Language centre closure challenged
It was announced six weeks ago that Integrate Ireland Language Training, a Trinity College campus company funded by the department, was to close with the loss of 42 jobs. It works with adult refugees teaching them English and helping them to integrate, and it previously offered training to primary and second-level teachers on language supports for newcomer students.
The service is due to end by mid-August when the department expects existing students will transfer to English language classes run by Vocational Education Committees in the areas where IILT had outreach centres, including Dublin, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Kilkenny, Westmeath and Waterford.
However, about 30 of the staff have brought a case before the Rights Commissioner service through their union SIPTU, claiming their jobs should also be transferred with the service. While IILT is their employer, it is understood SIPTU will argue that because the department is transferring the funding and the service, the staff should be moved across to the relevant VEC.
They have been offered statutory redundancy but SIPTU has also lodged a claim to the Labour Court, seeking better terms under a voluntary redundancy scheme for those who are not entitled to transfer or who choose not to move to a VEC post.
It is understood the department, City of Dublin VEC and IILT were all represented when SIPTU outlined its case to the commissioner last week. These parties are due to outline their response when the hearing reconvenes tomorrow.
The students taught by IILT come from a range of countries and often have little or no English and no knowledge of Irish public services such as education, social welfare or the health system. Some of the groups include refugees from Sudan, and Burma and Kurdish Iraqis, and previous classes have included Bosnian and Kosovan refugees.
