Probe demanded into health effects of education cutbacks

The damage continual cutbacks to front-line teaching posts, resources and supports are causing to teachers’ mental and physical health must be immediately investigated, a major union has warned.

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland issued the plea during the first day of its annual general meeting yesterday, with grassroots speakers insisting an immediate review of the situation is needed to tackle the hidden crisis.

During a motion seeking support for all teachers’ union groups to commission a joint study to examine the real impact of the Haddington Road deal, Croke Park agreement and other cuts imposed by the Department of Education and Skills, the conference was told frontline staff are struggling to cope in the era of austerity.

The incoming vice-president of TUI, Joanne Irwin, said that while the issue appears to be getting little attention from department officials, teachers “already know” how grave the situation is as “we see it every day in our workplace”.

Ms Irwin, an ICT teacher employed by Donegal’s Education Training Board, said jobs in schools are “more demanding” than ever, resulting in what is believed to be a surge in pleas for help to the sector’s confidential counselling service, Care-Call.

She said “a healthy work-life balance does not sit comfortably” with the current situation, adding that while “where did it all begin?” is a valid question, the most important point is that the pressure on teachers being experienced now “must end”.

The comment came as delegates voted by a significant majority in favour of commissioning a study to examine the impact of cutbacks on teachers’ and lecturers mental and physical health. A similar move has previously been made by other teachers’ unions.

The education sector has witnessed some of the most high-profile cutbacks since the recession began. Among the most controversial service changes have been the removal of special needs assistants (SNAs) for some children, the reduction in pay and hours for new teachers, and the non-filling of other badly needs posts.

Just this week, schools were told they must re-apply every three years for SNAs, with children who have physical disabilities no longer automatically entitled to in-class care. The moves, confirmed in a circular sent to schools the day before the Easter holidays, was detailed by Joe Behan, principal at St Fergal’s School in Bray, Co Wicklow, who is running as an independent candidate in the local elections.

* Care-Call, a confidential counselling service for teachers, can be accessed at 1800 411 057 or the private email [e-mail].