andy pike
@apike1
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Head of Education at Forsa Trade Union. All opinions are personal views. I dont interact with anonymous accounts I block them.
Ennis, Dublin, Newcastle
Joined November 2010
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Well, 4 of us protested against the far right this afternoon
Lots of abuse from some but more support from passers by. We at least made a point.
@forsa_union_ie
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If a Level 5 lockdown is declared schools must then move to on-line provision of learning. Either that or put in place much improved health and safety measures for staff and students.
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My youngest daughter was thrilled with her leaving cert results and is off celebrating. I just cannot bear the thought of 3 other daughters in Clonmel who also got their results and will never come home safe and sound.
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Today Fórsa finally secured agreement with Dept of Ed and DPER to regularise the pay, conditions and pensions of grant paid school secretaries and caretakers. Detailed implementation talks to conclude by Feb. Full details to follow tomorrow morning.
#supportoursecretaries
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Lots of blue tick journalists posting on the need to keep schools open. Best way to keep your children in school is to support use of masks, vaccinations, HEPA filters and the reinstatement of proper contact tracing and testing in primary schools. Then we at least have a chance.
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NEPHT should now consider if schools need to open on Monday. Community transmission drives up cases in schools. As the number of outbreaks in schools increases so the case for early closure becomes stronger. The level of anxiety amongst staff and many parents is palpable.
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Good turnout in Kilkenny. Far Right came with about 30 people,they were outnumbered and left after 15 mn they were not at all happy that we were all there waiting for them.
#IrelandForAll
#hopenothate
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Great news that
@SchoolofEdUCD
have accredited the National SNA Training Programme as a Level 7 award. Significant step forward for proper recognition of the work of SNAs.
#RespectforSNAs
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Well done to whoever took the decision to make vaccines available to special schools staff in Stephen Donnelly's constituency. It would be possible to replicate that measure across all CHOs without delaying the vaccinations of others. This was not simply using up excess doses
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If anyone in Government thinks SNAs, School Secretaries and Caretakers will accept lower public health protection when close contacts please think again.
Govt also says that Secretaries General of individual Departments will have the right “to exercise discretion for the exceptional use of derogations from close contact guidance in specified circumstances.”
So it’s up to the sec-gen of Dept of Ed, for example, to exempt teachers
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There are no normal or abnormal children. There are just children. All of whom are different and some have additional needs. Hope the Minister will clarify her statement.
Absolutely disgusting language from our Minister for Special Education. "Normal" are u for real? What is "normal"
@josephamadigan
?
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Update for members will issue this morning, when there are substantial developments we will issue a clear and accurate statement which can relied on. A solution will not be found if parties try to negotiate through the media or engage in speculative briefings which should cease.
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We understand that the reopening of special schools and classes next Monday has been deferred. We are seeking further details and written confirmation.
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What's not reported on the sub shortage is that when a teacher is taken out of a sp class the SNA is left to supervise. They are not permitted under contract to do this and are not paid to do it. Either recognise this as part of their job and pay them or cease this practice
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This is very poor reporting. SNAs are counted as contributing to a reduction in the pupil teacher ratio. For a national newspaper to repeat this rubbish is concerning. SNAs and teachers have different roles and the number of SNAs cannot influence the pupil teacher ratio.
Primary school class sizes at their lowest in 20 years
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This is not even handed Policing. How many times have the Far Right been allowed to put up roadblocks, block streets, riot, burn refugee tents, harass Library workers and set fire to buildings with impunity
@gardainfo
pathetic just woeful.
Public Order Unit Garda getting aggressive with Palestine solidarity protesters on O'Connell St Bridge
Shame on them!
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Written confirmation received by way of statement by the Minister cancelling Special Ed reopening. We are more than willing to sit down to agree workable arrangements for providing a much needed safe service to SEN students. They were left high and dry by DES in last shut down
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It seems the HSE contact tracers have absolutely no idea that SNAs have to work without social distancing sometimes without a mask as their school refused to provide one. Needs to be addressed by DES urgently they have a duty of care to staff.
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Govt priority is to keep schools open regardles of covid risk. Everything else is irrelevant. Schools are not places of low transmission thats why they ended contact tracing in primary. Out of sight out of mind.
