service agreements .
It said two-thirds of the rise in the pay bill was accounted for by increases in the number of staff in the public service , which it said was increasing by about 9,500 per year .

Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath updated the Cabinet on the issue of public service pay ahead of the engagement between his officials and senior ICTU figures. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Trade unions and officials of the Department of Public Expenditure are expected to meet again later this month to discuss the potential for a new pay deal for 340,000 State employees.
Initial talks between the two sides which took place on Tuesday were described as “exploratory”.
Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath had earlier updated the Cabinet on the issue of public-service pay ahead of the engagement between his officials and senior figures of the public-service committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
It is understood that Mr McGrath told Ministers that informal exploratory discussions were beginning with trade union representatives “to establish whether there is a basis to move to formal negotiations on a possible successor to the current pay deal”.
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The Minister said he would keep the Cabinet informed of developments in the weeks ahead.
A spokesman for Fórsa, the country's largest public-service trade union, said the talks had been "exploratory" and the parties would meet again.
Further discussions are expected to take place before the end of September.
Agreement expiring
The current public-service agreement – which covers pay for 340,000 staff including nurses, doctors, other healthcare workers, teachers, civil servants, local authority employees, gardaí and Defence Force personnel, will expire at the end of the year.
The Minister said in July that the Government would honour the terms of the current public-service pay agreement including a final 2 per cent increase which is scheduled for October 1st.
The payment of this increase had been criticised by some commentators given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on public finances.
Apart from the pay rises due in October, the Government is also scheduled to unwind previous cuts made under financial emergency legislation to the pay of higher earners – those receiving up to €150,000 – between October and next July.
The cost of these existing commitments means the Government’s public-service pay bill will increase by €330 million in 2021, before the provisions of any new public-service pay accord are taken into account.
Briefing documents drawn up by the Department of Public Expenditure in June for Mr McGrath said the gross public-service pay bill would be about €19.7 billion this year.
The briefing material said the public-service pay bill had been increasing by about €1 billion annually over recent years. It said about a third of this increase was due to wage rises under public-service agreements.
It said two-thirds of the rise in the pay bill was accounted for by increases in the number of staff in the public service, which it said was increasing by about 9,500 per year.


theirishtimes--2020-09-09--Covid-19: Potential ban on visiting other people’s homes looms for Dublin, Limerick

People in Dublin and Limerick are facing a ban on visiting other people ’ s homes if the spike in Covid-19 cases in both cities does not stabilise by the weekend .
The Government is considering introducing restrictions on people ’ s movements similar to those introduced in Glasgow , where household meet-ups are seen as the driver of a rise in infections there .
Nicola Sturgeon ’ s government has responded to a rapid increase of cases in Scotland ’ s second city by restricting people from visiting other people ’ s homes or hosting people from other households @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time it has allowed pubs and restaurants to remain open and has allowed people to meet outdoors .
A total of 307 new cases were reported on Tuesday , the highest number since mid-May , along with the first death in almost a month .
A total of 307 new cases was reported on Tuesday , along with the first death in almost a month .
The highest daily figure for new infections since mid-May brought the number of cases since the pandemic started past the 30,000 mark , to 30,080 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , prompting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn to express concern over the rising number of cases in the capital .
Most of the cases identified in Dublin stem from home outbreaks and not from public social settings such as pubs and restaurants .
The National Public Health Emergency Team is meeting on Thursday to discuss the latest data and will then advise the Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 .
Dr Glynn has emphasised in recent days the need for numbers to stabilise in Dublin and Limerick .
The restrictions , if introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent lockdowns of Co Kildare , Co Offaly and Co Laois .
A senior Government source said there would be a re-emphasis on asking people to take personal responsibility to limit the number of their social contacts and their movements .
That could include guidelines to cut down on using public transport , and for some workers to return to working from home .
It came as the Cabinet decided to allow an estimated 3,500 pubs that serve drink reopen on September 21st .
After being closed for six months , the so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operate under similar guidelines as premises that serve food .
A Government spokeswoman said on Tuesday the reopening would apply to all pubs .
Were any regional restrictions introduced as a result of rising numbers , they would be wider and would affect other businesses and not pubs solely .
Separately , on Tuesday night , a second member of Fáilte Ireland ’ s board resigned .
Breege O ’ Donoghue went on holiday to her second home in Marbella , Spain , for a week in July and another week in August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to that country .
The Government is expected to publish its medium-term plan to deal with the pandemic early next week .
This is expected to allow larger numbers of spectators at outdoor sports events such as GAA and rugby .
One Cabinet source said on Tuesday that Covid would be in Ireland for a long time and the Government needed to effect a balancing act between containing the virus and keeping the economy open .
“ We have to be very careful about any notion of lockdown in Dublin , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-third of the economy so it should be kept open as much as possible .
”

