Media Coverage

This webpage contains links to a selection of recent media coverage of the ASTI.

November, 2024

Watch: ASTI and TUI teachers unions protest the programme to reform the leaving certificate - Irish Examiner - 19th November, 2024 - Click here to read.

Explainer: why are second level teachers protesting outside schools today? - Irish Times (Online) - 19th November, 2024 - Click here to read.

Teachers protest in bid to delay Leaving Cert reform - Irish Times (Online) - 19th November, 2024 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio One, Morning Ireland programme - Donal Cremin, ASTI President discusses today's lunchtime protest by 30,000 teachers calling for a delay in the implementation of changes to Senior cycle education - 19th November, 2024 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ TV - News at One - Education minister does not want to delay introducing Leaving Cert reforms - 19th November, 2024 - Click here to read.

Newstalk Breakfast programme - Donal Cremin, ASTI President discusses today's lunchtime protests taking place nationwide - 19th November, 2024 - Click here to listen.

What's happening to the Leaving Cert that's bringing teachers on to the streets today? - Irish Examiner (Online) - 19th November, 2024 - Click here to read.

Cork teachers to protest 'poorly thought out' Leaving Cert changes - Echo Live.ie (Cork) - 19th November, 2024 - Click here to read.

RTÉ, RnaG - Adhmhaidin - Moira Leydon, ASTI Assistant General Secretary interviewed about the lunchtime protest taking place today - 19th November, 2024. Click here to listen back.

The Journal.ie - Teachers to protest outside schools to seek delay in implementing Leaving Cert reforms - 19th November, 2024 - Click here to read

Election 2024: Education — 'Forget phone pouches. Leaving Cert projects are a bigger problem' - Irish Examiner (Online) - 18th November, 2024 - Click here to read.

Galway Bay FM - Galway Talks with John Morley - Interview with Ritchie Bell, ASTI Standing Committee Representative Region 3 about the upcoming lunchtime protests on 19th November next - 14th November, 2024 - Click here to listen.

Teachers to protest next week in bid to delay Leaving Cert reform - Irish Times (Online) - 12th November, 2024 - Click here to read.

Cork teachers hit back over Michael O’Leary's 'callous' comments  - Echo Live.ie - 12th November, 2024 - Click here to read.

Teachers to hold protests over Senior Cycle concerns - RTÉ (Online) - 12th November, 2024 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert students may face single English exam, with project in fifth year - Irish Times (Online) - 12th November, 2024 - Click here to read.

Teachers to protest next week over 'rushed' changes planned for Leaving Cert - Irish Examiner (Online) - 12th November, 2024 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio One, Drive Time programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary responds to comments made by Michael O'Leary on teachers - 11th November, 2024 - Click here to listen (Scroll to 06:06)

ASTI president criticises ‘offensive’ comments from Ryanair boss and calls for apology - Irish Independent (Online) - 11th November, 2024 - click here to read.

Radio Kerry - Kerry Today Show, Donal Cremin, ASTI President reacts to comments made about teachers by Michael O'Leary - 11th November, 2024 - click here to listen back.

October, 2024

RTÉ Radio One, Claire Byrne Show - Donal Cremin, ASTI President discusses school contribution fees - 29th October, 2024 - Click here to listen.

CRC Castlebar Radio - The Chat Room programme - Moira Leydon, Assistant General Secretary, Education & Research Officer discusses the ASTI Education Conference theme of Inclusive Education in our Schools: Challenges and Opportunities - 14th October, 2024 - click here to listen back.

Phone pouches: What school principals, teachers and students are saying - Irish Times (Online) - 4th October, 2024 - Click here to read.

General Secretary Kieran Christie talks to Rachael English on allocation of €9 million towards phone pouches in Budget 2025, RTÉ Radio 1, News at One - 3rd October, 2024 - Listen back here

"€9m on Locked Phone Pouches: Kerry Head of ASTI Responds" President Donal Cremin on Kerry Today show, Radio Kerry - 3rd October, 2024 - Listen back here

 

September, 2024

Leaving Cert students to get up to 50% of marks by creating video in new subject - Irish Times (Online) - 11th September, 2024 - Click here to read.

Teaching unions slam Ireland's 'shameful' underinvestment in schools - Irish Examiner (Online) - 10th September, 2024 - Click here to read.

Teachers should not be forced to deliver ‘sensitive’ sex education classes - union - Irish Examiner (Online) - 10th September, 2024 - Irish Examiner - Click here to read.

Newstalk - The Pat Kenny Show - Donal Cremin, ASTI President discusses CAO system and entry to third level education - 9th September, 2024 - Click here to listen back. (Scroll to 01:00:28)

August, 2024

Secondary school students have ‘major logistical concerns’ over proposed smartphone ban, union says - Irish Independent (Online) - 28th August, 2024 - Click here to read.

RTÉ RnaG - Admhaidin programme - Moira Leydon, Assistant General Secretary, Education & Research Officer discusses teacher shortages - 15th August, 2024 - Click here to listen back.

General Secretary Kieran Christie discusses teachers shortages on RTÉ Radio 1 News at One, 14th August, 2024 - listen back here. 

Assistant General Secretary Moira Leydon on Adhmhaidin to discuss teacher shortages, 15th August, 2024 - listen back here.

President Donal Cremin disccuses teacher shortages on The Michael Reade Show, LMFM, 15th August, 2024 - listen back here.

Lack of teacher recruitment and retention impacting north west students - Ocean FM interview with ASTI Vice President Padraig Curley, 15th August, 2024 - Listen back here

Teacher shortages could leave classes with un-qualified staff members at the whiteboard this September - Live 95 FM - 20th August, 2024 - Click here to read.

July, 2024

Lack of resources and high cost of housing threaten to delay reforms of Leaving Cert - Sunday Independent (Online) - 7th July, 2024 - Click here to read.

June, 2024

Leaving Cert religion: a nuanced paper challenged students to think critically - Irish Times (Online) - 25th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert physical education: a contemporary exam, but students challenged for time - Irish Times (Online) - 21st June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert design and communication graphics: a straightforward paper with space-aged twist - Irish Times (Online) - 20th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert music: few bum notes in exam which featured Queen, The Beatles, Tchaikovsky and Bach - Irish Times (Online) - 20th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert physics: ‘ample’ choice gave students a fair opportunity to show their ability - Irish Times (Online) - 19th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert chemistry: A ‘fair’ paper with plenty of choice and few surprises - Irish Times (Online) - 18th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert Spanish: some struggled with ‘challenging’ vocabulary - Irish Times (Online) - 18th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert German: ‘More student-friendly than the mock exams’ - Irish Times (Online) - 14th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert business exam: ‘Students had to think on their feet’ -  Irish Times (Online) - 13th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert history: An exam that ‘played the hits’ - Irish Times (Online) - 12th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert French: a challenge for those seeking top grades - Irish Times (Online) - 12th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert Irish paper two: student-friendly, but challenging in parts - Irish Times (Online) - 11th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Students ‘delighted’ after maths, but Irish exam poses challenges for some - Irish Times (Online) - 10th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert maths paper two: ‘overwhelmingly positive’ response from students - Irish Times (Online) - 10th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert Irish paper one: ‘At first glance many would have felt disappointed’ - Irish Times (Online) - 10th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle maths: A mostly fair paper with a sting in the tail - Irish Times (Online) - 7th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert geography: topical paper that gave students a chance to shine - Irish Times (Online) - 7th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert maths paper one: ‘It was nice... paper two may be a bruiser’ - Irish Times (Online) - 7th June, 2024 - Click here to read. 

Relief after ‘fair’ maths paper: Reaction to Leaving Cert and Junior Cycle exams - Irish Times (Online) - 7th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

‘Students tested with challenging English paper’: Reaction to day two of Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert exams - Irish Times (Online) - 6th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle Irish: Some tricky words on otherwise straightforward papers - Irish Times (Online) - 6th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert English paper two: tough Hamlet and Plath questions cause some consternation - Irish Times (Online) - 6th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Most students leave exam happy after day one of Leaving and Junior Cert exams - Irish Times (Online) - 5th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

Leaving and Junior Cert students encouraged to 'mind themselves' as exams get under way  - Irish Examiner (Online) - 5th June, 2024 - Click here to read.

May, 2024

Changes to Leaving Cert science exams ‘at risk’ over shared files claim - Sunday Independent (Online) - 26th May, 2024 - Click here to read.

YLE - Finnish State Broadcaster interviewed Aisling Hughes, ASTI Monaghan branch member about the cost of housing in Ireland - May, 2024 - Click here to read/ watch video interview.

‘It’s revolutionising the classroom’: Meet the teachers embracing AI - Irish Times (Online) - 7th May, 2024 - Click here to read.

Teacher union members indicate high levels of support for proposed merger - Irish Times (Online) - 2nd May, 2024 - Click here to read.

April, 2024

Teachers ‘absolutely hate’ so-called Croke Park hours, says Cork-based ASTI president - The Echo (Online) / Echo Live.ie - 7th April 2024 - Click here to read.

Cork teacher expresses concern about Leaving Cert grading system - The Echo (Online) / Echo Live.ie - 7th April 2024 - Click here to read.

ASTI and TUI members surveyed regarding the amalgamation of the two unions - Educationmatters.ie - 4th April, 2024 - Click here to read.

Newstalk - Lunchtime Live programme, Richard Cosgrave, ASTI Dungarvan delegate discusses teaching service abroad not being recognised - 3rd April, 2024 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ Radio 1 Drivetime programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses key issues of the day including cyberbullying of teachers and AI - 3rd April, 2024 - Click here to listen. (Scroll to 18:17)

South East Radio, Morning Mix Show - Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI Wexford delegate discusses Convention key issues - 3rd April, 2024 - Click here to listen. (Scroll to 17.20)

Norma Foley in the firing line: Teachers question why they earn less after teaching abroad - TheJournal.ie - 3rd April, 2024 - Click here to read.

RTÉ web - ASTI and TUI members to be asked if they want to merge unions - 3rd April, 2024 - Click here to read.

'It hits you in the heart': Teacher speaks out after being cyberbullied by students in his school - Irish Examiner (Online) - 3rd April, 2024 - Click here to read.

RTÉ web - 'It's heartbreaking' - teacher speaks of being cyberbullied by student - 3rd April, 2024 - Click here to watch.

Teacher unions ASTI and TUI announce survey of members over possible merger - Irish Times (Online) - 3rd April, 2024 - Click here to read.

Teaching degree duration could be reduced to stop students ‘working for free’ - Echo Live.ie - 3rd April, 2024 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Rnag - Tús Áite programme - Conall O'Dufaigh, ASTI Bray Branch and delegate at ASTI Convention discusses key issues of debate - 2nd April, 2024 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ Rnag - Adhmhaidin programme - Moira Leydon, ASTI Assistant General Secretary discusses key issues for debate at Convention 2024 - 2nd April, 2024 - Click here to listen.

Teachers call for oral exams to be held during term instead of Easter break - Irish Independent (Online) - 2nd April, 2024 - Click here to read.

ASTI votes to resist Leaving Cert reform amid 'widespread concern' over impact of AI - TheJournal.ie - 2nd April, 2024 - Click here to read.

Norma Foley in the firing line: Teachers question why they earn less after teaching abroad - Thejournal.ie - 2nd April, 2024 - Click here to read.

RTÉ  Radio One - Morning Ireland Programme - Kieran Christe, ASTI General Secretary interviewed about key issues for debate at ASTI Convention - 2nd April, 2024 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ web - 'Complete change in thinking' needed on teacher shortage, says ASTI - 2nd April, 2024. Click  here to read.

Artificial intelligence poses cheating risk to Leaving Cert, teachers warn - Irish Times (Online) - 2nd April, 2024 - Click here to read.

‘Children are using AI, whether we like it or not’ - Irish Times (Online) - 2nd April, 2024 - Click here to read.

Teachers ‘leaving in droves’ due to mountain of paperwork and rising living costs, INTO conference hears - Irish Times (Online) - 2nd April, 2024 - Click here to read.

‘I’m devastated: my wife and I are wondering why we came back’ – teacher’s four years’ work in Dubai not reflected in pay - Irish Independent (Online) - 2nd April, 2024 - Click here to read.

‘AI must support and never replace teachers’ – union calls for regulation of AI in Irish classrooms - Irish Independent (Online) - 2nd April, 2024 - Click here to read.

Teachers’ union warns Simon Harris he must follow through on promises made while Higher Education Minister - Irish Independent (Online) - 2nd April, 2024 - Click here to read.

Cork teacher says moves to make changes to the Leaving Certificate has colleagues 'concerned'  - The Echo (Online) / Echo Live.ie  - 1st April, 2024 - Click here to read.

March, 2024

RTÉ Nine O'Clock News - Moira Leydon, Assistant General Secretary discusses ASTI / RED C Survey on Digital Technology and its impact on Teachers' Working Lives. Interview with Jean Marie Ward, ASTI Member - 26th March, 2024 - Click here to watch. (Scroll to 13.52)

News at One Programme - Geraldine O'Brien, ASTI President discusses ASTI /RED C Survey on Digital Technology and its Impact on Teachers' Working Lives - 26th March, 2024 - Click here to listen back.

Parents are regular offenders in social media bullying of teachers, survey finds - Irish Times (Online) - 26th March, 2024 - Click here to read.

A fifth of second-level teachers have experienced cyberbullying, survey finds - Irish Examiner (Online) - 26th March, 2024 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Prime Time programme - Aisling Hughes, ASTI Member from Monaghan Branch discusses cost of living and housing crisis in Ireland - 19th March, 2024 - Click here to watch. 

Teacher unions ASTI and TUI to survey members over potential merger - Irish Times (Online) - 4th March, 2024 - Click here to read.

 

January, 2024

Galway Bay FM - Galway Talks with Keith Finnegan - Geraldine O'Brien, ASTI President discusses the teaching shortage crisis at second-level - 9th January, 2024 - Click here to listen. 

LMFM - The Michael Reade Show - Diarmaid de Paor, ASTI Deputy General Secretary discusses the teaching shortage crisis at second-level - 9th January, 2024 - Click here to listen. (Scroll to 36:29)

C103 FM - Cork Today with Patricia Messenger - Diarmaid de Paor, ASTI Deputy General Secretary discusses the teaching shortage crisis at second-level - 9th January, 2024 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Drivetime programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses the teaching shortages crisis - 8th January, 2024 - Click here to listen back - (Scroll to 1:21:29).

Virgin Media News at 5.30 pm - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary interviewed and also Sinead Corkery, ASTI Standing Committee representative for Region 18 discuss the teaching shortages crisis  - 8th January, 2024 - Click here to watch - (Scroll to 13:22).

RnaG - Nuacht a hAon - Moira Leydon, Assistant General Secretary discussed the teaching shortage crisis - 8th January, 2024 - Click here to listen.

School Principal In Cork Says It's Up To Parents To Ensure Children Aren't Vaping - Red FM (Online) - 3rd January, 2024 - Click here to read.

December, 2023

RTÉ Radio 1 - Drivetime programme - Geraldine O'Brien, ASTI President discusses the oral exams - 15th December, 2023 - Click here to listen. Scroll to 2:29:55.

‘Extremely disappointing’ that Leaving Cert oral exams are to go ahead during Easter break - Irish Examiner (Online) - 15th December, 2023 - Click here to read.

November, 2023

State exams body reviews whether to hold Leaving Cert oral exams during Easter holidays - Irish Times (Online) - 30th November, 2023 - Click here to read.

Timing of oral exams for Leaving Cert students is being evaluated - Irish Examiner (Online) - 29th November, 2023 - Click here to read.

RTÉ - Unions want Leaving Cert oral exams returned to pre-pandemic timings (Online) - 29th November, 2023 - Click here to read.

Teacher unions endorse call for oral exams to return to pre-pandemic dates - Irish Independent (Online) - 29th November, 2023 - Click here to read.

Schools will seek to reassure parents that all safety procedures are in place after Dublin stabbing - Sunday Independent (Online) - 26th November, 2023 - Click here to read.

Students demand oral exams be brought back to before Easter break - Irish Independent (Online) - 16th November, 2023 - Click here to read.

Secondary schools may face ‘unpalatable decisions’ to drop subjects due to teacher crisis - Irish Independent (Online) - 15th November, 2023 - Click here to read.

October, 2023

Department of Education must 'move quickly' with guidance on use of AI - Irish Examiner (Online) - 18th October, 2023 - Click here to read.

Record number of Junior Cycle students set to receive results today - Irish Times (Online) - 18th October, 2023 - Click here to read.

RTÉ RnaG - Moira Leydon, Assistant General Secretary interviewed about Budget 2024 - 11th October, 2023 - Click here to listen back.

‘No incentives in Budget 2024 to attract or keep teachers in profession’ - BreakingNews.ie - 10th October, 2023 - Click here to read.

RTÉ 1 Budget 2024 programme - Interview with Aisling Hughes, ASTI member and a teacher in Our Lady's Castleblayney in Monaghan interviewed about the Budget - 10th October, 2024 - Click here to watch back. (Scroll to 3:16:17)

Education budget fails to address 'big issues', say teachers' unions - Irish Examiner (Online) - 10th October, 2023 - Click here to read.

Students and parents benefit, but schools and colleges feel left behind - Irish Times (Online) = 10th October, 2023 - Click here to read.

Crisis in the staffroom: ‘Teaching was once assumed to be a soft number. That’s over now’ - Irish Times (Online) - 7th October, 2023 - Click here to read.

Why are Irish secondary schools suffering from a shortage of teachers? - Irish Times (Online) - 8th October, 2023 - Click here to read. 

September, 2023

RnaG – Tús Áite programme – Moira Leydon, ASTI Assistant General Secretary discusses proposals by the Tánaiste Michael Martin being in favor of reducing the Masters in Education from 2 years to one year to tackle the current teacher crisis – 26th September, 2023- Click here to listen.

Unions sound alarm over post-Covid behavioural problems as 125 teachers assaulted by students last year - Sunday Business Post - 24th September, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert: Unions welcome ‘sensible’ deferral of plans for teachers to mark students for exams - Irish Times (Online) - 21st September, 2023 - Click here to read.

