TUI gives members teaching option for science syllabus
The TUI executive decided to give the go-ahead on the new course at a meeting yesterday, after receiving commitments last week from Education Minister Noel Dempsey on funding for facilities.
The union represents staff at around 300 of the country’s 750 schools, mostly in the vocational sector.
But the larger Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) is opposed to the new course as its leadership feels there are health risks posed by the level of experiments students must complete.
TUI president Derek Dunne said it was a matter for ASTI to decide what their members should do. However, his union was satisfied the new course is workable.
“We are satisfied the revised syllabus does not represent a threat to the health and safety of students. We are acting in good faith, it is now for the minister to reciprocate by honouring the commitments he has made,” Mr Dunne said.
The commitments include a guarantee that 12 schools without science labs would be equipped within a year and grants of up to €15,000 would be available for laboratories in schools not refurbished since 1995.
In the event of disagreement between any school and the Department of Education on grant levels, Mr Dempsey has promised the matter can be decided by an independent assessor.
The TUI’s position could place greater pressure on the ASTI to lift the ban imposed by its powerful standing committee last month.
A group of science teachers from the ASTI standing committee met with Department of Education officials yesterday to outline their specific concerns.
Last night, the body representing management of the country’s vocational schools, described the TUI stance as sensible.
“But the minister should heed the warnings from unions,” said Michael Moriarty, general secretary of the Irish Vocational Education Association.
Mr Dempsey was on overseas business yesterday but a spokesperson welcomed the TUI decision.
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