The Central Applications Office (CAO) process used for allotting university places to students has drawn criticism from secondary school leaders who have labelled it as ‘crude, outdated and biased’. Principals and deputies, under the umbrella of the National Association of Principals and Deputies (NAPD), argue that despite having a facade of equality and clarity, the current system is in fact not in the best interest of the students.
Other news in Ireland include the discovery of the body of a missing Irish hiker that was found on the Italian island of Sardinia. Additionally, the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) has advocated for the formation of a rental court as a solution to severe tenant-landlord disagreements.
The Department of Education is encouraging teachers to undertake extra training during non-teaching hours as an attempt to prevent disturbances to the usual school day. Meanwhile, an organisation formed to probe unresolved cases from the Northern Ireland Troubles recorded 85 enquiries since its inception earlier this year.
The weather forecast predicts a mainly clear morning on Monday, however clouds will increase, possibly leading to light rain or drizzle in the western and northern regions. Temperatures will range between 14 to 19 degrees, and the weather is expected to become breezy with rainfall across northern and western regions. The rest of the areas will witness rainfall before dawn with temperatures dipping to 8 to 12 degrees.
Living costs in Ireland, especially for college students, are witnessing a sharp increase; rent has surged, groceries are nowhere near as affordable as they were three years back and transportation and even leisure activities like drinking beer are becoming more expensive.
Rachel Connolly discusses her reluctance to make plans six weeks ahead of time in her work-life scenario. As summer comes to a close, we acknowledge a strange reality: we actually enjoy getting back to work. This is evident as we see beaches devoid of sun-lovers, increasing footfalls in office spaces and Pret A Manger witnessing a surge in customers, indicating Europe and America are back on work mode.
In sports, a remarkable instance occurred when football seemed to become a comical routine at the cost of Ireland. Jack Grealish scoring after some impressive play by Declan Rice through Ireland’s lacking defence was a moment described hilariously by Ken Early.
The CEO of Paralympics Ireland, Stephen McNamara, emphasises that Para-athletes should not be overlooked when it comes to funding or recognition during upcoming award events.
In world politics, a recent New York Times survey reveals that ex-US President Donald Trump is just one step ahead of Vice-President Kamala Harris in the impending elections. With Tuesday’s debate being the only one scheduled, Harris needs to address doubts and curiosity among voters.
In a lifestyle feature, Ireland and Munster rugby player Tadhg Beirne admits how he almost considered giving up rugby. Despite appearing fit during our meeting at Curragh in Kildare, Beirne emphasises his urgent need to resume his regular training after a recent vacation.
In a recent podcast episode focused on news, a discussion on a school shooting in Georgia raises the question whether parents should be held responsible as a means to tackle the escalating issue of gun violence in the US.