LMFM - The Michael Reade Show - Geraldine O'Brien, ASTI President discusses announcement by Minister for Education, Norma Foley to suspend plans for teacher-based assessments in Leaving Cert - 21st September, 2023 - Click here to listen.
 
Virgin Media - The Tonight Show - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary joins panel of guests to discuss today's announcement by Minister for Education, Norma Foley to suspend plans for teacher-based assessments in Leaving Cert - 20th September, 2023 - Click here to watch.

'It’s not a climbdown': Teachers back Foley over suspension of teacher-based assessment - Irish Examiner (Online) - 20th September, 2023 - Click here to read.

Virgin Media News - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary joins gives reaction to announcement by Minister for Education, Norma Foley to suspend plans for teacher-based assessments in Leaving Cert - 20th September, 2023 - Click here to watch.

AI fears prompt minister to suspend plans for teacher-based assessments in Leaving Cert  - Irish Examiner (Online) - 20th September, 2023 - Click here to read.

AI fears force Education Minister to abandon shake up of Leaving Cert assessments - Irish Independent (Online) - 20th September, 2023 - Click here to read.

RTÉ website - Teacher-based assessment plans for Leaving Cert shelved over AI concern - 20th September, 2023 - Click here to read.

LMFM - The Michael Reade Show - Geraldine O'Brien, ASTI President interviewed about the OCED Education at a Glance 2023 on key findings on Ireland's education ratings - Click here to listen back - 13th September, 2023.

Ireland has second worst staff-student ratio in higher education in OECD - Irish Examiner (Online) - 12th September, 2023 - Click here to read.

Ireland spends less on students than OECD average - Irish Independent (Online) - 12th September, 2023 - Click here to read.

Where have all the teachers gone? - RTÉ website - Click here to read - 6th September, 2023.

August, 2023

3,105 new teachers added to national register but permanent positions 'miniscule, if any' - Irish Examiner (Online) - 29 August, 2023 - Click here to read.

C103FM - Cork Today - Geraldine O'Brien, ASTI President on teacher supply crisis - 16th August 2023 - Click here to listen

Virgin Media - Ireland AM - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary on teacher supply crisis - 16th August 2023 - Click here to watch

Virgin Media - News at 5.30 - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary on teacher supply crisis - 15th August 2023 - Click here to watch - Scroll to 3:03

RTÉ Radio 1 - Morning Ireland - Interview with Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary on teacher supply crisis 15th August 2023 - Click here to listen

Newstalk - Newstalk Breakfast - Interview with Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary on teacher supply crisis - 15th August 2023 - Click here to listen

Today FM - The Last Word with Matt Cooper - Interview with Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary on teacher supply crisis - 15th August 2023 - Click here to listen - Scroll to 41:22.

LMFM - The Michael Reade Show - Interview with Geraldine O'Brien, ASTI President on teacher supply crisis - 15th August 2023 - Click here to listen -  Scroll to 1:01:53

ASTI head: 'Quite frankly, they're putting people in classrooms who aren't teachers' -TheJournal.ie - Click here to read

East Coast FM - Morning Show - Interview with Geraldine O'Brien, ASTI President on teacher shortages -  - 14th August 2023 - Click here to listen - Monday's Show, 10am, from 14:50

Schools still trying to recruit hundreds of teachers ahead of new school year- Irish Examiner - 14th August 2023- Click here to read 

SUNDAY ISSUE Teacher shortages are damaging our children’s education – we need to address the crisis urgently, says ASTI President - The Irish Sun - 13th August 2023 - Click here to read.

LMFM - The Michael Reade Show - Interview with Geraldine O'Brien, ASTI President on shortages of teachers and discusses year ahead - 2nd August, 2023 - Click here to listen - Scroll to 52:30.

KFM  - Kildare Today Show - Interview with Geraldine O'Brien, ASTI President on shortages of teachers and discusses year ahead - 2nd August, 2023 - Click here to listen - Scroll to 29:12.

Today FM - The Last Word - Interview with Geraldine O'Brien, ASTI President on challenges facing teachers currently and discusses year ahead - 1st August, 2023 - Click here to listen back - Scroll to 00:51:31.

ASTI: Teacher shortage crisis 'at its worst' and undermining education - Irish Examiner (Online) - 1st August, 2023 - Click here to read.

 

June, 2023

Leaving Cert: Topical issue of data centres features on Technology papers - Irish Independent (Online) - 27th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Some unexpected twists in Applied Maths for Leaving Cert students - Irish Independent (Online) - 27th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert physical education: A fair exam that demanded holistic approach - Irish Times (Online) - 23rd June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert economics: Perfect paper for ‘students who love economics’ - Irish Times (Online) - 23rd June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert: Physical Education paper provided ‘plenty of opportunity’ for candidates to score - Irish Independent (Online) - 23rd June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert: Economics papers feature topical subjects including interest rates and electricity prices  - Irish Independent (Online) - 23rd June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert accounting: Students would have been pushed to complete all questions on time, teachers say - Irish Times (Online) - 22nd June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Accounting exam suited 'match fit' students who had done 'plenty of practice' - Irish Examiner (Online) - 21st June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert physics: No nasty surprises - Irish Times (Online) - 21st June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert: Physics exam a fundamentally fair paper - Irish Examiner (Online) - 21st June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Cork Airport and a turtle blown off route to Ireland feature in Spanish exam - Irish Examiner (Online) - 20th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Spanish and Chemistry Leaving Cert papers 'relatively straightforward' - Irish Examiner (Online) - 20th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

'Fundamentals of chemistry well examined' in Leaving Cert exam - Irish Examiner (Online) - 20th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert chemistry higher level “a good test of knowledge and analytical skills” - Irish Independent (Online) - 20th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert chemistry higher level “a good test of knowledge and analytical skills”Leaving Cert chemistry: ‘A good test of knowledge, understanding and analytical skills’ - Irish Times (Online) - 20th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert Spanish: ‘Students will likely feel happy with this paper’ - Irish Times (Online) - 20th June, 2023 - Click here to listen.

Farming challenges and Mandarin Chinese for Leaving students as Junior Cycle exams finish - Irish Independent (Online) - 19th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert agricultural science higher level attracts different opinions  - Irish Independent (Online) - 19th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle exams end on positive note with ‘well-thought-out paper’ for Applied Technology - Irish Independent (Online) - 19th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Drones feature on Junior Cert engineering exam; Leaving Cert construction students tested on vernacular homes - Irish Examiner (Online) - 16th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle: Engineering paper topical with smart farming, a hybrid e-trike and renewable energy - Irish Independent (Online) - 16th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert: German higher level students asked about extension of drinking licence to 6am - Irish Independent (Online) - 16th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Certs left smiling after German paper on music festivals and airport chaos - Irish Examiner (Online) - 16th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert: Art exam draws positive response in first year of new format - Irish Independent (Online) - 15th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Sprechen sie Deutsch? Could you pass a 'lovely' German JC exam or a challenging Business Leaving Cert? - Irish Examiner (Online) - 15th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Moon landing features on Leaving Cert history while poor audio hampers Junior Cycle Spanish students - Irish Examiner (Online) - 14th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert: History higher level students could not mark centenary by tackling a civil war question - Irish Independent (Online) - 14th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert history: ‘Greatest hits’ give students a chance to shine - Irish Times (Online) - 14th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert French: Plenty of challenges for students targeting a top grade - Irish Independent (Online) - 14th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert biology: No shocks, no surprises - but skeleton question spooks some - Irish Times (Online) - 13th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Curveballs for Leaving cert Biology students; Some challenges for Junior cert French - Irish Examiner (Online) - 13th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert biology higher level even stumps teachers with the term ‘innominate bones’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 13th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle Graphics: just five questions this year, but no surprises - Irish Independent (Online) - 13th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle business students asked for ideas about how to spend national budget surplus - Irish Independent (Online) - 13th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle science paper was ‘not the place for a pH meter’, says teacher - Irish Independent (Online) - 12th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert maths higher level Paper 2 ‘like night and day’ after complaints over Paper 1 - Irish Independent (Online) - 12th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Maths paper 2 more popular with Leaving students but Junior Cert science under fire from teachers - Irish Examiner (Online) - 12th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

‘Students will feel a weight off their shoulders’: Reaction to today’s Leaving Cert maths paper - Irish Times (Online) - 12th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert maths higher level Paper 1: ‘Tiring’, ‘challenging’, ‘unsettling’ – and that’s only the teachers’ views - Irish Independent (Online) - 9th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle history: ‘Good use of sources, but students suffer from lack of choice’ - Irish Times (Online) - 9th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle maths: Mixed reaction to ‘wordy’ higher level paper - Irish Times (Online) - 9th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Test your census knowledge with 'superb' Leaving Cert geography exam; Students 'happy' with Junior cert history - Irish Examiner (Online)  - 9th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert geography: Students relieved after exam with lots of choice - Irish Times (Online) - 9th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert: Geography receives ‘resoundingly positive’ response from students - Irish Independent (Online) - 9th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Reaction to today’s Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert exams - Irish Times (Online) - 9th June, 2023 - Click read to read.

'Fair and approachable' English paper 2 features Irish women poets - Irish Examiner (Online) - 8th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert English Paper 2: No sign of Bishop at higher level but Kavanagh returns and Meehan makes her debut - Irish Independent (Online) - 8th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle Irish: Octopus question leaves some students in a tangle - Irish Times (Online) - 8th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle geography: A ‘lot of peat and bogs’ but popular themes missing - Irish Independent (Online) - 8th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Could you write as Gaeilge about an octopus? Junior Cycle Irish 'challenging' but 'fair' - Irish Examiner (Online) - 8th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert: Engineering higher level paper served up a question about robotic - Irish Independent (Online) - 8th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Reaction to today’s Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert exams - Irish Times (Online) - 8th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle Irish: Plenty to smile about after a ‘mind-boggling’ higher level paper last year - Irish Independent (Online) - 8th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert engineering: Topical and testing - Irish Times (Online) - 8th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle Irish: Octopus question leaves some students in a tangle - Irish Times (Online) - 8th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert English Paper 1 higher level: ChatGPT among topics on paper with ‘its finger on the pulse’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 7th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert English Paper 1 higher level: ChatGPT among topics on paper with ‘its finger on the pulse’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 7th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert English Paper 1 (ordinary) had ‘something for everyone’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 7th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle English: Mixed response to ‘creative’ and ‘challenging’ paper - Irish Times (Online) - 7th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle English: a bit of a “mash up” in one question - Irish Independent (Online) - 7th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Could you pass English Paper 1? 'Lovely' variety in Leaving Cert exam; Junior Cycle test 'babyish' - Irish Examiner (Online) - 7th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

'Milestone day' for thousands as Leaving and Junior Cert exams kick off - Irish Examiner (Online) - 7th June, 2023 - Click here to read.

ASTI president Miriam Duggan dies following short illness - Irish Independent (Online) - 2nd June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Tributes paid following death of ASTI teachers’ union president - Irish Times (Online) - 2nd June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Tributes paid to 'courageous and fair' ASTI president Miriam Duggan - Irish Examiner (Online) - 2nd June, 2023 - Click here to read.

Tributes to ASTI president Miriam Duggan who has died - RTÉ News (Online) - 2nd June, 2023 - Click here to read.

May, 2023

Junior Cert students cheat by using AI at home for class assessments - Irish Independent (Online) - Click here to read - 14th May, 2023.

April, 2023

Tusla sets up support group for its workers amid alarming rise of abuse on social media - Irish Independent (Online) - 24th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Provision of Dublin allowance for teachers and nurses would be ‘very, very challenging’, Tánaiste says - Irish Times (Online) - 17th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Virgin Media - Ireland AM programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses Chat GPT as an education tool - 15th April, 2023 - Click here to watch.

Teachers strongly opposed to marking own pupils but lack of unity hampers ‘Dublin allowance’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 14th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Teacher wins colleagues’ support after complaining about homophobic abuse - Irish Independent (Online) - 14th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

TG4 - Nuacht - Interviews with Órlagh Nic Eóin and Ciarán Kavanagh both from ASTI Dublin North East Branch who discussed the attractiveness of teaching, Conall Ó Dufaigh, ASTI Bray Branch on the housing crisis, and Anne Loughnane, ASTI Carbery Branch and Standing Committee Representative for Region 6 gave an interview on Curriculum policy on Junior Cycle Irish - 13th April, 2023 - Click here to watch - (Scroll to 11:46)

Do teachers support a ‘Dublin allowance’ for colleagues facing higher costs? - Irish Times (Online) - 13th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

‘If you suffer a miscarriage, you shouldn’t have to pretend you have flu to get time off work’ – teachers seeking special leave - Irish Independent (Online) - 13th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Highland Radio - Nine Til Noon Show - Patrick Curley, ASTI Standing Committee Regional Representative for Region 1 discusses Convention key issues - 13th April, 2023 - Click here to listen. (Scroll to 31:40)

Pay increases key to addressing teacher supply crisis, says union head - Irish Times (Online) - 12th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Pay rise for teachers, an end to ‘unpaid work’ and equal pensions to dominate wage talks - Irish Independent (Online) - 12th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Students are posting graphic sexual images of teachers in growing issue of online abuse - Irish Independent (Online) - 12th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Education Minister Norma Foley to push for return of promotions to increase teacher pay - Irish Independent (Online) - 12th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Jennifer Horgan: Teacher shortage is a real issue — but teachers assessing their own students is not  - Irish Examiner (Online) - 12th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Secondary school teachers say there is no rationale for moving English and Irish exams - Irish Times (Online) - 11th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Foley pledges to begin restoring thousands of senior school posts to ease teacher burnout - Irish Times (Online) - 11th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Minister says she will listen to all voices as ASTI unanimously rejects moving exam papers - Irish Examiner (Online) - 11th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1, Morning Ireland programme - Miriam Duggan, ASTI President discusses the key issues facing second-level teachers - 11th April, 2023 - Click here to listen.

Newstalk Breakfast programme, Kieran Christie, ASTI President discusses key issues for debate at ASTI Convention - 11th April, 2023 - Click here to listen.

LMFM - The Michael Reade Programme - Diarmaid de Paor, ASTI Deputy General Secretary discusses key issues for debate at this year's ASTI Annual Conference - Click here to listen. (Scroll to 01:04)

‘I don’t see any sign of things getting better’: Soaring rents and living costs take toll on teachers - Irish Times (Online) - 11th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

‘It is an anxious, frustrating time’: Schools struggle to find qualified teachers for vacant posts - Irish Times (Online) - 11th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Teachers’ union to seek pay increases to tackle soaring inflation - Irish Times (Online) - 10th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Vacant posts a major concern as teachers prepare for union conferences - Irish Examiner (Online) - 11th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Newstalk, Lunchtime Live programme - Adrieanne Healy, ASTI Standing Committee Region 15 and Seamus Keane, ASTI Standing Committee, Region 17 joined the programme to discuss why teaching is no longer viewed as an attractive career option – 5th April, 2023 - Click here to listen.

LMFM - The Michaeal Reade Show - Diarmaid de Paor discusses key findigs in the ASTI / RED C Survey on Recruitment, Retention and Supply of Teachers and School Leaders - 5th April, 2023 - Click here to listen.

Unfilled teaching posts in almost half of second-level schools, survey finds - Irish Times (Online) - 5th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Secondary teachers want pay rise to match inflation in talks on new wage deal - Irish Independent (Online) - 5th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Nearly half of secondary schools cannot fill teaching roles, says union - Irish Examiner (Online) - 5th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Drive Time programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses Teacher shortages and the ASTI / RED C Survey on Recruitment, Retention and Supply of Teachers and School Leaders  - 4th April, 2023 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ Nuacht - Moira Leydon, ASTI Education & Research Officer discusses Teacher shortages and the ASTI / RED C Survey on Recruitment, Retention and Supply of Teachers and School Leaders  - 4th April, 2023 - Click here to watch. (Scroll to 03:32)

RTÉ Website - Teaching shortage see vacancies in nearly half of all secondary schools - ASTI - 4th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Housing crisis major factor in teacher shortages as schools forced to recruit unqualified staff - Irish Independent (Online) - 4th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Unfilled teaching posts in almost half of second-level schools, survey finds - Irish Times (Online) - 4th April, 2023 - Click here to read.

Virgin Media 12.30 pm News - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses ASTI / RED C Survey on Recruitment, Retention and Supply of Teachers and School Leaders - 4th April, 2023 - Click here to watch (Scroll to 14:54)

March, 2023

More than 500 teachers and SNAs took leave after physical assaults in schools - Irish Examiner - 23rd March, 2023 - Click here to read.

Classic Hits - The Niall Boylan Show - Moira Leydon, ASTI Education & Research Officer discusses the proposed SPHE curriculum - 10th March, 2023. - Click here to listen.

Galway Bay FM, Galway Talks with Keith Finnegan - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses ASTI Protest to highlight a situation whereby a member of the Teaching Council is unable to attend Council meetings - 6th March, 2023 - Click here to listen.

Norma Foley defends decision to ‘defer’ fifth year Leaving Cert exams - Irish Times (Online) - 1st March, 2023 - Click here to read.

Shelving of interim Leaving Cert change casts doubt on more contentious reforms - Irish Examiner (Online) - 1st March, 2023 - Click here to read.

February, 2023

RTÉ Drivetime Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary and Pauline O'Reilly, Dr Green party Senator and Education spokesperson discuss Leaving Cert reform - 28th February, 2023 - Click here to listen.

Newstalk Breakfast Programme - Miriam Duggan, ASTI President welcomes the deferral of the plan to have fifth years sit paper 1 of the Irish and English Leaving Cert exams and welcomes further engagement - 28th February, 2023 - Click here to listen back - Scroll to 01:38:49.

Foley defers plan for fifth years to sit two Leaving Cert papers - Irish Independent (Online) - 28th February, 2023 - Click here to read.

RTÉ – Upfront with Katie Hannon programme  - Sinéad Moore, teacher at St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Co. Dublin participated in discussion on the changes to the new Junior Cycle RSE programme in schools - 21st February, 2023 - Click here to watch.

