Louth TD welcomes moves to retain talent within Irish education system

Louth TD Paula Butterly has welcomed what she says are important changes announced by Minister for Education Helen McEntee this week. 

Under the new measures, from September teachers will now be eligible for permanent contracts after just one year of service. This move is designed to improve job security and retain talent within the Irish education system. 

Students are also expected to benefit from Minister McEntee’s announcement, as changes to the grading system will see the bands for Junior Cert make more people eligible for top grades.  

Deputy Butterly said: "These are common sense proposals from Helen McEntee to help retain teachers here in Ireland. For students preparing for the Junior Cert, there is good news too. The grade bands at Junior Cycle will be amended.

“With the top four grade band now becoming evenly distributed, this will have a positive impact on students, ensuring their grades are more reflective of their work and effort, as well as of the work of our teachers.

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"Fine Gael believes in equality of opportunity and ensuring every person can reach their full potential. These changes will help us achieve that goal."

Deputy Butterly added that the Minister's announcement builds on further progress in recent days, including a new initiative  to deliver key therapeutic supports in special schools. This will see speech and language therapists and occupational therapists deployed directly into special education settings, helping children with additional needs reach their full potential.

The Fine Gael TD said: "Providing some level of speech and language therapy and occupational therapy to each special school is essential to help students reach their full potential. The focus will initially be on introducing speech and language therapy and occupational therapy into special education schools."