Gap in two-tier system getting wider

THE gap in Ireland’s two-tier education system is increasing, the president of the 14,000-member Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI), Paddy Healy, claimed yesterday.

“We’re not just talking about fee-paying schools and public sector schools, but about a much deeper divide,” he stated.

“Public sector schools are becoming more inclusive, but the education system is becoming more exclusive, with students who have special needs being redirected from schools fully funded by the taxpayer to ... schools in disadvantaged areas.”

TUI assistant general secretary Declan Glynn said surveys had shown indiscipline to be a much more significant issue in disadvantaged schools.

He said 83% of teachers in disadvantaged schools reported encountering unacceptable lateness or absenteeism, compared to 71% of teachers on non-disadvantaged schools, while 46% of teachers in disadvantaged schools reported having verbal abuse directed at them, compared to 26% of teachers in other schools.

The TUI represents teachers in vocational, community and comprehensive schools and institutes of technology.