Can Norma Foley pass the first test of Leaving Certificate reform? - Irish Times (Online) - 20th February, 2023 - Click here to read.

Virgin Media - Ireland AM programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary joins programme along with Arthur Godsil, Education Consultant to discuss teacher shortages and teachers taking career breaks - 8th February, 2023 - Click here to listen.

Newstalk, Lunchtime Live programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary joins programme to discuss teacher shortages and also the numbers of teachers on career breaks - 7th February, 2023 - Click here to listen.

Galway Bay FM - Galway Talks with Keith Finnegan - Geraldine O'Brien, ASTI Vice President discusses concerns over plans for English and Irish paper 1 - 2nd February, 2023 - Click here to listen.

Highland Radio - Nine till Noon show - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses concerns over plans for English and Irish paper 1 - 2nd February, 2023 - Click here to listen.

Teachers express ‘serious concerns’ over certain Leaving Cert exam papers being moved to end of fifth year - Irish Independent (Online) - 1st February, 2023 - Click here to listen.

Today FM, The Last Word Show - Miriam Duggan, ASTI President discusses concerns over plans for English and Irish paper 1 - 1st February, 2023 - Click here to listen back (Scroll to 03:43).

January, 2023

Concern among teacher unions over handling of Enoch Burke’s dismissal - Irish Times (Online) - 23rd January, 2023 - Click here to read.

Galway Bay FM - Galway Talks Programme - Geraldine O'Brien, ASTI Vice President is interviewed about the numbers of Ukrainian students in schools - 6th January, 2023 - Click here to listen. (Scroll to 25:54)

December, 2022

Newton Emerson: Britain has been helping to house key workers for two decades. What about Ireland? - Irish Times (Online) - 15th December, 2022 - Click here to read.

Newstalk - The Pat Kenny Show - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses the weather and schools - 12th December, 2022 - Click here to listen.

Calls to establish a supply task force as teacher sharing scheme fails to take off - Irish Independent (Online) - 11th December, 2022 - Click here to read.

‘Teachers will quit rather than give up career breaks or job-shares,’ warns union, as minister threatens perks - Irish Independent (Online) - 8th December, 2022 - Click here to read.

Newstalk - Lunchtime Live programme - Ritchie Bell, ASTI Standing Committee Region 3 discusses the proposed change to the career breaks - 7th December, 2022 - Click here to listen.

Virgin Media TV 7 pm News - John Conneely, ASTI Standing Committee representative for Region 4 interviewed about proposed changes to career breaks to address teacher shortages - 7th December, 2022 - Click here to watch - (Scroll to 09:10)

RTÉ Radio 1 - Morning Ireland programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary on lack of consultation re career breaks proposal - 7th December, 2022 - Click here to listen.

Q&A: Why is teacher shortage hurting Dublin’s children most? - Irish Independent (Online) - 2nd December, 2022 - Click here to read.

Accommodation and permanent jobs needed to attract teachers home from abroad - ASTI - Irish Times (Online) - 1st December, 2022 - Click here to read.

Housing and permanent posts needed to 'lure' teachers back to Ireland - Irish Examiner (Online) - 1st December, 2022 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Morning Ireland programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary interviewed about the shortage of second-level teachers - 1st December, 2022 - Click here to listen.

Newstalk Breakfast - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary interviewed about the shortage of second-level teachers - 1st December, 2022 - Click here to listen.

 

November, 2022

Department of Education is doing too little to tackle teacher shortages in schools, say unions - Irish Independent (Online) - 30th November, 2022 - Click here to read.

Long wait is over for 67,130 Junior Cert students as results out today - Irish Independent (Online) - 23rd November, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle students to receive results today six months after exams - Irish Times (Online) - 23rd November, 2022 - Click here to read.

Virgin Media, The Tonight Show - Interview with Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary and a panel of guests about the housing crisis causing a serious risk to the education system - 22nd November, 2022. Click here to listen. 

Newstalk, Lunchtime Live programme - Fintan Creagh, ASTI Member and Fingal Branch member discusses rent and housing crisis in Ireland and the risk to the education system - 22nd November, 2022. Click here to listen. (scroll to 19:13)

October, 2022

RTÉ Website - Study identifies concern over 'dumbing down' of Junior Cycle - 27th October, 2022 - Click here to read.

New Junior Cycle in-class assessments causing 'stress' for students and teachers - Irish Examiner (Online) - 27th October, 2022 - Click here to read.

Some teachers kept up opposition to new Junior Cycle reforms, study finds - Irish Independent (Online) - 27th October, 2022 - Click here to read.

Students ‘more likely to take responsibility’ for learning after Junior Cycle reforms - Irish Times (Online) - 27th October, 2022 - Click here to read.

Calls to extend specialist counsellor project to post-primary level - Irish Examiner (Online) - 25th October, 2022 - Click here to read.

Row over ‘unlawful’ protest outside school ahead of Minister for Education’s visit - Irish Times (Online) - 21st October, 2022 - Click here to read.

Extension of overtime allowance considered to address teacher shortage - Irish Examiner (Online) - 21st October, 2022 - Click here to read.

Union protests school over teacher's blocked attendance at Teaching Council meetings - Irish Examiner (Online) - 21st October, 2022 - Click here to read. 

RTÉ Radio 1 - News at One - Junior Cert results confirmed for 23rd November - 18th October, 2022 - Click here to listen.

Teachers’ union ASTI accused of trying to ‘compromise integrity’ of Junior Cert study - Sunday Independent - 9th October, 2022 - Click here to read.

ASTI members back 6.5pc cost-of-living pay deal with large majority - Irish Independent - 7th October, 2022 - Click here to read. 

Ireland spends less on students than international average - Irish Independent (Online) - 3rd October, 2022 - Click here to read.

Ireland bottom of the table for investment in education, OECD finds  - Irish Examiner (Online) - 3rd October, 2022 - Click here to read.

Ireland is worst in OECD for education spending as percentage of GDP, report finds - Irish Times (Online) - 3rd October, 2022 - Click here to read.

September, 2022

€47m initiative on free books and drive for smaller classes at primary level, but teacher unions say it's not enough - Irish Independent (Online) - 28th September, 2022 - Click here to read.

Free primary schoolbooks and one-off €1,000 cut in third level contribution fee announced - Irish Times (Online) - 27th September, 2022 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Rnag - Tús Áite - Moira Leydon, ASTI Education and Research Officer joined a panel of guests to discuss reaction to Budget 2023 - 27th September, 2022 - Click here to listen back to the show.

Zimbabwe and persecution of teachers - Joint Union letter to the Irish Times - 20th September, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert: battle lines drawn in first fight over reform - Irish Times (Online) - 20th September, 2022 - Click here to read.

Fourteen school teachers on administrative leave, Department of Education says - Irish Times (Online) - 19th September, 2022 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Morning Ireland programme - Miriam Duggan, ASTI President discussed the delays to this year's Junior Certificate results - 15th September, 2022 - Click here to listen.

Schools depend on activist groups to inform transgender policies - Sunday Independent - 11th September, 2022 - Click here to read.

Newstalk, The Hard Shoulder programme - Miriam Duggan, ASTI President is interviewed about Leaving Certificate and Senior Cycle Reform. Brian Mooney, Guidance Counsellor also interviewed - Click here to listen. - 8th September, 2022 - (Scroll to 14:50).

Virgin Media News - Miriam Duggan, ASTI President is interviewed about today's Leaving Certificate results - Click here to watch - 2nd September, 2022.

August, 2022

Unions for teachers and nurses suspend ballots on industrial action to consider pay offer - Irish Times (Online) - 30th August, 2022 - Click here to read.

‘Acute staff shortages’ — Schools urge ‘weighted’ salary scheme for more expensive parts of country - Sunday Independent (Online) - 28th August, 2022 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Today with Claire Byrne Programme - Aaron Wolfe, ASTI member and Principal of Coláiste Éamann Rís is interviewed about back to school - 29th August, 2022 - Click here to listen.

Nurses and midwives are set to ballot on strike action next week if pay offer is unacceptable - Irish Independent (Online) - 23rd August, 2022 - Click here to read.

Prospect of a wave of public sector strikes moves closer with INMO set to ballot members - Irish Times (Online) - 22nd August, 2022 - Click here to read.

How much do you earn? No really, tell me - Irish Times (Online) - 19th August, 2022 - Click here to read.

Threat to Junior Cert results in row over teachers working outside of school hours -Irish Independent (Online) - 17th August, 2022 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Today with Claire Byrne Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses unqualified and trainee teachers correcting exams - 15th August, 2022 - Click here to listen.

ASTI begins preparations for public sector pay ballot - General Secretary Kieran Christie on The Hard Shoulder, Newstalk, August 11th - listen back here 

ASTI Prepares To Ask Secondary Teachers To Vote On Strike Action - ASTI President Miriam Duggan on Today FM, The Last Word, August 11th - listen back here

ASTI begins preparations for public sector pay ballot - General Secretary Kieran Christie on The Nine Til Noon Show, Highland Radio, August 11th - listen back here

Unions Warn of Possible Strike Action by Teachers – General Secretary Kieran Christie on Kerry Today, Radio Kerry, August 11th - listen back here 

ASTI begins preparations for public sector pay ballot - President Miriam Duggan on the Michael Reade Show, LMFM, 11th August - listen back here

Teachers consider strike amid fears of cost of living - President Miriam Duggan on Newstalk Breakfast, 11th August - listen back here

ASTI begins preparations for public sector pay ballot - President Miriam Duggan on RTE Radio 1 Morning Ireland, 11th August - listen back here

July, 2022

Teachers’ unions threaten to ballot members on ‘co-ordinated public service campaign’ if pay rise demands not met - Irish Times (Onlne) - 29th July, 2022 - Click here to read.

Explainer: Where the different sectors stand - Irish Independent (Online) - 28th July, 2022. Click here to read.

Near FM - Northside Today programme - Diarmaid de Paor, ASTI Deputy General Secretary discusses the rising cost of living and how it affects teachers - 18th July, 2022 - Click here to listen.

Schools struggle as teachers quit Dublin over high costs of living - Sunday Independent - 10th July, 2022 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Drivetime programme - Moira Leydon, ASTI Assistant General Secretary Education and Research Officer discusses the ASTI submission to the Special Oireachtas Committee on Autism - 5th July, 2022 - Click here to listen. (Scroll to 1:38) 

June, 2022

Leaving Cert music: No bum notes in an ‘engaging’ paper - Irish Times (Online) - 24th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Physics gets off to 'very nice start' in 'fair paper' - Irish Examiner (Online) - 22nd June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2022: Accounting question that ‘students had been waiting for, for years’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 22nd June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert physics: Some challenges and surprises - Irish Times (Online) - 22nd June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2022: Physics higher level ‘designed to separate out the H1 and H2 students’ - Irish Times (Online) - 22nd June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert Spanish: Topical paper with a sprinkling of ‘magic’ - Irish Times (Online) - 21st June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert chemistry: Plenty of choice but challenging in parts - Irish Times (Online) - 21st June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Encanto and high-speed trains among the topics on well-received Spanish exam - Irish Examiner (Online) - 21st June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2022: Spanish students tested on tenses - Irish Independent (Online) - 21st June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle classics: Place of women in classical society features on exam paper - Irish Times (Online) - 17th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert construction studies: Praise for an environment-focused paper - Irish Times (Online) - 17th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert German: Fair, accessible and topical - Irish Times (Onlne) - 17th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cert Music: A mix of Dua Lipa and Niall Horan offers students ‘engaging, enjoyable paper’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 17th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2022: German paper delivers no ‘schlechte surprises’ as students emerge smiling from exam halls - Irish Independent (Online) - 17th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert business: Good mix of questions, but tougher than last year - Irish Times (Online) - 17th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle wood technology: Common level paper ‘unfair’ to weaker students - Irish Times (Online) - 17th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert art: Student-friendly papers with lots of choice - Irish Times (Online) - 17th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert Business: mixed views on difficulty of exam - Irish Independent (Online) - 17th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cert wood technology: ‘Students had a lot to get through in 90 minutes’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 17th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2022: A ‘greatest hits of questions’ in final exam of old art syllabus - Irish Independent (Online) - 17th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

German Leaving Cert paper 'positive' while Junior Cert music paper strikes balanced note - Irish Examiner (Online) - 17th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cert German: 'One question had all my students talking’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 16th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Unusual question format may have proved a challenge in Junior Cycle German  - Irish Examiner (Online) - 16th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2022: Covid concessions mean History was not a ‘speed writing test’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 15th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle Spanish: Teachers criticise absence of marks allocation scheme - Irish Times (Online) - 15th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cert: new Home Economics paper hits the spot with cycling and upcycling in one question - Irish Independent (Online) - 15th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cert French: Teacher concerned about question on girl with Down Syndrome - Irish Independent (Online) - 14th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cert Italian: Stronger students could “shine through” - Irish Independent (Online) - 14th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2022: Biology higher level has “some challenging parts in fair paper” - Irish Independent (Online) - 14th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle applied technology: A challenging paper for the less academic student - Irish Times (Online) - 14th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle French: Question on Down Syndrome causes controversy - Irish Times (Online) - 14th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle Italian: A paper that reflected modern classroom practices - Irish Times (Online) - 14th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2022: Higher level Irish Paper 2 ‘received with open arms’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 14th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Maths and Irish Leaving Cert papers divide opinion among teachers - Irish Independent (Online) - 14th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert students tackle 'student-friendly' Irish paper - Irish Examiner (Online) - 14th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Exam open for Business – but Science paper’s difficulty under the microscope from Junior Cycle students - Irish Independent (Online) - 14th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cert 2022: Science paper was ‘too text heavy’, say teachers - Irish Independent (Online) - 13th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2022: Ordinary level Maths Paper 2 divides opinion - Irish Independent (Online) - 13th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2022 : Irish Paper 1 higher level students have their say on education system - Irish Independent (Online) - 13th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

'There was no one crying' - Leaving Cert Maths paper two 'trickier' than first but a 'fair test' - Irish Examiner (Online) - 13th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2022: Higher level Maths Paper 2 had “plenty of stings in the tail’ of questions - Irish Independent (Online) 13th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cert Business Studies: Working from home, carbon tax and energy grants on topical paper - Irish Independent (Online) - 13th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle geography: Teachers criticise lack of choice - Irish Times (Online) - 10th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

'Ireland may suffer in the future' due to 'simplified' junior cycle geography exam - Irish Examiner (Online) - 10th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2022: Geography higher level paper shows risks of trying to predict questions - Irish Independent (Online) - 10th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

History students left guessing on mark allocation - Irish Independent (Online) - 10th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cycle history: Teachers criticise ‘ridiculous’ and ‘ungenerous’ exam - Irish Times (Online) - 9th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2022: English Paper 2 has Kennelly, Yeats and Dickinson, but no DH Lawrence - Irish Independent (Online) - 9th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Teachers broadly welcome second Leaving Cert English paper - Irish Times (Online) - 9th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cert History: Outrage that paper did not state how many marks each question was worth - Irish Independent (Online) - 9th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cert Irish: All change as teachers say papers toughest for English-medium school students - Irish Independent (Online) - 9th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2022: CO2 monitors the opening question on Engineering higher level paper - Irish Independent (Online) - 9th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Junior Cert Day 1: Teachers and students waited with ‘bated breath’ for roll-out of new common level papers - Irish Independent (Online) - 9th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert engineering: A topical paper focused on sustainability - Irish Times (Online) - 9th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2022: English Paper One higher level was ‘beautiful’, says teacher - Irish Independent (Online) - 8th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Students 'happy out' with Leaving and Junior Cert English papers - Irish Examiner (Online) - 8th June, 2022 - Click here to read.

Children fleeing from war in Ukraine - Letter from Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary -  Irish Times (Online) - Letters to the Editor - 3rd June, 2022. Click here to read.

 

May, 2022

RTÉ - Prime Time programme - Interview with Ciaran Kavanagh, ASTI Dublin North East branch and a teacher at Gaelcholáiste Reachrann, Dublin on the rise in the cost of living in Ireland - 31st May, 2022. Click here to watch. (Scroll to 06:44).

LMFM - The Michael Reade Show - Moira Leydon, ASTI Education Research Officer interviewed about additional 5,843 Ukrainian students in Ireland - 16th May, 2022 - Click here to listen. (Scroll to 58.13)

RTÉ  - Today with Claire Byrne show - Aaron Wolfe, Principal, Coláiste Éamon Rís Secondary School, Cork and a member of Cork South Paddy Mulcahy branch and Jimmy Staunton, Deputy Principal of Sligo Grammar School and a member of Sligo branch discuss welcoming Ukrainian students to their schools - 11th May, 2022 - Click here to listen.

Schools grapple with trauma and language barriers as Ukraine students arrive - www.thepienews.com/ - 6th May, 2022 - Click here to read.

Proposed Leaving Cert changes more reform than revolution - Education Ireland Magazine - 6th May, 2022 - Click here to read.

RTÉ RnaG - Adhmhaidin programme - Anne Loughnane, ASTI Standing Committee Representative for Region 6 interviewed about the Senior Cycle programme and that a new teaching approach is needed when teaching Irish at second-level - 3rd May, 2022 - Click here to listen.

 

April, 2022

Teachers might be wise to not enter risky blackboard jungle of grading their pupils - Irish Independent (Online) - 27th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Near FM, Northside Today Programme, Diarmaid de Paor, ASTI Deputy General Secretary discusses key decisions at this year's Convention - 26th April, 2022 - Click here to listen to podcast.

40,000 places available for Ukrainian students in schools Irish Independent (Online) - 25th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Teachers urged to call out colleagues for bigoted language - Irish Times (Online) - 22nd April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Conferences end with a whimper as teachers draw breath - Irish Times (Online) - 22nd April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Many LGBT teachers compelled to hide sexuality, says union - Irish Times (Online) - 22nd April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Irish Teacher: Spats between unions and Government affect quality of education in Ireland - Irish Examiner (Online) - 22nd April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Taxpayers run risk of being pushed beyond their limits as public-sector pensions soar - Irish Independent (Online) - 22nd April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert: Teachers now opposing permanent move to Easter break for oral exams - Irish Independent (Online) - 21st April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Teachers call for cut in teacher training qualification course - Irish Times (Online) - 21st April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Teachers marking own Leaving Cert students is ‘educational pyrite’, ASTI warns as it votes against changes - Irish Independent (Online) - 21st April, 2022 - Click here to read.

