New technological university for the south east
Great, two more underfunded universities, Progress. . . @KevinDenny
Carlow and Waterford University, wow bring it on. To be called the South East University I hear – @davidbohanna
In fairness, WIT has long been seen as well ahead of the rest in the IT sector – geographically it also makes sense – jacko, politics.ie
The UK, US, Canada and Australia are going to love this free investment in future talent for them. – Cassandra Syndrome, politics.ie
I'm from the south-east, and Im also unsure about the merits of this. What difference would it make? Do we need another university? Will it just be mutton dressed as lamb, so to speak? The geographical argument doesn't hold much water in such a small country. Carlow is an hours drive from Dublin. Maybe Carlow should get an airport too? – greykettle, politics.ie
Changing the name wont make a blind bit of difference because thats all it is: a change of name. Technological University of the South East = Regional Technical College with delusions of grandeur. – Guramoogah, boards.ie
As others have said, Im not really sure this is a good idea? Whats wrong with being an IT? – djpbarry, boards.ie
Guidance counsellor cuts
As a recently-qualified guidance counsellor I do feel that the role is fraught with many misconceptions. The most common refrain offered without invitation when I tell people my occupation is "my guidance counsellor was crap". Usually, the many stereotypes are rattled off – the double-jobbing teacher, the unqualified counsellor, the leaflet pusher. When remembering our school days, this misguided vitriol is often kept in reserve for the most undervalued yet vital service provided in our schools. – Pamela O'Leary, thejournal.ie
For every few hundred brilliant teachers, there's one who will drag down the good name of the profession. It's easier to recall the negative stories, let's face it, they're far more interesting . . .! Such a pity the good teachers are lumped in with the bad. – Miss Tree, thejournal.ie
They are a complete waste of money, and time. Give their suggestions on a 'tick the boxes' basis, as someone else said (a student I gather) they don't know the students. – Joan Featherstone, thejournal.ie
Modern education is moving towards addressing mental health and various other supports for kids. For example, the sex education my daughter received recently in 6th class was more comprehensive and open than anything I ever experienced in the eighties. Things have changed and modern schools now want to address issues facing their pupils. I think the focus now is more on counselling than simply career guidance. My daughter will be attending secondary school later this year and I want to know that the right support is there if she or indeed we should need it. – Linda Collins, thejournal.ie
Access to counselling is important in Ireland, where so many young lads are self harming. If the guidance counsellors these days are providing support to vulnerable people, then I'm all for it. However, I thought – until now – that their role was to provide career advice and they have been terrible at this aspect of the job. I guess if they improve career guidance for the masses, funding their service for vulnerable individuals would enjoy greater public support. – Stuart McCaul, the journal.ie
BT Young Scientist exhibition
Some seriously intelligent and talented kids for sure, but in ten years time theyll have emigrated. There's no future here for them – tribade, politics.ie
Well done everyone in Irish Young Scientists competition. Nostalgic for my 1990 entry The Internet – @phlaimeaux (David O'Doherty)