Norma Foley: “It is the expert view that our schools are places of low transmission”.
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Good news on the way for our School Secretaries and Caretakers as Leo Varadkar commits the Govt to regularising pay, conditions and pensions in the Dáil. Press release will follow. The light at the end of the tunnel is now visable
#supportoursecretaries
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Here's hoping next year is nothing like this one. From redeployments to re-opening with Covid, our SNAs have been throught a lot in 2020. We have much to do in 2021 to ensure your work is properly recognised and valued. Merry Christmas to you all.
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Great reaction to the news that progress has been made for Schools Secretaries and Caretakers. It's not everything we wanted as we have not secured public service status. But aligning the pay rates to the proper scales is genuinely a step forward.
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I feel sorry for them. I live in Clare and in years to come I know this will follow them around like a criminal conviction. Misguided misinformed and racist. At some stage this Govt needs to stop pandering to racism.
BREAKING: Statement from Inch residents read by Agnes O’Malley in the past half hour outside Magowna House.
Locals “disappointed & letdown” following meeting of Minister O’Gorman & Clare politicians. They invite the Minister to Inch.
“Our peaceful protest will continue”.
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Fórsa members will have received updates on developments relating to the attempt by DES to impose a mandatory 72 hrs obligation on SNAs. Lets be clear that if one single SNA is subject to disciplinary action as threatened by DES we will be in a national dispute.
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They made a clear commitment to their staff when they wanted schools reopened, that's a commitment they now must keep
@MichealLehane
It’s understood some in Government are a little apprehensive about upcoming changes to the vaccination programme which will no longer prioritise workers such as teachers and Gardaí with the vaccinations delivered based on age instead
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CDC begins climbdown from 5 day isolation guidance after backlash from clinicians. Negative test may now be required to leave isolation
Hope the Irish Govt is listening and bases policy on clinical not business need.
Those infected but asymptomatic could be advised to receive a negative coronavirus test before leaving isolation.
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SNAs will now be given access to antigen testing in primary and special schools. This was confirmed to Fórsa this morning at a meeting with the Department of Education. Where a student has a positive PCR result students in the same Pod and the SNA will be offered testing.
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School Secretaries and Caretakers have today been massively let down, if not betrayed, by this Government which promised only last October to regularise their pay, condition and pensions
#supportoursecretaries
Strikes over school secretaries’ pay and conditions ‘an active option’, Fórsa warns
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Pleased that our members will now finally be paid properly on the public service scale, will get paid holidays,will move to the DE payroll and will not have to sign-on when school is closed. The fight for fair pensions and better conditions will continue. Its been a long road.
📢📢School secretaries have today voted overwhelmingly to accept a historic new package of pay and working conditions, which places them all on public service salary rates after a decades-long campaign for pay equity.
#SupportOurSecretaries
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@AnGarraiDubh
@matilda_w_
@damocrat
Sell people hope that Brexit will answer all their problems then see it blocked and they will kick back. Sad situation. For many it seems to be about self-respect. They voted and the vote was ignored. I'm a remainer but can see what going on in the North where I was raised.
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Statement from
@Education_Ire
not enough. Will be putting formal position on schools in level 5 to DES tomorrow. There are thousands of worried and angry staff tonight. The lack of viable test and trace in schools is major failing.
Statement from Minister for Education
@NormaFoleyTD1
on sustaining the safe operation of schools during Level 5 measures
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It's testament to the current toxic culture on here that the national broadcaster has to close comments on a report on people being conferred as Irish citizens. But remember the far right are ordinary concerned citizens and not fascist abusive Trolls.
More than 6,000 people will celebrate becoming new Irish citizens at ceremonies in Dublin over the next two days
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SNA qualifications have not been reviewed for 42 years if a Govt Department refused to review qualifications for any other staff group for 42 years it would not be tolerated but SNAs are expected to keep quiet and be grateful they have a job - time to give some
#RespectforSnas
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Surprised a picture of 4 folk with a tatty banner and home made placards has 50k views. Its attracted so much abuse we are more convinced than ever of the need to support Refugees. That's why we will be supporting
@LeCheileDND
1.30 at the GPO tomorrow so do come along if you can
Well, 4 of us protested against the far right this afternoon
Lots of abuse from some but more support from passers by. We at least made a point.
