Education Minister Helen McEntee invited teacher unions to engage on what further supports could be provided for senior cycle. Photo: PA
The Government will seek to attract academics and university lecturers to Ireland under a new scheme which would use state funds to boost their salaries.
The initiative aims to take advantage of the “brain drain” from the US where Donald Trump’s regime is threatening dozens of colleges and universities.
Higher Education Minister James Lawless will today seek cabinet approval for a “Global Talent Initiative” which aims to pump millions of euro into bringing academics to Ireland.
He would deploy a hit squad of academic talent scouts, or “talent attaches” around the world, with a focus on recruiting in the areas of research and innovation, medical technology, renewables and food technology.
The initiative would seek to attract global talent with attractive packages, including pay, with the Government agreeing to contribute up to half of salaries offered by third-level institutions.
It comes as Mr Trump strips billions of dollars in research grants from educational institutions. The US government is seeking to dictate what subjects and topics are taught, and to influence hiring decisions.
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – May 13th
Education Minister Helen McEntee will also tell her cabinet colleagues today that students will face less Leaving Cert stress and pressure from September.
Insisting she is delivering meaningful reform, Ms McEntee said more than 70,000 students will benefit from changes to “reduce the pressure on students that come from final exams”.
But the Irish Independent understands the initial moves for the next academic year only involve the provision of sample papers for students’ better understanding of what they will be faced with, allied to better supports for teachers and schools.
Last month, Ms McEntee invited teacher unions the ASTI and TUI to join intensive engagement regarding what further supports could be provided for schools and teachers in the senior cycle.
She is offering new arrangements for teachers to secure permanent contracts earlier; a reconfiguration of the Croke Park Agreement hours for extra flexibility; and additional posts of responsibility in schools.
The package also contains confirmation on how the local-bargaining clause of the Public Sector Agreement can be satisfied by post-primary teachers in return for salary increases under the agreement. The unions will now ballot their members on this package with results expected early next month.
#Government #offering #pay #higher #salaries #attract #leading #academics #fleeing #Donald #Trumps #education #threats