‘I don’t want to be judge, jury and executioner’ - Irish Times (Online) - 21st April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Assessment of pupils ‘a red line issue’ ASTI conference is told - Irish Times (Online) - 21st April, 2022 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Website - Ukrainian refugees will present challenges never before seen in Ireland, ASTI conference hears - 20th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Teachers urge Irish government to tackle homophobic and sexist abuse - 20th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Influx of Ukrainian children poses huge challenges for school system, ASTI says - Irish Times (Online) - 20th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Virgin Media TV News - Inteview with Diarmaid de Paor, ASTI Deputy General Secretary and Daniel Howard, ASTI Delegate and Dublin North West Branch interviewed about Motion 33 on Health and Safety and Assault Leave - 20th April, 2022 -  Click here to watch

Teachers vote against prospect of grading their own students - Irish Examiner (Online) - 20th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

ASTI to refuse discussion of Leaving Cert reform until 'transparent' study of the Junior Cycle conducted - Irish Examiner (Online) - 20th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Teachers back calls for greater protection from assault and bullying - Irish Times (Online) - 20th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Second-level student teachers being 'exploited' over pay - Irish Examiner (Online) - 20th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

ASTI member calls for research on Long Covid among teachers - Irish Times (Online) - 20th April, 2022 - Click here to read. 

'I don't bear physical scars but I do bear psychological scars': Teachers demand assault leave review - Irish Examiner (Online) -20th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Government urged to crackdown on non-physical abuse of teachers targeted for their sexuality, gender, ethnicity and disability - Irish Independent (Online) - 20th April, 2022 - Click here to read. 

ASTI chief warns Coalition on Leaving Cert pandemic changes - Irish Times (Online) - 20th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Teachers vow that talks on pay rise to tackle spiralling inflation will be ‘robust’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 20th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Education Minister Norma Foley warned she will face battle with teachers’ unions over changes to Leaving Cert marking- Irish Independent (Online) - 20th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Teacher strike threat shelved as talks over new public sector pay deal begin - Irish Times (Online) - 20th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Secondary school teachers pause threat of industrial action pending critical pay talks with Government - Irish Independent (Online) - 19th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

TG4 - Nuacht - Interview with Moira Leydon, ASTI Education and Research Officer - 19th April, 2022 - Click here to watch. (Scroll to 07:23)

RTÉ Website - Teachers agree to defer ballot for industrial action over pay and video piece featuring Christopher Davey, ASTI Delegate and Carlow Branch member - 19th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

TG4 - Nuacht - Interview with Anne Loughnane, ASTI Standing Committee Representative for Region 6 - 19th April, 2022 - Click here to watch. (Scroll to 07:23)

Norma Foley heckled at teachers’ union conference - Irish Independent (Online) - 20th April, 2022 -  Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Morning Ireland - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary interviewed about key issues to arise from this week's Convention debate - 19th April, 2022 - Click here to listen.

Newstalk - Newstalk Breakfast Show - Eamon Dennehy, ASTI President discusses why teachers need a pay increase - 19th April, 2022 - Click here to listen.

Rising costs and pay scales dominate teacher conferences - Irish Examiner (Online) - 19th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Teachers in push for a pay rise to counter soaring inflation - Irish Independent (Online) - 19th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Foley: Cost of living concerns raised by teachers will be discussed in pay talks - Irish Examiner (Online) - 19th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Teachers have not 'raised the flag of industrial action with regard to wage increases' - Irish Examiner (Online) - 19th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Majority of teachers say they can't get mortgage approval on current salaries - Irish Examiner (Online) - 19th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Teachers warn 'serious erosion of our standard of living' is threatening industrial harmony - Irish Examiner (Online) - 19th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Teachers’ pay: Unions to demand inflation-matching increases - Irish Times (Online) - 19th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Six ways Covid-19 will reshape education - Irish Times (Online) - 19th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Government to issue response to calls for public sector pay rises - Irish Times (Online) - 19th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Union calls for one-year 'no frills' course to train new teachers and fill staff gaps - Irish Examiner (Online) - 19th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

‘You feel vulnerable’ – teachers face growing issue of online abuse from students - Irish Independent (Online) - 18th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Jess Casey: A lot to occupy the minds of teachers at their union gatherings - Irish Examiner (Online) - 18th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

500 teachers set to meet in Cork - Echo Live.ie - 18th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Pay, support for refugees and exam reform top issues at teacher union conferences - Irish Independent (Online) - 18th April, 2022.

Teachers’ union to demand inflation-matching pay increases - Irish Times (Online) - 18th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Teachers’ conferences: Five issues to dominate debate - Irish Times (Online) - 18th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Teachers who are sexually assaulted in schools must be let take leave, ASTI official says - Irish Times (Online) - 14th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Secondary school principals struggling to fill teacher positions, survey shows - Irish Times (Online) - 14th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Teacher shortage: More than half of second-level schools have vacancies, says ASTI - Irish Independent (Online) - 14th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Significant number of secondary schools struggling to recruit teachers - Irish Examiner (Online) - 14th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

ASTI may refuse to discuss plans for Leaving Cert reform - Irish Independent (Online) - 14th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Resources will be put in place to protect teachers from lobbying as Leaving Cert reforms introduced - Sunday Independent (Online) - 10th April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Give me a crash course in... Leaving Cert reform - Irish Times (Online) - 2nd April, 2022 - Click here to read.

Irish Teacher: The move to 40% continuous assessment in the Leaving Cert is a good thing. But will it even happen? - Irish Examiner (Online) - 1st April, 2022. Click here to read.

 

March, 2022

Teachers oppose assessment of own students under Leaving Cert overhaul - Irish Examiner (Online) - 30th March, 2022 - Click here to read.

Major changes to Leaving Cert will see students sit some exams in fifth year - Irish Times (Online) - 29th March, 2022 - Click here to read.

Welcome for Leaving Cert reforms, but ASTI and TUI opposed to teachers assessing their own students - Irish Independent (Online) - 29th March, 2022 - Click here to read. 

Leaving Cert reform: Students to sit Irish and English exams in fifth year and new subjects added in major overhaul - Irish Independent (Online) - 29th March, 2022 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Nine O'Clock TV News - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary interviewed about Leaving Certificate reform plans - 29th March, 2022 - Click here to watch.

RTÉ Radio 1 - News at One Programme - Eamon Dennehy, ASTI President interviewed about Leaving Certificate reform plans - 29th March, 2022 - Click here to listen.

Rnag Tús Áite Programme - Moira Leydon, ASTI Education and Research Officer interviewed about Leaving Certificate reform plans - 29th March, 2022 - Click here to listen.

Rnag Adhmhaidin Programme - Moira Leydon, ASTI Education and Research Officer interviewed about Leaving Certificate reform plans - 29th March, 2022 - Click here to listen.

Tg4 News - Moira Leydon, ASTI Education and Research Officer interviewed about Leaving Certificate reform plans - 29th March, 2022 - Click here to listen. (Scroll to 08:51)

Newstalk - The Hard Shoulder Programme - Eamon Dennehy, ASTI President interviewed about Leaving Certificate reform plans - 29th March, 2022 - Click here to listen.

New junior cycle not preparing students adequately for Leaving Cert, ASTI report finds - Irish Examiner (Online) - 14th March, 2022 - Click here to read.

New junior cycle ‘not preparing students adequately for Leaving Cert’ - ASTI report - Irish Independent (Online) - 14th March, 2022 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Drivetime Study Hub  - Margaret Fitzpatrick, ASTI member and Subject Spokesperson for Geography discussed Leaving Cert Geography paper. - 1st March, 2022. Click here to listen.

February, 2022

RTÉ Drivetime Study Hub – Kate Barry, ASTI Member and Subject Spokesperson for English discussed Paper 1 English at Leaving Cert and gave advice and tips – 22nd February, 2022 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Drivetime programme - Eamon Dennehy, ASTI President discusses the announcement by Nphet about mask wearing in schools and the discontinuation of same - 17th February, 2022 - Click here to listen.

Virgin Media, Ireland AM Programme - Eamon Dennehy, ASTI President discusses the continuation of mask wearning in schools - 17th February, 2022 - Click here to watch.

Virgin Media 5.30 pm news - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses mask wearing in schools - 16th February, 2022 - Click here to watch - Scoll to 06:35.

RTÉ RnaG - Tús Áite programme - Moira Leydon, Assistant General Secretary, Education and Research Officer discusses mask wearing in schools - 16th February, 2022 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ Radio 1- Today with Claire Byrne programme - Eamon Dennehy, ASTI President discusses mask wearing in schools - Click here to listen - 16th February, 2022.

Today FM, The Last Word Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses the decision to hold a traditional Leaving Certificate in 2022. Interview along with President of the ISSU - Click here to listen - 1st February, 2022.

TG4 Nuacht - Moira Leydon, ASTI Education & Research Officer discusses decision to hold a traditional Leaving Cert over a hybrid one - Click here to watch - (Scroll to 03:18) - 1st February, 2022.

January, 2022

Further modifications to Leaving Cert exam papers on the table, but minister opposes hybrid grading option - Irish Independent (Online) - 21st January, 2022. Click here to read.

Near FM - Northside Today Show - Moira Leydon, ASTI Education and Research Officer discusses the lack of progress on school safety measures in the context of rising Covid-19 cases and also ASTI's commitment on externally-assessed Leaving Cert – 2022 in line with student & teachers’ expectations - 20th January, 2022 - Click here to listen.

Catching up at school after Covid: How far behind is your child – and is there anything you can do at home to help? - Irish Independent (Online) - 19th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

Key meeting on shape of this year’s Leaving Cert to take place this week - Irish Independent (Online) - 18th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - News at One Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses the ISSU Survey on the hybrid model for the Leaving Certificate 2022 - 17th January, 2022 - Click here to listen.

Shorter week won’t benefit teachers and gardaí, but nurses and admin staff to work fewer hours - Irish Independent (Online) - 12th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

RTÉ  RnaG - Admhaidin - Moira Leydon, Education & Research Assistant interviewed about current situation in schools - 11th January, 2022 - Click here to listen to show.

TG4 Nuacht - Moira Leydon, Education & Research Assistant interviewed about current situation in schools - 11th January, 2022 - Click here to watch. (Scroll to 03:28)

State exams cannot go ahead as planned, students’ union says - Irish Times (Online) - 11th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

Teachers resist demands for repeat of hybrid Leaving Cert - Irish Independent (Online) - 11th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

Call for exams rethink amid Covid disruption - Irish Examiner (Onine) - 11th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - News at One Programme - Eamon Dennehy, ASTI President discusses ASTI's position on the Leaving Certificate - 10th January, 2022. Click here to listen.

Call for exams rethink amid Covid disruption - Irish Examiner (Online) - 10th January, 2022. Click here to read.

Students seek more choice in Leaving Cert exams given disruption - Irish Times (Online) - 10th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

Back to school blues: education sector is now ‘teetering on the brink’ - Sunday Independent (Online) - 9th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

Covid stress hits teachers’ sleep, appetite and alcohol consumption - Sunday Independent (Online) - 9th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

‘An incredibly difficult first day back’ at school, says teachers union - Irish Independent (Online) - 7th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

Rolling class closures likely as schools report 'incredibly difficult' first day back - Irish Examiner (Online) - 7th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

RTÉ website - Schools reopen amid concerns about absences - 6th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

Thousands of teachers set to be absent as schools return - Irish Examiner (Online) - 6th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

Dublin teacher says they are 'walking into the unknown' tomorrow as schools reopen - RSVP Magazine (Online) - 5th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

Omicron spike: Teachers entitled to medical-grade face masks - Irish Times (Online) - 5th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

Newstalk Breakfast programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses ASTI's concerns on schools reopening - 5th January, 2022 - Click here to listen.

Schools brace for Covid-19 outbreaks following reopening green light - Irish Times (Online) - 5th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

Foley confirms schools will reopen on Thursday - Irish Times (Online) - 5th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

'There will be outbreaks in schools and childcare settings' - schools to reopen but online classes not ruled out - Irish Independent (Online) - 5th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

Teachers unions raise concerns about school reopening plans - Irish Examiner (Online) - 5th January, 2022 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Drivetime programme  - Eamon Dennehy, ASTI President discusses teachers concerns about schools reopening - 4th January, 2022. Click here to listen. Scroll to 39.21 to listen.

Teachers unions call for clarity on Covid-19 isolation rules ahead of schools reopening - Irish Times (Online) - Click here to read - 4th January, 2022.

Schools will reopen on Thursday, department confirms - Irish Examiner (Online) - Click here to read - 4th January, 2022. 

RTÉ web - ASTI says union committed to reopening schools in 'coherent, sensible fashion' - Click here to read - 4th January, 2022.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Morning Ireland programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses ASTI's concerns about the reopening of schools - Click here to listen - 4th January, 2022.

ASTI warns return of schools is ‘unacceptable risk’ without new measures - Irish Examiner (Online) - Click here to read - 3rd January, 2022. 

December, 2021

Newstalk Breakfast - Eamon Dennehy, ASTI President discusses meeting with Minister for Education and public health officials on keeping schools open - Click here to listen - 23rd December, 2021.

Schools need impartial expert support on Hepa filters, says Union - Irish Examiner (Online) - Click here to read - 23rd December, 2021.

Covid situation in schools to be monitored over Christmas holidays - Irish Examiner (Online) - Click here to read - 23rd December, 2021.

Education sector calls for guidance on how to use ventilation funds - Irish Times (Online) - Click here to read - 13th December, 2021.

KFM, Kildare Today Show - Eamon Dennehy, ASTI President discusses teachers substitution crisis in second-level sector - 1st December, 2021 - Click here to listen back. (Scroll to 00:51)

 

November, 2021

Secondary teachers asked to volunteer for overtime to cover substitute shortages - Irish Times (Online) - 29th November, 2021 - Click here to read.

Teaching ‘crisis’: Leaving Cert oral exams may switch to Easter break - Irish Times (Online) - 29th November, 2021 - Click here to read.

Post-primary teachers asked to volunteer for overtime to ease substitution crisis, but unions hit out at two-tier pay rates - Irish Independent (Online) - 29th November, 2021 - Click here to read.

Principals feel they have been ‘abandoned’ by the Department of Education - Irish Independent (Online) - 23rd November, 2021 - Click here to read.

New close contacts rule ‘may lead to more pupils being sent home’ - Irish Times (Online) - 18th November, 2021 - Click here to read.

Radio Kerry, Kerry Today Show - John Byrne, Hamilton High School, Bandon participated in EU and Me,  supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Communicating Europe initiative whereby pupils quizzed experts about the continent’s geography and how it’s being affected by climate change - 18th November, 2021 - Click here to listen.

Virgin Media - The Tonight Show - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary interviewed about antigen testing in second-level schools - 17th November, 2021 - Click here to watch - (Scroll to 10:19).

Never waste a good crisis: ‘Now is the time to overhaul our schools exams’ - Sunday Independent (Online) - 7th November, 2021 - Click here to read.

October, 2021

State losing hundreds of millions due to ‘bogus claims’ - Irish Times (Online) - 27th October, 2021 - Click here to read.

Time to push for four-day working week, says new Ictu president - Irish Times (Online) - 26th October, 2021 - Click here to read.

Unions seek wealth tax and for employers to pay more to fund public services - Irish Times (Online) - 26th October, 2021 - Click here to read.

Secondary students don’t want traditional exams - Irish Independent (Online) - 6th October, 2021 - Click here to read.

TUI: Leaving Cert reform to tackle CAO points race would be 'misdiagnosing real problem' - Irish Examiner (Online) - 6th October, 2021 - Click here to read.

Teachers support spreading Leaving Cert assessment over two-year period - Irish Times (Online) - 5th October, 2021 - Click here to read.

‘It’s completely broken’: Secondary students say Leaving Cert change is needed now - Irish Independent (Online) - 5th October, 2021 - Click here to read.

Teachers’ unions say they are not seeking pandemic bonus payments - Irish Times (Online) - 1st October, 2021 - Click here to read.

‘Thanksgiving’ bank holiday for frontline workers set for November - Irisb Independent (Online) - 1st October, 2021 - Click here to read.

Teachers 'not asking for a pandemic payment' - Irish Examiner (Online) - 1st October, 2021 - Click here to read.

September, 2021

Teachers and gardaí demand to be included in Covid-19 bonus payments - Irish Times (Online) - 29th September, 2021 - Click here to read.

€500 voucher for frontline staff on the table with remote workers also set for Budget break - Irish Independent (Online) - 29th September, 2021 - Click here to read.

Newstalk, The Hard Shoulder programme - Eamon Dennehy, ASTI President interviewed about close contacts in school and potential changes to same and the OECD Education at a Glance 2020 publication - 16th September, 2021 - Click here to listen - (Scroll to 02:04:31)

RTÉ website - Ireland ranks bottom of the class for investment in education - OECD - RTÉ website - 16th September, 2021.

Ireland’s primary schools were shut for longer than international average during Covid-19 – report - Irish Independent (Online) - 16th September, 2021 - Click here to read.

Ireland ranks in last place in OECD for investment in education - Irish Times (Online) - 16th September, 2021 - Click here to read.

Ireland worst in OECD on investing in education - Irish Examiner (Online) - 16th September, 2021 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Today with Claire Byrne - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary is interviewed about CO2 monitors for schools and the delay in distribution of same - 15th September, 2021 -  Click here to listen - (Scroll to 1:55:39)

Virgin Media 5.30 pm News - Eamon Dennehy, ASTI President interviewed about schools and students restricting due to being close contacts and responds to HSE Briefing held today - 9th September, 2021 - Click here to watch (Scroll to 01:32).

KFM - Kildare Today Show - Eamon Dennehy, ASTI President discusses schools and students restricting due to being identified as close contacts - 9th September, 2021. Click here to listen - (Scroll to 22:47).

TG4 Nuacht - Moira Leydon, Assistant General Secretary, Education & Research Officer discussed schools and close contacts - 8th September, 2021 - Click here to watch (Scroll to 05:41).