A motorist is handed a test kit at a pop-up Covid-19 testing facility in Dublin amid a spike in cases in the city. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
People in Dublin and Limerick are facing a ban on visiting other people’s homes if the spike in Covid-19 cases in both cities does not stabilise by the weekend.
The Government is considering introducing restrictions on people’s movements similar to those introduced in Glasgow, where household meet-ups are seen as the driver of a rise in infections there.
Nicola Sturgeon’s government has responded to a rapid increase of cases in Scotland’s second city by restricting people from visiting other people’s homes or hosting people from other households in their own homes.
At the same time it has allowed pubs and restaurants to remain open and has allowed people to meet outdoors.
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A total of 307 new cases were reported on Tuesday, the highest number since mid-May, along with the first death in almost a month. The number of cases since the pandemic started has now passed the 30,000 mark, to 30,080.
Dublin accounted for 182 of the new cases, prompting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn to express concern over the rising number of cases in the capital.
Home outbreaks
Most of the cases identified in Dublin stem from home outbreaks and not from public social settings such as pubs and restaurants.
The National Public Health Emergency Team is meeting on Thursday to discuss the latest data and will then advise the Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19. Dr Glynn has emphasised in recent days the need for numbers to stabilise in Dublin and Limerick.
The restrictions, if introduced, would be less punitive than the recent lockdowns of Co Kildare, Co Offaly and Co Laois.
A senior Government source said there would be a re-emphasis on asking people to take personal responsibility to limit the number of their social contacts and their movements. That could include guidelines to cut down on using public transport, and for some workers to return to working from home.
It came as the Cabinet decided to allow an estimated 3,500 pubs that serve drink reopen on September 21st. After being closed for six months, the so-called “wet” pubs will be allowed operate under similar guidelines as premises that serve food.
A Government spokeswoman said on Tuesday the reopening would apply to all pubs. Were any regional restrictions introduced as a result of rising numbers, they would be wider and would affect other businesses and not pubs solely.
Travel breach
Separately, on Tuesday night, a second member of Fáilte Ireland’s board resigned. Breege O’Donoghue went on holiday to her second home in Marbella, Spain, for a week in July and another week in August despite the Government advising against non-essential travel to that country.
The Government is expected to publish its medium-term plan to deal with the pandemic early next week. This is expected to allow larger numbers of spectators at outdoor sports events such as GAA and rugby.
One Cabinet source said on Tuesday that Covid would be in Ireland for a long time and the Government needed to effect a balancing act between containing the virus and keeping the economy open.
“We have to be very careful about any notion of lockdown in Dublin,” said the source. “It accounts for one-third of the economy so it should be kept open as much as possible.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-09--Brexit: Irish firms are warned of risks to jobs and movement of goods

Businesses face losing access to trade with Britain and significant delays in moving goods in the case of a Brexit worst-case scenario , the Government has warned .
A new Brexit Readiness Action Plan , which will be published on Wednesday , outlines a series of risks to commercial and consumer life in Ireland , including delays at English ports , the risk to jobs from trade disruption and regional impacts for the most exposed sectors .
There is also a risk to daily life , with potential repercussions for online retail , financial shopping and the exchange of personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside serious issues for trade if access to the “ land bridge ” through Britain is lost .
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar will announce additional measures on Wednesday morning to help businesses to prepare for Brexit .
“ The key message is that there is still time for businesses to prepare but they do need to prepare , ” a Government spokesman said .
It comes after Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney told the Dáil on Tuesday that any unilateral departure by the UK from the terms of the Brexit withdrawal agreement could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Coveney said any such move would be a matter of “ considerable concern and a very serious step ” .
Earlier on Tuesday , Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis said he expected the UK would “ break international law ” with its proposals to change how the withdrawal agreement with the European Union operated .
He said it would be in a “ very specific and limited way ” , adding there were “ clear precedents ” for the action .
Mr Coveney said his concerns had been “ exacerbated ” by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the transition period , which expires at the end of 2020 , would “ bring substantial and lasting change ” , regardless of the outcome of negotiations .
Brexit would have “ profound and immediate implications for every business that moves goods to , from or through Britain , ” a spokesman said .
“ Time is short and action is required now .
Businesses must take steps now to understand what these changes are and assess their impact.
” The plan is expected to outline progress made on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the intensification of engagements with State agencies and exporting and haulage sectors in the period ahead .
Government sources indicated that further supports would be needed for the agri-food sector specifically in the event of a no-deal Brexit .
“ Irish businesses trading with Britain or using the UK land bridge need to intensify their preparations for January 1st , ” the spokesman said .
“ In the worst-case scenario , the new rules will prevent them from trading with Britain or could lead to significant delays in moving goods.
” He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the changes ahead would be extremely challenging for firms already severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic .
“ [ The Government ] will try to support them as much as possible over the coming months.
” Businesses are being encouraged to avail of supports already in place “ as a matter of urgency if they have not already done so ” .