@forsa_union_ie
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At yesterdays Dáil hearing we raised an example of an SNA being made to clean out fish tanks as part of their 72hrs. The Chair of the Joint Education Committee was scathing about SNAs being asked to do this. Here is the full list of duties asked of the SNA
#RespectForSNAs
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Tomorrow the DES will circulate specific HSPC infection control advice for SNAs. It confirms what Fórsa advised 6 weeks ago that SNAs must be provided with surgical masks. Hopefully this will deal with outstanding problems in some schools where masks are not provided.
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Stakeholders including
@forsa_union_ie
met this afternoon with DES officials and Minister Foley. It is clear that many organisations have concerns as to the safety of opening schools on the 11th January as planned.
Forsa asked for
1. An up to date NPHET assessment of the risks
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This media outlet would sacrifice all of us to keep share prices and profits healthy.
The new variant may be milder and cause less illness, but its biggest impact could be felt in an unprecedented workforce crisis due to absenteeism
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The contents of the CMO's letter is at variance with most media commentary. Much more cautious. Clearly states the pandemic is not over. Mitigation measures in education continue with review end of Feb.
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Every FF TD who tweeted support for our School Secretaries will now be hastily deleting those tweets now they know their own Ministers blocked any progress, we all know its Ministers not civil servants who make policy
#SupportOurSecretaries
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Yesterday Fórsa attended talks at the WRC with the Dept of Education on the outstanding claim that the minimum essential SNA qualification be changed from the current minimum of 3 D Grade passes in the Junior Certificate. to a QQI Level 6 award for all new SNA staff.
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Did you know that SNAs are expected to meet complex care needs for our most vulnerable school students without any specific qualification or training? Please spread the word its time Government provided accredited training and set a proper standard qualification
#RespectforSNAs
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Can confirm SNAs are not paid in advance for summer provision. Forsa secured payment in the next payroll run after the work is completed. Previously staff were paid in Nov. This year staff should be paid in Sept
#respectSNAs
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Suggest this clarified ASAP. Schools staff cannot be treated differently from others with cases in their home. Its either crossed wires or we have a Government that has lost its grip on reality.
This happened off-mic and after the official business had ended, but is … quite striking
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Waiting on final decision from Govt on reopening schools. Reopening special schools and classes as per normal presents challenges that just cannot be met, support for our SEN students was delivered through the summer programmes and structured remote supports in last shutdown.
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One rule for Junior Ministers, a different rule for School Secretaries asking for equal pay
#supportoursecretaries
The Finance Minister says he can “absolutely understand” anger over this week’s junior ministerial pay rise – but says all three of the Government’s ‘super juniors’ deserve equal pay.
Minister
@PaschalD
#OnTheRecord
with
@GavReilly
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@Education_Ire
@McHughJoeTD
the goodwill of SNAs is being wasted through the appalling way this is being handled. The vetting process is a disaster, the media briefing was worse. SNAs are cooperating which is to their credit. No wonder they are cynical.
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After the pandemic is gone. We will never have a better opportunity to build a new society and a new economy based on the needs of the people not the needs of banks and other institutions. Free healthcare and better housing for a start. Fairness Fairness Fairness.
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This is not an isolated example. Those who know the role of the SNAs recognise there is no difference between their work and the work of many in HSE disability services who have been vaccinated.
#BREAKING
@VirginMediaNews
has learned that SNA’s at a Co
#Wexford
school have been vaccinated out of sequence
“an instance in Co. Wexford has come to the HSE’s attention, where a small number of staff members at a special school received the C19 vaccine”
- HSE
#CovidVaccine
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@DerbyChrisW
@VanessaBeeley
Words fail me. Why has supporting dictators who murder indiscriminately become fashionable. Ashamed of you.
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Fórsa today advised SNAs to co-operate with a phased resumption of in-school SEN services with reduced or staggered attendance to reduce the number of individuals on site at any one time, whilst providing much needed structure and stability for SEN students and their families.
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As usual special advisors brief journalists before consultation with staff. Dysfunctional way of administering the education system, true to form.