Virgin Media - The Tonight Show - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary joins a panel of guests including Gary Gannon TD Social Democrats, Dr Kaitriona O'Sullivan, Digital Skills Lecturer, Maynooth University and Emer Neville, President of the Irish Secondary Students Union (ISSU) to discuss CAO points race, grade inflation and Leaving Cert reform - 7th September, 2021 - Click here to watch (Scroll to 22:10).

RTÉ Radio 1 - Drivetime Programme - Eamon Dennehy, ASTI President joins John Boyle, INTO President and Dr. Nina Byrnes, GP  from Dublin to discuss schools and close contacts - 7th September, 2021 - Click here to listen.

Newstalk - The Pat Kenny Show - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary interviewed about 12,000 primary and post primary children currently at home from school restricting their movements after being identified as close contacts of confirmed cases of Covid-19.  Dr Illona Duffy GP also interviewed - 7th September, 2021 - Click here to listen.

High-scoring Leaving Cert students may miss out on preferred CAO courses - Irish Times (Online) - 7th September, 2021 - Click here to read.

Has the Leaving Certificate been ‘dumbed down’? - Irish Times (Online) - 6th September, 2021 - Click here to read.

Record-breaking results a ‘reward’ for this year’s Leaving Certs, says Foley - Irish Times (Online) - 3rd September, 2021 - Click here to read.

Union praises LC students who ‘had to cope with significant uncertainty’ - Irish Times (Online) - 3rd September, 2021 - Click here to read.

Do not send child with cough to school, parents warned, amid fears over Delta - Irish Independent (Online) - 2nd September, 2021 - Click here to read.

August, 2021

CO2 monitors to be delivered to all State schools by mid-September - Irish Times (Online) - 30th August, 2021. Click here to read.

Foley seeking Holohan’s advice on antigen tests as schools reopen. Irish Independent. 22nd August 2021. Read here. 

ASTI Vice President Miriam Duggan discussed the concerns of pregnant teachers returning to school on Déise Today, WLRFM, 18th August 2021. Listen back here. (Scroll to 40.45)

ASTI President Eamon Dennehy discussed the concerns of pregnant teachers returning to school on Tipp Today, Tipp FM, 16th August 2021. Listen back here. 

Remote working call for pregnant teachers. Irish Examiner, 14th August, 2021. Read here.  

Many unvaccinated pregnant teachers fear return to classroom. Irish Times, 13th August 2021. Read here. 

ASTI President Eamon Dennehy discussed the concerns of pregnant teachers returning to school on Nuacht, TG4, 13th August 2021. Watch back here. (Scroll to 01.50)

ASTI General Secretary Kieran Christie discussed the concerns of pregnant teachers returning to school on Morning Ireland, RTÉ Radio 1, 13th August 2021. Listen back here. (Scroll to 20.35)

ASTI: Don't put our pregnant teachers at risk. Irish Daily Mail, 10th August 2021. Read here. 

ASTI President discusses teachers' vaccination status on Kildare Focus, KFM, 9th August 2021. Listen back here. (Scroll to 08.35)

Unusual year on the frontline of ASTI: Ann Piggott on the ups and downs of a pandemic presidency. The Echo, 6th August 2021. Read here.

ASTI calls for measures to ensure safe and quality education. Irish Times, 2nd August 2021. Read here. 

ASTI demands State investment to help schools recover from pandemic. Irish Examiner,  2nd August 2021. Read here. 

Calls in Cork for more investment in secondary education. The Echo, 1st August 2021. Read here.

July, 2021

Vacc to School, The Irish Sun, 27th July 2021. Read here. 

Virgin Media - The Tonight Show - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses the re-opening of schools in September and the various challenges that face schools - 26th July, 2021. Click here to listen. (Scroll to 17:00m)

RTÉ  TV - Six One News - Diarmaid de Paor, ASTI Deputy General Secretary is interviewed about the return to school - 26th July, 2021. Click here to watch. (Scroll to 04:57m)

RTÉ Radio 1 - News at One, Diarmaid de Paor, ASTI Deputy General Secretary and Martin Marjoram, President TUI discuss the Minister for Education's comments on the reopening of schools - 26th July, 2021. Click here to listen.

Newstalk, The Pat Kenny Show - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discussed whether it is safe for schools to open in September - 26th July, 2021. Click here to listen.

Virgin Media 5.30 pm news - Ann Piggott, ASTI President interviewed about the return to school in September and the Delta variant risks - 24th July, 2021. Click here to watch. (Scroll to 02.30m to see the beginning of the piece and scroll to 05.17m to see Ann Piggott's interview)

The Tonight Show - Virgin Media - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses ventilation in schools and the return in September - 7th July, 2021. Click here to read. (Scroll to 15:18)

 

June, 2021

Unforgettable exams – even for those who didn't sit papers - Irish Independent (Online) - 30th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2021: Politics and Society higher level paper has strong pandemic focus - Irish Independent (Online) - 29th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert classical studies & Latin: Fair, balanced and plenty of choice, say teachers - Irish Times (Online) 29th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert Italian: Topical, relevant and challenging - Irish Times (Online) - 28th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert economics exam praised for speaking to ‘students in the digital age’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 26th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert economics: Topical paper features Airpods, Brexit and tracker mortgages - Irish Times (Online) - 25th June, 2021. Click here to read.

New Leaving Cert Economics exam is fair ‘but no free H1s’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 25th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2021: Religious Education paper offers nice question for ‘legal minds’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 25th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2021: Applied Maths –  teachers differ on time benefit - Irish Independent (Online) - 25th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert music: Few bum notes in exam with plenty of choice - Irish Times (Online) - 24th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Students who showed up for exams rewarded with favourable papers - Irish Independent (Online) - 24th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert Physics ‘silver lining’ for those seeking higher grades - Irish Independent (Online) - 24th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert Accounting summed up as ‘pleasing manageable and fair’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 24th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Frustration over Spanish aural as speaker ‘very difficult to hear’ at times - Irish Independent (Online) - 23rd June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert Spanish: some students struggle to hear recordings during exam - Irish Times (Online) - 23rd June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert: Students struggle to hear Spanish recordings during exam - Irish Examiner (Online) - 22nd June, 2021. Click here to read.

Teachers to receive additional Covid payment to mark Leaving Cert exams - Irish Independent (Online) - 21st June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert business: Accessible, fair and full of choice – but no Covid question - Irish Times (Online) - 18th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert German: Students have more time in topical paper - Irish Times (Online) - 18th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert Business gives students shot in the arm with Pfizer  - Irish Independent (Online) - 17th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Broad welcome from teachers for Leaving Cert art and business papers - Irish Examiner (Online) - 17th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert Art features big hitters – including Henry Shefflin - Irish Independent (Online) - 17th June, 2021. Click here to read.

French and history papers 'challenging but manageable' for Leaving Cert students - Irish Examiner (Online) - 17th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert post-mortems: students unhappy at ‘tricky and muffled’ French aural exam - Irish Independent (Online) - 17th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert History not the usual ‘race against the clock’– and ‘that should be the future’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 17th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert history: For the first time in history, history students had time - Irish Times (Online) - 17th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Covid is welcome... when it appears on Leaving Cert Biology papers - Irish Independent (Online) - 16th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Positive reaction to Irish and biology papers as Leaving Cert continues - Irish Examiner (Online) - 16th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Irish Ordinary Level Paper 2 serves up a treat with Cáca Milis - Irish Independent (Online) - 15th June, 2021 - Click here to read.

Irish Higher Level Paper 2 looks back on 2020, but no mention of Covid - Irish Independent (Online) - 15th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Irish listening comprehension ‘challenging’ while students were ‘very happy’ about written paper - Irish Independent (Online) - 15th June, 2021. Click here to read.

A ‘trap’ at the end of Leaving Cert Maths Higher Level - Irish Independent (Online) - 11th June, 2021. Click here to read.

No need for students to ‘panic their way through the answers’ on Leaving Cert Geography - Irish Independent (Online) - 11th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Heaney brings smiles to students faces on English Paper 2 - Irish Independent (Online) - 11th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Heaney and hand sanitisers – what more could exam candidates look for - Irish Independent (Online) - 11th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Students in love with optional Shakespeare question on day two of the Leaving Cert - Irish Examiner (Online) - 11th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert engineering: Modern exam features wind energy and robotics - Irish Times (Online) - 10th June, 2021. Click here to read.

On your marks for students as value of essay question rises - Irish Independent (Online) - 10th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Plenty of choice, but compulsory question ‘threw students’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 10th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Doireann Ní Ghríofa and Denise Chaila feature in Leaving Cert English papers - Irish Examiner (Online) - 10th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert English paper 2: Heaney ‘sends the country home happy’  - Irish Times (Online) - 10th June, 2021. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert 2021: ‘Small number of students’ will not sit exams due to Covid - Irish Independent (Online) - 9th June, 2021. Click here to read.

 

May, 2021

What next? Ten experts give their views on how the way we live and what the future holds has been changed by the Covid-19 pandemic - Sunday Independent (Online) - 30th May, 2021 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert computer science a ‘fair exam with some challenges’ - Irish Independent (Online) - 22nd May, 2021 - Click here to read.

April, 2021

Concern for sixth years after Covid outbreaks force closure - Irish Independent (Online) - 24th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Virgin Media News - 5:30 pm - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary interviewed about the return to school concerns - 12th April, 2021 - Click here to watch (Scroll to 10:05)

Principals put safety measures in place for full return of pupils in second level - Irish Independent (Online) - 12th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

‘People are laughing at teachers… I think vulnerable need to be sorted before we can ask for priority' – division on industrial action over vaccine roll-out - Sunday Independent - 11th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Teacher unions seek meeting  in vaccine row - Irish Independent (Online) - 9th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Teachers' unions seek 'urgent meeting' with department over vaccine rollout - Irish Examiner (Online) - 9th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Teacher strike may go ahead if jabs not scheduled by end of school year - Irish Independent (Online) - 8th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

ASTI to seek access for teachers to more generous pension scheme - Irish Times (Online) - 8th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Teachers step closer to strike action over government vaccine changes - Joe.ie (Online) 8th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Teacher who got Covid-19 last year ‘could not breathe’ during walk - Irish Times (Online) - 8th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Six One News - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses possible industrial action over vaccination priority list - 7th April, 2021 - Click here to view (Scroll to 11:06)

All three teacher unions to ballot for strike action if vaccines not scheduled for teachers by end of school year - Irish Independent (Online) 7th April 2021 - Click here to read

Teacher strike action dependent on vaccine rollout - Irish Examiner (Online) - 7th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

'One rule for newer teachers and another for more established ones,' ASTI conference hears - Irish Examiner - 7th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Taoiseach: Decision not to prioritise vaccinations for teachers is 'based on science' - Irish Examiner (Online) - 7th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

ASTI warns there can be no cutbacks after Covid - Irish Times (Online) - 7th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

‘It’s turned my life upside down’ – teacher tells of health battle after contracting Covid - Irish Independent (Online) 7th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

RTÉ  website - Teacher unions vote for motion backing industrial action - 7th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Jess Casey: Covid, choc-a-block classrooms, and contracts top of teachers' agenda - Irish Examiner (Online) - 7th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Unions and Government on collision course over teachers' vaccine priority downgrade - Irish Examiner (Online) - 7th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Promising vaccinations to teachers has 'never been in my gift' - Foley -  Irish Examiner (Online) - 7th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Older teachers in high-risk group should work from home until vaccinated – ASTI - Irish Times (Online) - 7th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Teacher leaders to take step closer to strike in row over vaccine priority - Irish Independent (Online) - 7th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Student teachers on teaching placement should be paid for work – ASTI - Irish Times (Online) - 7th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

No change to vaccine priority despite opposition from teachers’ unions - Irish Times (Online) - 7th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Educators put spotlight on jabs and the promise broken by politicians - Irish Independent (Online) - 7th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Teachers should tread carefully before choosing the nuclear option of industrial action - Irish Independent (Online) - 7th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Appeal for classroom limit of 24 as students forced to sit in doorways  - Irish Independent (Online) - 7th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Foley acknowledges new vaccine schedule is 'cause of upset' but defends decision after teacher unions vote for industrial action ballot - Irish Examiner (Online) - 7th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Syllabus guidelines are ‘recipe for disaster’, ASTI conference hears - Irish Times (Online) - 6th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

'Brutal kick in the teeth': ASTI slams vaccine rollout changes but Norma Foley stands over decision - Echo Live.ie - 6th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Today FM - The Last Word - Eamon Dennehy, ASTI President Elect joins  Neil McDonnell, Chief Executive of ISME to discuss vaccination rollout and the changes made to rollout programme - 6th April, 2021 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ Radio 1 - News at One Programme - Anne Loughnane, ASTI Standing Committee representative Region 6 and Richie Bell, ASTI Standing Committee representative, Region 3 discuss vaccination rollout - 6th April, 2021 - Click here to listen.

Change to vaccine rollout schedule 'not a value judgment' on teachers - Foley - Irish Examiner (Online) - 6th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Teachers demand major review of Junior Cert before further Leaving Cert reforms - Irish Independent (Online) - 6th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Morning Ireland programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses how teachers are likely to respond to the Government's decision not to vaccinate them as a priority - 6th April, 2021 - Click here to listen.

Newstalk - The Pat Kenny Show - Eamon Dennehy, ASTI Vice President joins panel of guests including Paul Hosford, Examiner Political Correspondent and Andy Pike, Fórsa’s head of education to discuss newly revised vaccine list, and teachers' unions taking strike action - 6th April, 2021 - Click here to listen.

‘Flawed’ new science exam syllabus may leave students short on essential knowledge - Irish Independent (Online) - 6th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Irish Examiner view: Please explain vaccine threat - Irish Examiner (Online) - 6th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

How Zoom revitalised teachers’ unions - Irish Times (Online) - 6th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Teachers’ unions agree joint campaign on vaccine priority list - Irish Times (Online) - 6th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Jess Casey: Teacher conferences may be online, but Norma Foley won't get off the hook - Irish Examiner (Online) - 6th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Teachers’ push to be moved up Covid-19 vaccine queue faces resistance - Irish Times (Online) - 6th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Three teacher unions agree joint motion on vaccine prioritisation for teachers - Irish Independent (Online) - 6th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Vaccine priority, ballots for industrial action and pay – what to expect from the teacher conferences - Irish Independent (Online) - 6th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

'Anger is palpable' - teachers set to ballot as row over vaccine spirals - Irish Independent (Online) - 5th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Teachers consider strike action after revised Covid vaccine plans - Irish Examiner (Online) - 5th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Final preparations ahead of ASTI conference: Outgoing Cork President says she was 'honoured and privileged' to serve during busy year - Echo Live.ie - 5th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Antigen test trials for schools but teachers want priority for vaccines - Irish Independent (Online) - 4th April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Teachers and SNAs keep up pressure for priority vaccination after ‘shock and disappointment’ over roll-out plan reversal - Irish Independent (Online) - 2nd April, 2021 - Click here to read.

‘Unacceptable’ changes to vaccine rollout should be reversed, teachers’ union says - Irish Times (Onlines) - 1st April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Vaccine rollout changes a 'real psychological blow' for teachers  - Irish Examiner (Online) - 1st April, 2021 - Click here to read.

ASTI: Class sizes will have to be smaller after the pandemic - Irish Examiner (Online) - 1st April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Education unions furious over move to push teachers and SNAs down the vaccine list - Irish Independent (Online) - 1st April, 2021 - Click here to read.

Smaller classes in post-primary schools essential after Covid, says ASTI - Irish Independent (Online) - 1st April, 2021 - Click here to read.

ASTI outlines vision for classrooms in a post-pandemic environment - Irish Examiner (Online) - 1st April, 2021 - Click here to read.

 

March, 2021

RTÉ Radio 1 - Today with Claire Byrne - Ann Piggott, ASTI President joins panel of guests to discuss reaction to Covid-19 exit plan and revised vaccination rollout decision - 31st March, 2021 - Click here to listen.

Teachers warn vaccination changes undermine efforts to keep schools open - Irish Times (Online) - 31st March, 2021 - Click here to read.

Teachers and gardaí 'shocked and dismayed' at changes to vaccine rollout plan - Irish Examiner (Online) - 31st March, 2021 - Click here to read.

Taoiseach: 'We are on the final stretch of this terrible journey' - Irish Examiner (Online) - 31st March, 2021 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Saturday with Katie Hannon -  Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses teachers concerns about schools returning - 27th March, 2021 - Click here to listen.

GRA welcomes decision to allow members avail of surplus vaccines - Irish Times (Online) - 27th March, 2021 - Click here to read. 

Rapid walk-in testing to be rolled out in Covid blackspots - Irish Examiner (Online) - 24th March, 2021 - Click here to read.

Public health advice must guide return to school, unions warn - Irish Examiner (Online) - 23rd March, 2021 - Click here to read.

Return to school for 300,000 students ‘broadly a success’ - Irish Times (Online) - 1st March, 2021 - Click here to read.

February, 2021

Parents told they must play their part to keep Covid out of schools - Irish Independent (online) - 24th February, 2021 - Click here to read

Public health advice must guide return to school, unions warn - Irish Examiner (online) - 23rd February, 2021 - Click here to read

Covid-19: Many secondary school students may not return to school until April 12th - Irish Times (online) - 21st February, 2021 - Click here to read

Leaving Cert results may be withheld if there is evidence of canvassing - Irish Times (online) - 19th February, 2021 - Click here to read

Teacher unions concerned over Leaving Cert exam plans - RTÉ website - 18th February, 2021- Click here to read

Leaving Cert: ASTI expresses reservations over calculated grades process - Irish Times (online) - 18th February, 2021 - Click here to read

Newstalk Breakfast programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary, discusses reactions to Leaving Certificate 2021 plans - 18th February, 2021 - Click here to listen

RTÉ Radio 1 - Morning Ireland - Ann Piggott, ASTI President, discusses the ASTI's concerns with regards to Leaving Certificate 2021 plans - 18th February, 2021 - Click here to listen

RTÉ Nine O'Clock News - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary, discusses the announcement of Leaving Certificate 2021 plans - 17th February, 2021 - Click here to watch (scroll to 2:52)

Teachers unions agree to reopening of special education classes from February 22 - Irish Examiner (Online) - 11th February, 2021 - Click here to read.