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis has told the House of Commons that a new bill to amend the UK-EU Brexit deal will "break international law." Video: UK Parliament TV
Businesses face losing access to trade with Britain and significant delays in moving goods in the case of a Brexit worst-case scenario, the Government has warned.
A new Brexit Readiness Action Plan, which will be published on Wednesday, outlines a series of risks to commercial and consumer life in Ireland, including delays at English ports, the risk to jobs from trade disruption and regional impacts for the most exposed sectors.
There is also a risk to daily life, with potential repercussions for online retail, financial shopping and the exchange of personal data, the plan will warn, alongside serious issues for trade if access to the “land bridge” through Britain is lost.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar will announce additional measures on Wednesday morning to help businesses to prepare for Brexit.
READ MORE
“The key message is that there is still time for businesses to prepare but they do need to prepare,” a Government spokesman said.
It comes after Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney told the Dáil on Tuesday that any unilateral departure by the UK from the terms of the Brexit withdrawal agreement could seriously erode and damage political trust. Mr Coveney said any such move would be a matter of "considerable concern and a very serious step".
Earlier on Tuesday, Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis said he expected the UK would "break international law" with its proposals to change how the withdrawal agreement with the European Union operated. He said it would be in a "very specific and limited way", adding there were "clear precedents" for the action.
Mr Coveney said his concerns had been “exacerbated” by the comments.
‘Lasting change’
A Government spokesman said the end of the transition period, which expires at the end of 2020, would “bring substantial and lasting change”, regardless of the outcome of negotiations. Brexit would have “profound and immediate implications for every business that moves goods to, from or through Britain,” a spokesman said.
“Time is short and action is required now. Businesses must take steps now to understand what these changes are and assess their impact.”
The plan is expected to outline progress made on the upgrading of port facilities to date, and the intensification of engagements with State agencies and exporting and haulage sectors in the period ahead.
Government sources indicated that further supports would be needed for the agri-food sector specifically in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
“Irish businesses trading with Britain or using the UK land bridge need to intensify their preparations for January 1st,” the spokesman said.
“In the worst-case scenario, the new rules will prevent them from trading with Britain or could lead to significant delays in moving goods.” He added that the Government recognised that preparing for the changes ahead would be extremely challenging for firms already severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“[The Government] will try to support them as much as possible over the coming months.” Businesses are being encouraged to avail of supports already in place “as a matter of urgency if they have not already done so”.


theirishtimes--2020-09-08--Last-minute bid to ease CAO points pressure with 500 additional college places

The Government is to fund an extra 500 higher education places on high-demand courses in areas such as medicine , nursing , law and business in a last-minute bid to ease pressure linked to the points race .
These places are due to be added into the third level system ahead of the release of CAO offers to students on Friday afternoon .
It brings the total number of additional higher education places being added to the third level system this year to about 5,000 , or 10 per cent of existing first-year undergraduate places .
These additional places come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impact that grade inflation will have on college applicants who are using results achieved in previous years .
Thousands of these students argue that their results will be devalued compared to the Leaving Cert class of 2020 and that they will miss out on college places as a result .
About 20,000 applicants out of more than 70,000 who have applied to the CAO for college courses this year are deferred applicants .
However , it is estimated that about half this number will be in competition with the class of 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have college offers .
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that “ hundreds ” of additional placed had been sources following discussion with representative bodies for the universities and institutes of technology .
Government sources have since confirmed that the number is likely to be in the region of 500 places .
This is the maximum number of places available within the capacity of the higher education system , say well-placed sources .
The Government hope the additional places will ease some of the points pressure in courses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not go far enough to satisfy all deferred students .
Many of these students are college applicants who took a gap year to earn money or who took a break for health or personal reasons .
Many others are students who dropped out of their existing courses .
Minister Harris said potential solutions being touted such as ring-fencing college places for deferred applicants or increasing CAO points for these candidates were legally vulnerable and could create additional unfairness .

Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that “hundreds” of additional placed had been sources following discussion with representative bodies for the universities and institutes of technology. Photograph: Julien Behal
The Government is to fund an extra 500 higher education places on high-demand courses in areas such as medicine, nursing, law and business in a last-minute bid to ease pressure linked to the points race.
These places are due to be added into the third level system ahead of the release of CAO offers to students on Friday afternoon.
It brings the total number of additional higher education places being added to the third level system this year to about 5,000, or 10 per cent of existing first-year undergraduate places.
These additional places come at a time of growing concern over the impact that grade inflation will have on college applicants who are using results achieved in previous years.
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Thousands of these students argue that their results will be devalued compared to the Leaving Cert class of 2020 and that they will miss out on college places as a result.
About 20,000 applicants out of more than 70,000 who have applied to the CAO for college courses this year are deferred applicants.
However, it is estimated that about half this number will be in competition with the class of 2020 for points, given that many already have college offers.
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that "hundreds" of additional placed had been sources following discussion with representative bodies for the universities and institutes of technology.
Government sources have since confirmed that the number is likely to be in the region of 500 places.
This is the maximum number of places available within the capacity of the higher education system , say well-placed sources.
The Government hope the additional places will ease some of the points pressure in courses, though there is an acknowledgement that it will not go far enough to satisfy all deferred students.
Many of these students are college applicants who took a gap year to earn money or who took a break for health or personal reasons. Many others are students who dropped out of their existing courses.
Minister Harris said potential solutions being touted such as ring-fencing college places for deferred applicants or increasing CAO points for these candidates were legally vulnerable and could create additional unfairness.