PRESS RELEASE

12/12/2005

Support service on way to help teachers handle classroom strife - Kelleher

Cork North-Central Fianna Fáil TD Billy Kelleher has said a special support service overseen by the Department of Education and Science is to be set up early in the New Year to help teachers manage disruptive students and anti-social behaviour in the classroom.

Deputy Kelleher said €2 million was set aside in this year’s Budget to launch an occupational health strategy that incorporates an employee assistance service for teachers.

‘The service’s mission will be to provide support services directly to teachers where there are incidents of anti-social behaviour and serious disruption in classrooms across the country. A small number of students can cause teachers huge stress and anxiety to teachers.

‘This service - details of which are to be finalised - will focus on prevention rather than cure. It will incorporate health promotion in the workplace and counselling in such area as relationships, bereavement, addiction, stress management and conflict resolution,’ said Deputy Kelleher, who is deputy Government chief whip.

He said teachers must be able to reach out for help when they feel under pressure in the classroom. They need access to supports to help them sustain their high levels of professionalism.

‘A teacher’s role is more than just to educate. They often become substitute parents who take on board their students’ personal issues and try to deal with them. They offer advice and help in hard times. They deserve every support in these endeavours.

‘I would like to commend the strides the Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin TD, has made since her appointment. She has built positive working relationships with teacher unions and school management groups. The €2 million spend on an occupational health strategy is worth every cent and I look forward to its work on behalf of teachers,’ said Deputy Kelleher.

ENDS