Secondary schools to reopen to special classes on February 22nd but Leaving Cert return in balance - Irish Times (Online) - 11th February, 2021 - Click here to read.

Special classes at post-primary level to return on February 22 - Irish Independent (Online) - 11th February, 2021 - Click here to read.

Newstalk Breakfast programme - Ann Piggott, ASTI President and Martin Marjorum, TUI President discuss schools re-opening from 22nd February - click here to listen - 11th February, 2021.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Drivetime programme - Ann Piggott, ASTI President, discusses the ASTI's rejection of Building Momentum, the proposed public service agreement - Click here to listen - 10th February, 2021

More than 550 students who sat postponed Leaving Cert to get improved CAO offers - Irish Times (Online) - Click here to read - 5th February, 2021.

Leaving Cert plans include exams and alternative assessment option - Irish Times (Online) - Click here to read - 5th February, 2021.

Leaving Cert to include written exams and an alternative - Irish Examiner (Online) - Click here to read - 5th February, 2021.

Teachers’ unions oppose ‘hybrid’ Leaving Cert proposal - Irish Times (Online) - Click here to read - 3rd February, 2021.

RTÉ Six One News - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses the Leaving Certificate - Click here to watch - 1st February, 2021 - (Scroll to 02:42)

Teaching unions back holding of traditional Leaving Cert exams - Irish Examiner (Online) - 1st February, 2021 - Click here to read.

Today FM - The Last Word Programme - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses the Leaving Certificate - Click here to listen - 1st February, 2021 - (Scroll to 01:47)

Virgin Media - 5:30 pm News - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses the Leaving Certificate - Click here to watch - 1st February, 2021 -(Scroll to 05:46)

TG4 - Nuacht - Moira Leydon, ASTI Assistant General Secretary discusses the Leaving Certificate - Click here to watch - 1st February, 2021 - (Scroll to 00:52)

RTÉ Radio 1 - News at One Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses the Leaving Cert - Click here to listen - 1st February, 2021 - (Scroll to 0:20)

Teacher unions want to stick with traditional exams ahead of crunch meeting on future of Leaving Cert - Irish Independent (Online) - 1st February, 2021 - Click here to read.

State exams should proceed with modified papers, ASTI president says - Irish Times (Online) - 1st February, 2021 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert students to be given clarity on exams on Tuesday - Irish Examiner (Online) - 1st February, 2021 - Click here to read.

Newstalk Breakfast - ASTI President Ann Piggott discusses schools re-opening and the Leaving Cert on Newstalk Breakfast today - Click here to listen - 1st February, 2021. (Scroll to 07:56)

RTÉ Website - Coveney says there 'might be' clarity on Leaving Cert tomorrow - 1st February, 2021 - Click here to read.

 

January, 2021

Junior Cert might have to be sacrificed - Sunday Independent (Online) - 31st January, 2021 - Click here to read.

RTÉ - Raidió na Gaeltacha - Nuacht a hAon - Moira Leydon, Assistant General Secretary discussed the safe reopening of schools - 29th January, 2021 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ Prime Time Programme - ASTI member Andrew Phelan and General Secretary Kieran Christie spoke to Prime Time about remote teaching and the re-opening of schools - Click here to watch - 28th January, 2021.

RTÉ Radio 1 - This Week Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary, discusses the reopening schools and the Junior and Leaving Cert exams - 24th January, 2021 - Click here to listen.

Most children may not return to classroom until close to Easter - Irish Times (Online) - 24th January, 2021 - Click here to read.

Group tasked to plan state exams to meet today - Irish Examiner (Online) - 22nd January, 2021 - Click here to read.

Plan for second set of Leaving Cert exams for Covid-affected students under consideration - Irish Times (Online) - 16th January, 2021 - Click here to read.

RTÉ  RnaG - Tús Áite: Ceist na hArdteiste - Moira Leydon, ASTI Assistant General Secretary interviewed about Leaving Certificate 2021 - 14th January, 2021 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Today with Claire Byrne programme - Ann Piggott, ASTI President and Timmy Dooley, F.F. Senator discuss calls to cancel this year's Leaving Certificate exam - 14th January, 2021 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ website - ASTI reiterates Leaving Cert should go ahead - 14th January, 2021 - Click here to read.

Today FM - The Last Word - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses the Leaving Certifiate exam this year - Click here to listen - 14th January, 2021. (Scroll to 42:08)

ASTI to urge members to reject new public pay deal - Irish Times (Online) - 11th January, 2021 - Click here to read.

Secondary teachers recommended to reject proposed public sector pay agreement by ASTI  - Irish Independent (Online) - 9th January, 2021 - Click here to read.

Big Read: Harsh lessons: the pitfalls ahead as home-schooling returns - Irish Independent (Online) - 9th January, 2021 - Click here to read.

How the Government’s plan to reopen schools unravelled in 24 hours - Irish Times (Online) - 9th January, 2021 - Click here to read.

Newstalk - Newstalk Breakfast show - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses Government U-turn on its decision to keep schools open for Leaving Cert students and special needs classes - 8th January, 2021 - Click here to listen

Feeder schools: Do they help or harm education? - Irish Times (Online) - 8th January, 2021 - Click here to read.

Irish Examiner view: Laxity on rules to test tolerance - Irish Examiner (Online) - 8th January, 2021 - Click here to read.

Government U-turn on partial reopening of schools amid mounting opposition from teachers - Irish Times (Online) - 8th January, 2021 - Click here to read.

Plan to force creches to refund parents if children can’t attend as Leaving Certs to study remotely following Government U-turn - Irish Independent (Online) - 8th January, 2021 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Nine O'Clock News - Ann Piggott, ASTI President interviewed on latest development regarding Government U-turn on its decision to keep schools open for Leaving Cert students and special needs classes - 7th January, 2021 - Click here to watch.

Government confirms all schools to remain shut on Monday - Irish Examiner (Online) - 7th January, 2021 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Today with Claire Byrne - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses the decision to open schools for Leaving Cert Students - 7th January, 2021 - Click here to listen to interview.  

Partial reopening of schools is ‘rushed and reckless’ – teachers’ union - Irish Times (Online) - 7th January, 2021 - Click here to read.

Teachers' unions opposed to in-class Leaving Cert plan - Irish Examiner (Online) - 7th January, 2021 - Click here to read.

Newstalk - The Hard Shoulder Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary interviewed about returning to schools and reopening of schools to Leaving Certificate students - 6th January, 2021 - Click here to listen. (Scroll to 1:08:13)

Today FM - The Last Word programme - Ann Piggott, ASTI Presidents discusses Government's decision to open schools for Leaving Cert students - 6th January, 2021 - Click here to listen to full interview. (Dr. Catherine Motherway of the Intensive Care Society Ireland also interviewed).

RTÉ Radio 1 - News at One - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses bringing Leaving Cert students back for a 3 day week - 6th January, 2021 - Click here to listen.

Newstalk - The Hard Shoulder Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses the reopening of schools amd latest lockdown - 5th January, 2021 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Today with Claire Byrne Show - Ann Piggott, ASTI President joins Dr Gabrielle Colleran of IHCA, chool principal Colm O'Rourke and mother/columnist Jen Hogan to discuss the safe reopening of schools - 5th January, 2021 - Click here to listen.

Covid-19: Ten ways pandemic will shape education in 2021 - Irish Times (Online) - 5th January, 2021 - Click here to read.

LMFM - The Michael Reade Show - Eamon Dennehy, ASTI Vice President discusses concerns over continuing uncertainty about school reopening - 5th January, 2021 - Click here to listen.

Virgin Media 5.30 pm News - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses the safe return to schools - 4th January, 2021 - Click here to watch

RTÉ Radio 1 - Drivetime Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses Governments decision to keep schools closed along with Dr Jack Lambert, Consultant in Infectious Diseases at the Mater and Caillum Hedderman, sixth year student, John the Baptist Community School, Hospital, Co, Limerick - 4th January, 2021 - Click here to listen.

Today FM - The Last Word Programme - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses schools reopening in January along with Martin Marjoram, ASTI President and parenting columnist Jen Hogan, who outlined their concerns - 4th January, 2021 - Click here to listen.

Covid-19: Teachers to seek assurances that schools are safe to reopen - Irish Times (Online) - 4th January, 2021 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - This Week Programme - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses schools re-opening on 11th January - 3rd January, 2021 - Click here to listen.

Norma Foley braced for a fresh wave of Covid cases when schools reopen - Irish Independent (Online)  - 1st January, 2021 - Click here to read.

 

December, 2020

RTÉ Radio 1 - Drivetime - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses school holidays extension to 11th January and safety issues regarding schools re-opening - 30th December, 2020 - Click here to listen (Scroll to 29 mins).

RTÉ Radio 1 - Today with Claire Byrne Programme - Ann Piggott, ASTI President joins programme to discuss early school closures for Christmas.  Joins interview along with Anne Lucey, Journalist, Dr. Gary Stack, GP and  John Francis Flynn, Kerry County Councillor.  Piece discusses National School In Killorglin, Kerry, closure due to Covid outbreak. - 17th December, 2020 - Click here to listen. 

Teachers’ unions split on whether to accept public sector pay deal - Irish Independent (Online) - 16th December, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 -  This Week Programme - Interview with Ann Piggott, ASTI President about the Leaving Certificate exams in 2021 and Calculated Grades - 13th December, 2020 - Click here to listen.

School’s decision to close highlights need to reset the conversation about how best principals and teachers can be supported - Irish Independent (Online) - 13th December, 2020. Click here to read.

Covid-19: School concerned about outbreak ordered to reopen - Irish Times (Online) - 11th December, 2020. Click here to read.

Clare FM - Morning Focus Programme - Geraldine O'Brien, ASTI Standing Committee Representative for Region 4 discusses should school Christmas Holidays be extended - 8th December, 2020. Click here to listen.

Near FM - Northside Today Show - Diarmaid de Paor, ASTI Deputy General Secretary interviewed about the obstacles schools are still facing to remaining open - 2nd December, 2020. Click here to listen.

November, 2020

Today FM - The Last Word - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses Leaving Cert Students complaints about stress and excessive workload - 30th November, 2020 - Click here to listen.

The gift of an early Christmas is quietly dropped from Santa’s list - Irish Independent (Online0 - 20th November, 2020 - Click here to read.

Today FM - The Last Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary joins programme to discuss the Oireachtas Education Committee meeting held today and the key Covid-19 issues in schools. - 19th November, 2020 - Click here to listen.

ASTI: Schools face closure if too cold due to Covid-19 ventilation - Irish Examiner (Online) - 19th November, 2020 - Click here to read.

Schools may have to close due to inadequate ventilation, unions warn - Irish Times (Online) - 19th November, 2020 - Click here to read.

Primary teachers’ union calls for school staff to join Covid vaccine priority list - Irish Independent (Online) - 19th November, 2020 - Click here to read.

Primary schools 'struggling to source substitute teachers' - Irish Examiner (Online) - 19th November, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teachers should be prioritised for the Covid-19 vaccine, says union - Irish Times (Online) - 19th November, 2020 - Click here to read.

Some teachers want schools to close early for Christmas – is it likely to happen and what do parents think? - Irish Independent (Online) - 19th November, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teachers seek ‘morale boosting’ early Christmas holidays to reduce Covid risks - Irish Independent (Online) - 18th November, 2020 - Click here to read.

Newstalk - The Pat Kenny Programme - Ann Piggott, ASTI President along with the Principal of Ringsend College discuss a Labour Party proposal for early Christmas school closure - 17th November, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Is Covid-19 testing and tracing system for schools fit for purpose - Irish Times (Online) - 17th November, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 -  This Week Programme - Interview with Norma Foley, Minister for Education and Science with questions answered put forward by ASTI members - 1st November, 2020. Click here to listen.

October, 2020

Newstalk - Newstalk Breakfast with Susan Keogh - Ann Piggott, ASTI President interviewed about what is needed to ensure schoos remain open safely - 31st October, 2020 - Click here to listen. (Scroll to 00:33).

Inspectors redeployed to help Covid school teams - Irish Independent (Online) - 31st October, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ 1 - Nine O'Clock TV News - Ann Piggott, ASTI President interviewed on what is needed to ensure schools remain open safely - 30th October, 2020 - Click here to watch. (Scroll to 10:45).

RTÉ Website - Substantial progress needed to avoid industrial action - ASTI - 30th October, 2020 - Click here to read..

ASTI meets to plan outcome of ballot for industrial action - Irish Times (Online)- 30th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Covid-19: Teachers' union rules out immediate industrial action  - Irish Examiner (Online) - 30th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ website - ASTI leaders to examine strike action over virus safety and equal pay - 30th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

ASTI members insist strike action would be 'last resort' but that government needs to listen to them - thejournal.ie (Online) - 30th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

‘Substantial progress’ needed to avoid industrial action in schools – ASTI - Irish Times (Online) - 30th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

School closures on the agenda following ASTI vote - Irish Times (Online) - 29th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

‘Schools are safe. They are safer than being outside of schools’ – Taoiseach adamant classes will resume despite ASTI threat - Irish Independent (Online) - 29th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teachers' union to take industrial action unless Covid-19 concerns addressed - Irish Examiner (Online) - 29th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Newstalk - Lunchtime Live Programme - Eamon Dennehy, ASTI Vice President discusses the ASTI ballot result and his reasons for voting - 29th October, 2020 - Click here to listen. (Scroll to 00:06:40)

Department insists schools are safe as ASTI members back strike - Irish Times (Online) - 29th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Taoiseach pledges schools will reopen after midterm Irish Times (Online) - 29th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

School closures on the agenda following ASTI vote - Irish Times (Online) - 29th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

‘Schools are safe. They are safer than being outside of schools’ – Taoiseach adamant classes will resume despite ASTI threat - Irish Independent (Online) - 29th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teachers' union to take industrial action unless Covid-19 concerns addressed - Irish Examiner (Online) - 29th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Drivetime Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses ASTI ballot result and why members are considering industrial action - 28th October, 2020 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ website - ASTI members vote for industrial action over Covid issues - 28th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Today FM - The Last Word Programme - Ann Piggott, ASTI President interviewed about ASTI ballot result - 28th October, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Newstalk - The Hard Shoulder Programme - Ann Piggott, ASTI President interviewed about ASTI ballot result - 28th October, 2020 - Click here to listen. (Scroll to 01:23:33)

Second-level teachers vote for industrial action over school safety and pay - Irish Times (Online) - 28th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teachers threaten strike over Covid safety concerns after ASTI vote - Irish Independent (Online) - 28th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Nphet ‘not anticipating’ advising against schools reopening after midterm - Irish Times (Online) - 28th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Covid-19 transmitted in fewer than 10 schools – Nphet - Irish Times (Online) - 28th October, 2020 - Click read to read.

'Schools are not high-risk environments'- CMO Dr Tony Holohan says there's no reason schools shouldn't re-open next week - Irish Independent (Online) - 28th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ  RnaG - Tus Áite - Moira Leydon, ASTI Assistant & Research Officer discusses the re-opening of schools after mid-term break during Level 5 restrictions - 27th October, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Virgin Media 12.30 pm News - Ann Piggott, ASTI President interviewed on schools returning after mid-term break - 27th October, 2020 - Click here to watch. (Scroll here to 09:35)

RTÉ  Radio 1 - Morning Ireland programme - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses new plans for public health contact tracing teams to focus on schools to help trace Covid-19 cases - 27th October, 2020 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ  Website - Teachers 'fearful' but expect schools to reopen - RTÉ  Website - 27th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Some schools missing up to 10 teachers over wait for Covid-19 test result – ASTI - Irish Times (Online) - 27th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Schools crying out for HSE advice on staying open, say worried principals - Sunday Independent (Online) - 26th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Newstalk - The Pat Kenny Show - Robert Halford, Principal, St. Mary's Secondary School, Kildare interviewed about the recalling of Virapro hand sanitiser for use in secondary schools - 23rd October, 2020 - Click here to listen. (Scoll to 01:06:43)

Just two education facilities assessed by HSA for Covid compliance - Irish Examiner (Online) - 22nd October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Unions issue warning about schools reopening after mid-term - Irish Examiner (Online) - 21st October, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ  RnaG - Tus Áite - Moira Leydon, ASTI Assistant & Research Officer joined an interview to discuss schools remaining open - 20th October, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Will schools remain open during the six-week lockdown? - Irish Times (Online) - 20th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ - Nine O'Clock TV News - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary intervewed about schools remaining open under Level 5 restrictions - 20th October, 2020 - Click here to watch.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Morning Ireland Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary and John Boyle, General Secretary, INTO discuss concerns around schools as Ireland moves to level 5 restrictions - 20th October, 2020 - Click here to listen.

We face another six weeks of misery - but does anyone have a better alternative? - Irish Independent (Online) - 20th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Nurses: Covid-19 should be reported as a workplace injury - Irish Examiner (Online) - 20th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

'Rapid response' needed to keep schools safe, says Cork ASTI President  - (Echolive.ie) - 20th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

'It has been shambolic'- Head of teachers' union blasts tracing in schools - Irish Independent (Online) - 20th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Newstalk - The Hard Shoulder - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses a rise in restrictions and concerns to ASTI members - 19th October, 2020 - Click here to listen (Scoll to 01:13).

Virgin Media - News at 8 - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses concerns for school community if restrictions raised to Level 5 - 19th October, 2020 - Click here to watch. (Scroll to 08:21).

Coronavirus: Schools safer than wider community, officials say - Irish Times (Online) - 18th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teachers want review of health guidelines on schools remaining open - Sunday Independent (Online) - 18th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teachers in ‘fear and trepidation’ of schools being open during Level 5 restrictions - Irish Times (Online) - 18th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

School told maskless students were not close contacts with SNA despite 'intimate care level' - Irish Examiner (Online) - 17th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

'Trepidation and fear among teachers' over Level 5 - ASTI - RTÉ website - 17th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Saturday with Katie Hannon - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary joins the programme wih guests including Minister Robert Troy, Róisín Shortall TD, Matt Carthy TD, Dr Anne Dee, Paul Hackett ITAA and Dr Vicky Conway to discuss Level 5 and its impact on education, health, sports, travel and policing - 17th October, 2020 - Click here to listen to interview.

