“Is anybody going to listen?”

ISSU PRESS RELEASE     24/02/10

The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union feels that the inadequate mental health facilities in second-level schools are severely damaging the wellbeing of our students. At present, there is very little support available in schools for students who are going through tough times. ISSU is campaigning for specialised and dedicated mental health counsellors to be introduced to second-level schools; we are fast falling behind the majority of European countries in this regard.The age at which young people are in second-level education is the age range during which many young people first experience problems associated with mental health and wellbeing thus it is essential that in all schools, there are adequate supports to support students experience difficulties in relation to mental health. A report published by Amnesty International today states that mental health is costing the state 3 billion per year. By supporting students at second level and dealing with mental health difficulties with early intervention, ISSU feels that in the long term the state will save millions. We have to care for or young people of today, the generation of tomorrow. Not only will they save millions but it will allow young people’s mental health problems to be dealt with and managed in a setting that is safe and familiar to them. This early intervention will allow young people to lead happier lives. We’ve suffered in silence for long enough. We need change. Is anybody going to listen?

Students will suffer the most: “Tread softly because you tread on my dreams”

Irish Second-Level Students’ UnionISSU PRESS STATEMENT 23/02/10ISSU is disappointed to hear of the recent announcement made by the second-level teaching unions with regard to taking their industrial action to the next level.  Speaking this evening a representative from ISSU, the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union, said that “The quality of our teaching staff is the foundation stone of our education system and is the envy of most other European countries. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping our future and ultimately the future of our country, however the current moratorium is impacting severely on the smooth operation of schools. Teachers who hold posts of responsibility play vital roles in supporting students on a day-to-day basis and more often than not are in more contact with students, as they still have timetabled teaching hours.‘A-post’ holders are respected figures in schools, providing guidance, support and advice to students when they need it most. Typically these are form/year heads or exam coordinators. ‘B-post’ holders fill the gaps of creativity, teamwork and personal development of students - the putty that repairs the cracks in our out-dated syllabi. Typically these are teachers who manage an incredible array of extra-curricular activities from sports to chess to craft clubs…. the list is endless!It is indeed unfair to expect teachers to provide this additional student support structure without the proper remuneration – we call on the Minister for Education and Science to include this as an exception to the moratorium to ensure the smooth running of schools before students suffer as school operations grind under the pressure of a severe lack of resources. As industrial action increases in an attempt to reverse the infamous tsunami of education cuts in 2008, we implore the Minister to sit down with the teaching unions and come to some sort of arrangement before it’s too late. ‘Tread softly because you tread on my dreams’ ”.