The Teachers Union of Ireland has launched an 18 point plan which it is urging as the basis of a five year educational programme for an incoming government.
Its priority aims are the provision of maintenance grants for Post Leaving Cert students; targeted spending at second level to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and educational disadvantage; action on truancy and discipline; and the setting up of a Further Education Authority.
Other aims include provision for small schools in remote areas; using the demographic dividend to reduce the pupil teacher ratio; guidance and counselling to be restored to pre 1983 levels; spending in the technological sector to be brought up to university level; and development of Youthreach and the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.