My Budget: The teacher - Irish Independent (Online) - 14th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Primary class sizes to be cut while more teachers and special needs assistants hired - Irish Independent (Online) - 14th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

RnaG - Adhmhadin - Moira Leydon, Assistant General Secretary interviewed about Budget measures - 14th October, 2020 - Click here to listen back.

Budget 2021: €250 payment for third-level students for move to online learning - Irish Times (Online) - 14th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Budget 2021: Higher education funding welcomed but teachers feel secondary schools left behind - The Echo (EchoLive.ie) - 13th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Drivetime - Ann Piggott, ASTI President interviewed about Budget 2021 discusses monies for Education and the two-tier pay scale  - 13th October, 2020 - Click here to listen - (Scroll to 2:27:54)

Budget 2021: Watch Cork leaders and voices set-out what they want from the budget - The Echo (EchoLive.ie) - 13th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Budget 2021: Watch Cork ASTI President says Government must commit to increase in investment in education - The Echo (EchoLive.ie) - 13th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Newstalk - Newstalk Breakfast - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses if schools can safely facilitate Leaving Cert exams next month - 12th October, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Budget 2021: ‘To teach safely, schools need money’ - The Echo (Cork) (Online) - 11th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Education officials pushing for schools to stay open - Sunday Independent (Online) - 11th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Breda O’Brien: What if children are a key source of Covid spread? - Irish Times (Online) - 10th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ - Nine O'Clock TV News - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses speculation on whether schools will close for an additional week at mid-term break - 9th October, 2020 - Click here to watch. (Scroll to 02:30)

RTÉ website - No change in virus rates in children since schools reopened - Dept - 9th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Government 'priority' is to keep schools open - Irish Examiner (Online) - 6th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ - News at One Radio programme - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses the ASTI's call for a review of Covid-19 medical guidance in schools - 5th October, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Teaching unions raise questions about schools staying open at Level 5 - Irish Times (Online) - 5th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teacher unions raise concerns over schools staying open amid Nphet recommendation of Level 5 restrictions - Irish Independent (Online) - 5th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

TG4 - Nuacht - Athbhreithniú práinneach ar scoileanna á lorg ag múinteoirí - 5th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Covid-19: 'Incomprehensible' that schools remain fully open under level 5 lockdown - Irish Examiner (Online) - 5th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Fear and surprise: Teachers and businesses respond to lockdown proposal - Irish Examiner (Online) - 5th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Schools face industrial action over pay disputes and safety concerns - Irish Examiner (Online) - 5th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teaching unions query whether schools should remain open if Ireland moves to Level 5 - thejournal.ie (Online) - 5th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

'Not acceptable' for schools to remain open in Level 5 says Cork-based ASTI president - The Echo (EchoLive.ie) - 5th October, 2020 - Click here to read.

LMFM - The Micheal Reade Show - Ann Piggott, ASTI President interviewed about Leaving Certificate and calculated grades error - 2nd October, 2020 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ  RnaG - Tus Áite - Moira Leydon, ASTI Assistant General Secretary interviewed about Leaving Certificate and calculated grades error - 1st October, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Newstalk - The Pat Kenny Show - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary gives reaction to Leaving Certificate calculated grades error - 1st October, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Leaving Cert grades error: Cork leaders disappointed and say questions remain - Evening Echo (Online) - 1st October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert: 6,500 students awarded lower grade due to code errors - Irish Times (Online) - 1st October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Scramble to find 1,000 extra college places after Leaving Cert grades fiasco - Irish Independent (Online) - 1st October, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teachers demand 'full investigation' of Leaving Cert grading issue - Irish Examiner (Online) - 1st October, 2020 - Click here to read.

September, 2020

RTÉ  Nine O'Clock News - Ann Piggott, ASTI President interviewed about Calculated Grades error - 30th September, 2020 - Click here to watch news (Ann Piggott (04:48)

RTÉ  Six One News - Ann Piggott, ASTI President interviewed about Calculated Grades error - 30th September, 2020 - Click here to watch news (Ann Piggott (04:54)

ASTI 'surprised' by errors in calculated grades system - RTÉ News Website - 30th September, 2020 - Click here to read.

Irish pupils hindered by lack of teachers and poor technology, says international report - Irish Examiner (Online) - 30th September, 2020 - Click here to read.

Clare FM - News programme - Geraldine O'Brien, ASTI Standing Committee Representative for Region 4 discusses Covid-19 concerns in schools - 26th September, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Release of class ranking information on website sparks teacher union fury - Irish Independent (Online) - 24th September, 2020 - Click here to read.

Virgin Media - The Tonight Show - Interview with Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary around ASTI's decision to ballot members - 23rd September, 2020 - Click here to watch.

Covid response leaves no surprise that tensions are rising across school system - Irish Times (Online) - 23rd September, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ - RnaG - Barrscéalta - Moira Leydon, Assistant General Secretary: Education and Research Official joins John Boyle, General Secretary, INTO to discuss concerns over school reopening - 23rd September, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Leaving Cert students get access to their class ranking - Irish Independent (Online) - 23rd September, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teachers concerned about contradictory advice on isolating after students test positive for Covid-19 - The Echo (EchoLive.ie) - 22nd September, 2020 - Click here to read.

ASTI defends ballot for industrial action - Irish Examiner (Online) - 22nd September, 2020 - Click here to read.

LMFM - The Michael Reade Show - Moira Leydon, ASTI Assistant General Secretary, Education and Research Officer talked about the concerns their members have over safety measures at schools since they reopened - 21st September, 2020 - Click here to listen - 22nd September, 2020.

Today FM - The Last Word - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses the decision to ballot members for industrial action over a range of school re-opening issues - 21st September, 2020 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Today with Claire Byrne - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses secondary teachers being nervous of Covid In the classroom and also discusses the decision to ballot members for industrial action over a range of school re-opening issues - 21st September, 2020 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Morning Ireland Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary, discusses the decision to ballot members for industrial action over a range of school re-opening issues - 21st September, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Newstalk - Newstalk Breakfast - Diarmaid de Paor, ASTI Deputy General Secretary discusses proposed ASTI ballot for industrial action over concerns for the safety of staff - 21st September, 2020 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ - RnaG - Adhmhaidin  - Moira Leydon, ASTI Assistant General Secretary, Education and Research Official discusses ASTI ballot over concerns for the safety of staff amid Covid-19 - 21st September, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Teachers' unions issue warning amid Covid concerns - Irish Independent (Online) - 21st September, 2020 - Click here to read.

Covid-19: Forty-three new cases in schools after mass testing - Irish Times (Online) - 20th September, 2020 - Click here to read.

Virgin Media - News at 5.30 pm - Ann Piggott, ASTI President interviewed about ASTI's decision to ballot members over concerns for the safety of staff - 20th September, 2020 - Click here to watch. (Scroll to 01:20)

Secondary teachers to vote on serious health and safety concerns raised in relation to teaching during Covid-19 - Sunday Independent (Online) - 20th September, 2020 - Click here to read.

'Urgent' action needed to stop industrial action in schools - Irish Examiner (Online) - 20th September, 2020 - Click here to read.

ASTI to ballot for industrial action over Covid-19 safety concerns - Irish Times (Online) - 19th September, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ 1 - Nine O'Clock TV News - ASTI's decision to ballot Members is discussed in News bulletin -  19th September, 2020 - Click here to watch (Scroll to 07:05)

RTÉ Radio 1 - Today with Claire Byrne Show - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses testing for Covid-19 in schools - 16th September, 2020 - Click here to listen. (Scroll to 08:59)

Fast, vigorous testing vital to keep schools open - Irish Independent (Online) - 15th September, 2020 - Click here to read.

Newstalk - Breakfast Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary interviewed about Leaving Certificate results and marks awarded at school - 15th September, 2020 - Click here to discuss.

RTÉ Six One news - Ann Piggott, ASTI President interviewed about CAO points and class rankings - 14th September, 2020 - Click here to view.  (Scroll to 31:42)

'Embarrassing' primary class sizes hinder social distancing compliance, says OECD - Irish Examiner (Online) - 9th September, 2020 - Click here to read.

LMFM - Michael Reade Show - Diarmaid de Paor, ASTI Deputy General Secretary discusses dealing with outbreaks of Covid-19 in Schools - 9th September, 2020 - Click here to listen. 

RTÉ Radio 1 - Today with Claire Byrne Show - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secetary discusses Covid-19 and how Are We Dealing With It In Our Schools - 8th September, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Newstalk - The Pat Kenny Show - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses re-opening of schools during Covid-19 - 8th September, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Parents and teachers' alarm as classes continue at schools despite confirmed cases of Covid-19 - Irish Independent (Online) - 8th September, 2020 - Click here to read.

TG4 Nuacht - Moira Leydon, ASTI Assistant General Secretary: Education & Research gave an interview on the Leaving Certificate results - 7th September, 2020 - Click here to watch.

Leaving Cert students will not have access to ‘highly sensitive’ class ranking data - Irish Times (Online) - 3rd September, 2020 - Click here to read.

From outbreaks, to PPE and high risk teachers: Six things we've learned about schools reopening - Irish Independent (Online) - 3rd September, 2020 - Click here to read.

No social distancing and underlying health risks: Covid committee to hear from teachers and parents today -thejournal.ie - 2nd September, 2020 - Click here to read.

Covid and schools: Many staff do not have enough PPE, says union - Irish Times (Online) - 2nd September, 2020 - Click here to read.

Bumper Leaving Cert exam results to fuel rise in CAO points for college entry - Irish Indepedent (Online) - 2nd September, 2020 - Click here to read.

Foley to appear before Covid committee and face questions on school safety - Irish Indepedent (Online) - 2nd September, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Six One TV News - Ann Piggott, ASTI President gave an interview on Calculated Grades for Six One news piece - 1st September, 2020 - Click here to watch. 

Today FM, The Last Word Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary interviews about Calculated Grades announcement and the new approach to same - 1st September, 2020 - Click here to listen. (Scoll to 00:21)

RTÉ RnaG - Tús Áite - Próifíliú scoileanna agus athoscailt - Moira Leydon, ASTI Assistant General Secretary Education and Research Officer joins programme to discuss Calculated Grades at Leaving Cert along with Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, Spokesperson on Education & Skills. for  Sinn Féin  - 1st September, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Teachers with underlying health issues worried on safety – ASTI - Irish Times (Online) - 1st September, 2020 - Click here to read.

August, 2020

Teachers and school principals clash over ‘risky’ school assemblies - Irish Times (Online) - 26th August, 2020 - Click here to read.

Back to school: ‘Seriously ill SNA told return to work’ - Irish Examiner (Online) - 26th August, 2020 - Click here to read.

School defends 152 pupil prayer congregation - Herald.ie (Online) - 26th August, 2020 - Click here to read.

Today FM, The Last Word Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses vulnerable teachers that are being required to attend the workplace - Click here to listen - Scroll to 44:11.

RTÉ Radio 1 - News at One programme - Ann Piggott, ASTI President discusses vulnerable members that are being required to attend the workplace and also discusses social distance - 25th August, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Newstalk, Pat Kenny Show - Interview with a panel of guests including on Ann Piggott, ASTI President on whether schools are ready to open yet -  25th August, 2020 - Click here to listen. 

ASTI: Teachers facing ‘life or death’ risk due to Covid-19 vulnerability - Irish Times (Online) - 25th August, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Today with Claire Byrne Show - Ann Piggott,  ASTI President outlined concerns as students and teachers prepare to return to the classroom this week - 24th August, 2020 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Morning Ireland - John O'Donovan, ASTI member and Principal, St. Joseph's Secondary School, Ballybunion,  Co. Kerry discusses schools adapting buildings, including installation of hand sanitising facilities and challenges facing Principals during this time - -24th August, 2020. Click here to listen.

Covid-19: Minister tells parents schools will be ‘safe and welcoming’ - Irish Times (Online) - 22nd August, 2020. Click here to read.

Parents can claim €25.50 per week for driving teens to school as bus squeeze fear bites - Irish Independent (Online) - 22nd August, 2020. Click here to read.

ASTI seeks agreement on pay as State plans to hire 1,000 teachers - Irish Times (Online) - 10th August, 2020 - Click here to read.

Covid-19 Ireland: Government recommends facemasks for when schools reopen - Irish Independent (Online) - 10th August, 2020. Click here to read.

Teachers and older students must wear face coverings - HSE - Irish Examiner (Online) - 8th August, 2020 - Click here to read.

Department considering revised recommendations on face coverings in schools - Irish Examiner (Online) - 7th August, 2020 - Click here to read.

ASTI warns of teacher shortage ahead of schools reopening - Irish Examiner (Online) - 3rd August, 2020 - Click here to read.

Parents and teachers raise concerns over school return - Sunday Independent (Online) - 2nd August, 2020 - Click here to read.

July, 2020

RTÉ 1 - Prime Time - Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI President discusses the reopening of schools and features a report package from St. Dominic's College, Ballyfermot - Sarah Green, ASTI Member interviewed - 29th July, 2020 - Click here to watch.

Unions pessimistic about schools opening on time - Irish Examiner (Online) - 29th July, 2020 - Click here to read.

Garda vetting bureau ‘confident’ it can process extra teacher applications - Irish Times (Online) - 29th July, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teachers' unions cast doubt on full reopening of schools by end of summer - RTÉ website - 28th July, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Morning Ireland - Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI President discusses Government's school re-opening plans and what it will mean for schools, pupils and teachers over the coming months - 28th July, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Keeping pupils and teachers safe must stay a top priority - Irish Independent (Online) - 28th July, 2020 - Click here to read.

‘No zero-risk scenario’: Hiring 1,000 extra teachers to be a challenge, accepts Minister - Irish Times (Online) - 28th July, 2020 - Click here to read.

Not quite top marks yet — but a good start for education minister - Irish Examiner (Online) - 28th July, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Drivetime Programme - Schools Reopening - Aaron Woulfe, ASTI Member and Secondary School Principal Cork city, joins a panels of guests and discussed the government's plan for the reopening of schools - 27th July, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Newstalk Breakfast Programme - Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI President discusses reopening of school in August - 27th July, 2020 - Cick here to listen. (Scroll to 01:06)

Newstalk Breakfast Programme - Aaron Wolfe, Principal of Coláiste Éamann Rís in Cork  discusses reopening of school in August - 27th July, 2020 - Click here to read - scroll to end to listen to interview

RTÉ Website - Govt expected to agree €300m school reopening plan  - 27th July, 2020 - Click here to read.

Hundreds of extra teachers needed to reopen schools - Irish Examiner (Online) - 27th July, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teachers will not return to school without safe plan, ASTI warns - Irish Examiner (Online) - 27th July, 2020 - Click here to read.

'Gigantic challenge' to prepare schools for return of students - Irish Examiner (Online) - 27th July, 2020. Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Ths Week Programme - Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI President joined the programme this week to discuss the reopening of schools, was joined by Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire - 26th July, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Newstalk Breakfast Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses the reopening of schools - 25th July, 2020 - Click here to listen. (Scroll to 05:50)

RTÉ Radio 1 - Drivetime Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary, discussed the reopening of chools in August along with Anne Looney, Executive Dean in DCU Institute of Education and former Chief Executive of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in Ireland. - 24th July, 2020 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ - RnaG - Tús Áite - Moira Leydon, Assistant General Secretary discusses the reopening of schools in August - Click here to listen.

Lack of online security for remote learning a concern for teachers, survey finds - Irish Times (Online) - 24th July, 2020 - Click here to read.

Funding to reopen schools is insufficient, warns ASTI - Irish Times (Online) - 24th July, 2020 - Click here to read.

ASTI warns that funding to reopen schools is insufficient - Irish Times (Online) - 24th July, 2020 -Click here to read.

Final planning underway for re-opening of schools but concerns expressed by Cork education leaders - Eveing Echo (Online) - 24th July, 2020 - Click here to read.

'We’re totally in the dark': Cork principals and teachers reveal lack of guidance on school reopenings - Evening Echo (Online) - 24th July, 2020 - Click here to read.

ASTI: Government has to 'step up' and deliver safe back-to-school package - Irish Examiner (Online) - 24th July, 2020 - Click here to read.

Plan to fully reopen schools at the end of August to be unveiled - Irish Times (Online) - 24th July, 2020 - Click here to read.

Explainer: Cork educators tell us what to expect when schools return - Evening Echo (Online) - 23rd July, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Today with Sarah McInerney Show - Diarmaid de Paor, ASTI Deputy General Secretary joined Reuban Murray, President of the ISSU; Colm Ó Ruairc- School Principal, Navan and parent of Leaving Cert student to discuss the announcement of Leaving Certificate results date and CAO first round offers date.  Click here to listen - 17th July, 2020.

thejournal.ie - Leaving Cert results date: ASTI criticises announcement but says 'at least there's now certainty' - 17th July,  2020 - Click here to listen.

School reopening plans to be discussed at Covid-19 committee - Irish Examiner (Online) - 10th July, 2020 - Click here to read.

Will all pupils return to school in September? - Irish Times (Online) - 6th July, 2020 - Click here to read.

No easy answers post Covid-19 so patience is essential - Irish Examiner (Online) - 6th July, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, Tús Áite programme - Moira Leydon, Assistant General Secretary interviewed on the proposed re-opening of schools - 2nd July, 2020. Click here to listen. (Scroll to 020:26).

RTÉ Website - Unions say schools must be 'Covid secure' before reopening - 2nd July, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - Morning Ireland programme - Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI President discusses the challenges facing the return to schools in September - 2nd July, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Newstalk Breakfast programme - Interview with Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary on returning to school, discussed blended learning model  - 2nd July, 2020 - Click here to listen - (Scroll to 01:09 to listen)

Virgin Media - The Tonight Show - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses the challenges facing the re-opening of schools - 2nd July, 2020. Click here to watch. (Scroll to 33:51)

RTÉ Website - Teacher unions to raise social distancing concerns at Covid-19 committee - 2nd July, 2020 - Click here to read.