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We look forward to discussing these issues with the Minister at Conference on Friday. We all agree that special education is a priority. Government can back up those sentiments by rolling out the vaccine to all SNAs.
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Speculation on changes in policy further undermine confidence. The Minister urgently needs to clarify his position. They don't seem able to stick to any plan. Last week experts couldn't stand over a 30yr SNA being vaccinated before a 55yr old due to risk today the reverse is true
Those aged 18-30 age would get shots before those aged 30-50 under new plan
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One of the most concerning aspects of the pandemic is the fragmentation of the Sp Ed sector. Parents, students, Unions and advocacy groups need to come back together around a shared agenda to improve provision and ensure meaningful inclusion with adequate supports and staffing.
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New guidance on not restricting movements of close contacts in schools is no surprise. However it is far too early to make this change. We need a consistent reduction in cases and positivity rates before this can be introduced. We need to tread very carefully to keep schools open
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The stance taken at this time by DES is provocative and counter productive. The clear contempt by the DES towards their own staff has pushed patience to the limit and beyond. That they threaten SNAs with disciplinary action during a pandemic is unforgivable.
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Didi you know that the required qualification to become a Special Needs Assistant has not changed since 1979 and that the qualification you need is set at just 3 D grade passes in the then Junior Cert? Most SNAs have at least a Level 6 course, its time to change the qualification
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Plexiglass screens will not protect against airborne spread. Bad advice from SEC. Wear a mask.
Perspex screens are to be used for this year’s Leaving Certificate orals.
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Finally SNAs get the opportunity to explain why they are worth so much more than 3 D grade passes in the junior cert. The minimum qualification has not been reviewed or changed since 1979.
The need for revised criteria for SNA qualifications will be discussed at an Oireachtas committee Tuesday
The current standard minimum qualification is three Ds in the Junior Cert
Report from
@VirginMediaNews
on
@forsa_union_ie
's campaign last November.
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The minimum temperature in class must be over 16 degrees.
Local school has closed due to temperature in the classrooms 🥶🌡
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Well said
Unfortunately the potential redeployment of SNAs has been poorly handled by the Dept of Education & has led to a lot of upset & confusion.
I will be raising this matter with
@McHughJoeTD
in the coming days.
@forsa_union_ie
#Respect4SNAs
@labour
@apike1
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We do not accept that a 40 year old SNA is not at risk of contracting Covid in our schools, tell that the staff affected by the special school outbreak in Dublin and to those in many other schools who tested positive.
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If the CMO is right in stating that children don't transmit Covid inside schools then we should expect minimal change in case numbers, if the numbers significantly decrease it means the advice has been wrong since the onset of the pandemic.
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@VanessaBeeley
@DerbyChrisW
@KevorkAlmassian
@CamilleOtrakji
Engaging with supporters of Assad is a step too far for anyone with an once of humanity.
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If journalists are treated in the same way as school staff then none of them will be contacted.
A Garda went to a press conference today in Kildare while waiting for a Covid-19 result. It then came back positive shortly after the media briefing. Working journalists at the event now waiting to hear from HSE contact tracers.
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Why is this vaccine not made available to staff in our schools?
The National Ambulance Service commenced its flu vaccine programme today with very a positive uptake so far, including the HSE National Director of Acutes partaking in the programme.
#fluvaccine
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The Fórsa Education Division Executive met earlier today to review SNA reassignments. Members have been emailed with an official instruction not to co-operate with any HSE reassignments other than those involving remote working.
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Over 250 School Secretaries & Caretakers attended strike meeting earlier preparing for action next Weds. Members fed up with poverty pay, they want to know why FF manifesto promises have been broken and FG commitments given to them were so quickly abandoned.
#supportoursecretaries
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They really do plan to let the virus rip. Boosted people contract and transmit Covid. Vaccination protects against bad clinical outcomes it does not remove the risk of transmission. Public health not business needs should prevail.
Good morning,
Here is the front page of today's Irish Independent
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In response to requests for clarification on the limited reopening of SEN services I can confirm that Forsa members have been advised that progress still needs to be made on childcare and staff with high risk medical conditions.