Full reopening of schools may be unlikely this autumn, secondary teachers warn - Irish Times (Online) - 2nd July, 2020 - Click here to read.

One metre rule casts doubt on return to schools in September - Irish Examiner (Online) - 2nd July, 2020 - Click here to read.

Social distancing rules mean it's inevitable students won't be back in school full-time - ASTI - Journal.ie (Online) - 2nd July, 2020 - Click here to read.

Parents and teachers show support for blended learning as Covid-19 effects look set to last - Irish Examiner (Online) - 2nd July, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Nine O'Clock News - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary gives an interview re. re-opening of schools in September - 1st July, 2020. Click here to watch.

Next year’s Leaving Cert students ‘need latitude’ after school closures - Irish Times (Online) - 1st July, 2020 - Click here to read.

June, 2020

Where next for the Leaving Cert? - Irish Times (Online) - 23rd June, 2020. Click here to read.

Virgin Media – Ireland AM – Deirdre Mc Donald, ASTI President discusses the uncertainty surrounding the re-opening of schools in August – 17th June, 2020. Click here to listen (Scroll to 3:25)

RTÉ 1 – Claire Byrne Live - Deirdre Mc Donald, ASTI President discusses the re-opening of schools– 15th June, 2020. Click here to listen (Scroll to 21:39)

RTÉ Radio 1 - Saturday with Cormac Ó hEadhra  Show - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary interviewed on reopening of schools road map - 13th June, 2020. Click here to listen. (Scroll to 0:06:32)

Newstalk Breakfast programme - Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI President discusses reopening schools - 13th June, 2020. Click here to listen (scroll to 00:27)

Opening Ireland’s schools: Government accused of ‘getting ahead of medics’ and ‘scaring' people - Irish Times (Online) - 13th June, 2020. Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - This Week Programme - Deirdre Mac Donald, President outlines in an interview how teachers feel about the possible return to education in September - 1st June, 2020. Click here to listen

Reopening childcare to cost up to €100m - Irish Examiner (Online) - 1st June, 2020 - Click here to read. - 1st June, 2020.

May, 2020

Alison O' Connor: Time to question our ludicrous obsession with the Leaving Cert - Irish Examiner (Online) - 29th May, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teachers begin grading for Leaving Cert as union resolves legal stand-off - Irish Independent (Online) - 23rd May, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Drivetime Radio Programme  - Deirdre McDonald, ASTI President, and Thomas Byrne, Fianna Fáil education spokesperson, discuss the 2020 Leaving Cert calculated grading system - 22nd May, 2020 - Click here to listen.

ASTI agrees LC exam grading as indemnity issue resolved - RTÉ Website - 22nd May, 2020. Click here to read.

RTÉ Nine O'Clock TV News - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary gave interview re. Indemnity issue resolved - 22nd May, 2020 - Click here to watch. (Scroll to 08.30)

RTÉ Six One TV News - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary gave interview re. Indemnity issue resolved - 22nd May, 2020 - Click here to watch. (Scroll to 06.53)

Leaving Cert: ASTI agrees to engage with calculated grades process after indemnity row resolved - Irish Independent (Online) - 22nd May, 2020. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert: Breakthrough in ASTI row over predicted grades - Irish Times (Online) - 22nd May, 2020. Click here to read.

Teachers to begin work on Leaving Cert calculated grades as Union gives the go-ahead - Irish Examiner (Online) - 22nd May, 2020 - Click here to read.

ASTI 'confident' indemnity issue over Leaving Cert grading can be resolved - RTÉ Website - 22nd May, 2020 - Click here to read.

'This position is unacceptable' - Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland rejects Leaving Cert indemnity - Irish Independent (Online) - 22nd May, 2020 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert: State indemnity row rumbles on amid claim teachers could be liable for costs of legal action - Irish Independent (Online) - 22nd May, 2020 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert: ASTI says Minister ‘prematurely’ announced plans in hope teachers would ‘put up or shut up’ - Irish Times (Online) - 22nd May, 2020 - Click here to read.

Leaving Cert plan in doubt as teachers’ union tells members not to co-operate - Irish Times (Online) - 22nd May, 2020 - Click here to read.

ASTI: Minister wanted teachers to either put up or shut up by releasing Leaving Cert Guidelines early - Irish Examiner (Online) - 22nd May, 2020 - Click here to read.

Virgin Media - The Tonight Show - Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI President interviewed on legal indemnit issue - 21st May, 2020. Click here to watch (Scroll to 03:00)

ASTI: Leaving Cert students allowed to choose assessment level - Irish Examiner (Online) - 19th May, 2020. Click here to read.

Dept to send guidance on Leaving Cert grades to teachers this week - Irish Examiner (Online) - 19th May, 2020. Click here to read.

Searching for answers: calls to revise our exam system - Irish Independent (Online) - 16th May, 2020. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert students to be marked out of 1,000 - Irish Examiner (Online) - 13th May, 2020. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert students to be marked out of 1,000 - Irish Independent (Online) - 12th May, 2020. Click here to read.

The Irish Examiner view: Unfortunate but pragmatic Leaving Cert decisions - Irish Examiner (Online) - 11th May, 2020. Click here to read.

Galway Bay FM - Keith Finnegan Show - Diarmaid de Paor, Deputy General Secretary interviewed re. Leaving Cert - 11th May, 2020. Click here to listen. (Scroll to 1:11:40).

Teachers' unions seek clarity on predictive on Leaving Cert grading - Irish Examiner (Online) - 11th May, 2020. Click here to read.

'Unacceptable' and 'inappropriate' that teachers would be lobbied by parents and students - thejournal.ie - 10th May, 2020. Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio One - This Week Programme - Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI Presidet discusses ASTI's concerns  - 10th May, 2020. Click here to listen.

RTÉ Nine O'Clock TV News - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary interviewed re Calculated Grades Scheme  - 10th May, 2020. Click here to watch (Scroll to 12:41).

RTÉ Six One TV News - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary interviewed re Calculated Grades Scheme  - 10th May, 2020. Click here to watch (Scroll to 15:12).

Parents and pupils who try to influence Leaving Cert results face being reported to State - Irish Independent (Online) - 11th May, 2020. Click here to read.

'Unacceptable' and 'inappropriate' that teachers would be lobbied by parents and students - Thejournal.ie - 10th May, 2020. Click here to read.

Poll: Should Leaving Cert students be awarded full marks for oral and practical exams? - Thejounal.ie - 10th May, 2020. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert: Teachers seek safeguards against parental pressure on grades - Irish Times (Online) - 9th May, 2020. Click here to read.

Government fears lawsuits over ‘calculated grades’ as Leaving Cert postponed- Irish Times (Online) - 9th May, 2020. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert cancelled: Students who want written exam will have to wait until 2021 - Irish Times (Online) - 8th May, 2020. Click here to read.

'It's not a perfect solution': The government's u-turn on holding Leaving Certificate exams - Thejournal.ie - 8th May, 2020. Click here to read.

Lowest recorded level of Covid-19 cases in 47 days as radical Leaving Cert measures discussed - Irish Examiner (Online) - 8th May, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teachers voice concerns about health implications if Leaving Cert goes ahead - Irish Times (Online) - 7th May, 2020 - Click here to read.

Discussions to continue over Leaving Cert exams - RTÉ website - 7th May, 2020 - Click here to read.

Memo being brought to Cabinet as speculation about Leaving Cert cancellation mounts - Thejournal.ie - 7th May, 2020. Click here to read.

Explainer: What are the options for this year's Leaving Cert, and why is it so complicated? - Thejournal.ie - 7th May, 2020. Click here to read.

Leaving Cert won't have standard timetable this year - ASTI - Irish Examiner (Online) - 6th May, 2020 - Click here to read.

Parents demand alternative plans for Leaving Cert to be made availale to students - Irish Examiner (Online) - 6th May, 2020 - Click here to read.

 

April, 2020

Move to cancel Junior Cert entirely was the right call to make  - Irish Examiner (Online) 30th April, 2020. Click here to read.

Schools to decide whether to hold Junior Cycle assessments in May - Irish Times (Online) - 29th April, 2020. Click here to read.

RTÉ Website -  Junior Cycle students don't have to sit exams - McHugh - 29th April, 2020 - Click here to read.

'It's not realistic or viable' to hold Leaving Cert practical exams in current timeframe - thejournal.ie - 22nd April, 2020 - Click here to read.

It will take a major logistical operation to reopen out schools - Irish Examiner (Online) - 21st April, 2020. Click here to read.

'Schools and buses are not designed for social distancing' - Irish Independent (Online) - 21st April, 2020 - Click here to read

RTÉ Radio 1 - Today with Sean O'Rourke programme - Deirdre McDonald, ASTI President joins John Boyle, General Secretary, INTO to discuss the prospect of schools re-opening - 20th April, 2020. Click here to listen.

RTÉ Website - INTO wants schools re-opened on 'orderly, phased basis' - 20th April, 2020. Click here to read.

Exam stress bites as students await Leaving Cert start date - Businesspost.ie - 19th April, 2020. Click here to read.

Galway Bay FM, The Keith Finnegan Show - Diarmaid de Paor, ASTI Deputy General Secetary discusses how the ASTI will support the Department to hold exams - 16th April, 2020 - Click here to listen. (Scroll to 1:08:47)

Teachers will not seek more pay for summer exam lessons - Irish Examiner (Online) - 16th April, 2020. Click here to read.

RTÉ Radio 1 - News at One Programme - Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI President discusses how the ASTI will support department plans to hold the Leaving Cert in late July/August - 15th April, 2020. Click here to listen

ASTI says it will work to support delayed Leaving Cert exams - Irish Times (Online) - 15th April, 2020. Click here read.

Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland says it will work to support postponement of Leaving Cert exams - Irish Independent (Online) - 15th April, 2020. Click here to read.

Teachers will help students prepare for delayed Leaving Cert through summer - Irish Examiner (Onlne) - 15th April, 2020. Click here to read.

ASTI says it will work to support decision to postpone Leaving Cert - RTÉ website - Click here to read.

Plan to postpone the Leaving Cert dogged by dozens of unanswered questions - Irish Times (Online) - Click here to read - 14th April, 2020.

Newstalk, The Hard Shoulder Programme - Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI President discusses the proposed exam arrangements during Covid-19 - Click here to listen - 13th April, 2020. (Scroll to 06:13

ASTI executive to meet amid confusion over Leaving Cert exams - Irish Times (Online) - 13th April, 2020 - Click here to read.

Working in July won't be compulsory, teachers told - Irish Independent (Online) - 13th April 2020 - Click here to read.

ASTI seeks clarification around Leaving Cert plans, including how practical exams will be done - Irish Examiner (Online) - 13th April, 2020 - Click here to read.

Students still wait for clarity on when schools will be reopened - Irish Independent (Online) - 13th April, 2020 - Click here to read.

This half-baked plan for Leaving Cert raises more questions than it answers - Sunday Independent (Online) - 12th April, 2020 - Click here to read.

Late Leaving Cert may delay the start of next school year - Irish Independent (Online) - 11th April, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teachers’ union raises ‘serious concerns’ over delay in Leaving Cert - Irish Times (Online) - 11th April, 2020 - Click here to read.

Exam decision will relieve some of the stress for pupils who have been clamouring for certainty - Irish Independent (Online) - 11th April, 2020 - Click here to read.

RTÉ Nine O'Clock TV News - Teachers Unions call on Members to engage with proposals  -  TV news piece with Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary interviewed -  11th April, 2020 - Click here to watch  - (Scroll to 12:40)

RTÉ One O'Clock TV News - ASTI concerned about elements of announcement - news piece -  11th April, 2020 - Click here to watch (Scroll to 01:57)

RTÉ Radio 1 - Saturday with Cormac Ó hEadhra programme - Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI President discusses rescheduled exams and joins panel including Dr Mary Favier, Dr Eoghan DeBarra, Liam Herrick, Deirdre Mac Donald ASTI, Minister Joe McHugh and Aodhán Ó Riordáin TD - Click here to listen to show - (Scroll to 0:27:49 for Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI President's interview) - 11th April, 2020.

March 2020

Leaving Cert: ‘It feels aimless. I don’t know what the story is’  - 1st April, 2020. Click here to read.

Newstalk, The Pat Kenny Show - Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI President discusses the cancellation of Leaving Certificate oral exams - 20th March, 2020. - Click here to listen. (Scroll to 02:22:14)

RTÉ Six One TV News - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses the cancellation of Leaving Certificate oral exams - 19th March, 2020. Click here to watch. (Scroll to 17:19

Newstalk, The Hard Shoulder, Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses the cancellation of Leaving Certificate oral exams - 19th March, 2020. - Click here to listen.

Today FM, The Last Word Programme - Minister for Education Joe McHugh and Deirdre McDonald, ASTI President discuss the cancellation of Leaving Certificate exams - 19th March, 2020. Click here to listen.

RTÉ website - Leaving Cert oral exams cancelled over Covid-19 - 19th March 2020, click here to read.

RTÉ Radio1 - Today with Sean O'Rourke Programme - Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI President discusses the announcement by the Minister for Education and Skills re the cancellation of the oral exams for Leaving Certificate due to Covid-19 - 19th March, 2020. Click here to listen.

RTÉ Website - How second-level schools are rising to the challenge of remote learning - 18th March, 2020 - Click here to read.

Today FM, The Last Word Programme - Kieran Christie, ASTI General Secretary discusses school closures due to Covid-19 on Last Word with Matt Cooper - 12th March, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI President discusses school closures due to Covid-19  on the The Hard Shoulder with Ivan Yates - March 12th, 2020 - Click here to listen - (Scroll to 33:40)

Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI President discusses school closures due to Covid-19 on Virgin Media One News, March 12th, 2020 - Click here to listen - scroll to 12mins.

Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI President discusses school closures due to Covid-19 on Today with Sean O Rourke – March 12th,  2020 - Click here to listen. (Scroll to 1:38:41)

The Last Word Programme, The Last Word - Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI President joins an interview with Dr. Mary Favier, ICGP and Dr. Sam McConkey, Royal College of Surgeons - Scroll to 00:39 to listen - 11th March, 2020 - Click here to listen.

RTÉ  Radio 1 - Seán O'Rourke Show - Deirdre Mac Donald, ASTI President joins a panel of guests to discuss the Coronavirus - 2nd March, 2020 - Click here to listen.

 

February 2020

Teachers' strike to cause chaos as 200,000 pupils will be forced to stay home – TheHerald.ie – 3^rd of February, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teachers not involved in strike may have to pass picket lines to be paid – The Irish Times (online) – 4^th of February, 2020 - Click here to read.

Hundreds of schools to close as secondary school teachers strike over pay – Extra.ie – 4^th of February, 2020 -  Click here to read.

Hundreds of schools shut today due to strike over pay – The Irish Times (online) – 4^th of February, 2020 - Click here to read.

Dual union' schools face strike difficulties – RTÉ (online) – 4^th of February, 2020 -  Click here to read.

ASTI 'make no apologies' for TUI teachers' strike against 'horror' of pay inequality – The Irish Examiner (online) – 4^th of February, 2020 - Click here to read.

Hundreds of secondary schools remain shut as TUI continue with 'last resort' strike – The Irish Examiner – 4th of February, 2020 - Click here to read.

ASTI warns of further action if equal pay is not addressed – RTÉ (online) – 4^th of February, 2020 -  Click here to read. 

Dispute that dates back a decade has teachers pledging further strikes – The Irish Independent (online)  - 5^th of February, 2020 -  Click here to read.

Restoring pay equality for teachers would cost €400m over 5 years – RTÉ (online) – 6^th of February, 2020 - Click here to read.

ASTI President Deirdre MacDonald discusses Senior Cycle reform on The Pat Kenny Show – Newstalk – 13^th of February, 2020 - Click here to listen.

Teachers face ‘longer tuition hours’ under plan to resolve dispute – The Irish Times (online) – 24^th of February, 2020 -  Click here to read.

IRELAND: Public sector challenges ahead – PSNews.com – 24^th of February, 2020. Click here to read.

Schools face losing hundreds of teaching posts due to dispute - Irish Times (Online) - 26th February, 2020 - Click here to read.

Dispute over timing of secondary school teacher meetings escalates - Irish Times (Online) - 28th February, 2020. Click here to read.

January 2020

Tusla not processing child welfare reports sent by post – The Irish Times (online) – 6^th of January, 2020 - Click here to read.

Second level schools to close in February as teachers announce strike – The Irish Independent (online) – 17^th of January, 2020 - Click here to read.

Many secondary schools could be forced to close on strike day – RTÉ (online) – 17^th of January, 2020 - Click here to read.

Most secondary schools to close for day in pre-election strike – The Irish Times (online) – 18^th of January, 2020 -  Click here to read.

Teachers' strike will shut half of secondary schools – The Irish Independent (online) – 18^th of January, 2020 - Click here to read.

Government to consider sanctions for striking teachers – The Irish Times (online) – 20^th of January, 2020. - Click here to read.

Fears election-week strike will close more schools – The Irish Independent (online) – 21^st of January, 2020 - Click here to read.

'Big questions for the next government’ – The Irish Times – 21^st of January, 2020 - Click here to read.

School closures over strike set to be greater than anticipated – The Irish Times (online) – 22^nd of January, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teachers' Union 'expects a lot of schools to close' during strike action – TheJournal.ie – 23^rd of January, 2020 - Click here to read.

Longford ASTI members in ballot on industrial action over unequal pay – The Longford Leader – 26^th of January, 2020 - Click here to read.

Secondary schools face strike action – The Irish Examiner (online) – 27^th of January, 2020 - Click here to read.

Teacher recruitment, retention problems getting worse says union – The Irish Times (online) – 28^th of January, 2020 - Click here to read.

Four out of five secondary schools report teacher recruitment issues – RTÉ (online) – 28^th of January, 2020 - Click here to read.

Schools struggle as teacher vacancies continue to soar – The Irish Independent (online) – 29^th of January, 2020 - Click here to read.

Hundreds of schools face closure on Tuesday due to teacher strike – The Irish Times (online) – 31^st of January, 2020 - Click here to read.