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Today's seminar was the largest and most significant national discussion for decades on the education and training needs of our Special Needs Assistants. Overwhelming support for changing the essential qualification and setting up a new accredited CPD framework.
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Congratulations to you and all the others blazing a trail for SNAs. Now to get that course accredited.
1 year
1 course
500 SNAs
This working single parent has only gone and aced the
@ucddublin
SNA course.
Unbelievably proud of myself and all my terrific SNA classmates ❤
Class of 2022 roll on graduation 👩🎓
@ucddublin
#500UCDSNAs
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Whats expected from a school secretary for €13 an hour.
@Education_Ire
have 3 days to follow through on commitments to treat them fairly. The silence is very telling
#supportoursecretaries
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Why has the Government not provided advice to schools and staff on how to manage the Covid-19 risks when providing the new summer educational programme? Less than impressed, schools and staff need certainty on this if the service is to be effective.
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@nobbynoreen
@Forsaschoolsecs
@forsa_union_ie
Tomorrow school secretaries will be paid by the Dept of Education for the 1st time, will receive increments, for the 1st time and have a proper payscale, for the 1st time. Join a union you will be better off
Huge day for
@Forsaschoolsecs
After many years of blood,sweat & tears we did it! Thanks to
@forsa_union_ie
officials. To the many great friends I met on this journey.
@LuisaCarty
@renamcg
@apike
@SeamusMRyan1
@lindaosull88
@SNAsSpeakOut
Etc & my boss
@mikeyprout
. 100% support.
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Its clear tonight that some policy makers should work much harder on delivering effective Covid test and trace services for schools rather then undermining confidence in a safe reopening. Tell staff to re-open and they will do their jobs, time some Ministers did their bit as well
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Role of school secretaries as important as teachers, SNAs, school principals - Tánaiste
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A service providing structure and support for students can be provided if DES is willing to enter meaningful discussion and listen to staff perspectives.
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It's unrealistic to expect this measure to commence tomorrow. Schools need time to prepare. Staff will need far more certainty over their legal position if they are to deny students entry to school. Good policies fail if badly implemented. Panic measures always fail.
See guidance on face masks/coverings in primary schools here:
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Well done Italy. Glad England lost. Fans are a disgrace and their newspapers are worse. However the England squad and manager are very decent and may well succeed in the near future. Clearly England are a top side capable of competing in major tournaments. Shame about their fans.
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So goodbye to 2020. I hope we never see the like of you again. Happy 2021 everyone.
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Despite all the promises before the election, this new Government will fight just as hard as the last one to prevent School Secretaries from securing public service status. The SoS Campaign goes on.
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Negotiations Commence on a new SNA National Contract
Forsa representatives met with Department of Education Officials this afternoon to commence negotiations on the review of the national SNA contract, the use of the 72 hour obligation, June working and the SNA redundancy scheme.
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Ridiculous way to devise policy, disingenuous to suggest their approach was in line with NPHET advice which has not been sought.
The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, has told Labour Party leader Alan Kelly that Government did not seek advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team regarding the reopening of schools for Leaving Certificate Students.
Follow live updates
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@gavreilly
Contact tracing in primary schools should be reinstated. It would increase difficulties for parents but would address the surge in 5-12 yrs age group. Flexibility required now along with enhanced testing.
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Our 15 Yr old daughter had 1st vaccine today. Her decision, she read quite widely on the issues and was determined to get the vaccine. All her peer group have registered. Suspect uptake amongst this age group will be v high.
50,000 children aged 12 to 15 registered for vaccine in less than 24 hours
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One of the positives from new public health advice on school reopening is that the risks are acknowledged and addressed. This article reflects the lax approach of the UK and is contrary to HSPC advice. Why its shared is beyond me.
‘Pupils pose no risk of spreading Covid’ | News | The Sunday Times
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Vaccine roll out should proceed for all staff in special schools not just some, a twin track approach for all education staff is possible without delaying protection for others.
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So farewell to the New Brunswick model and good riddance.
The chief executive of the National Council for Special Education has said the Irish education system is not ready for ‘full inclusion’ which would see all children attend mainstream schools regardless of their level of disability, reports
@Jessjcasey
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