The INTO has said that primary teachers should not support advertising projects by commercial companies which target children or their families through schools. The union made its announcement following the launch of a project promoted by the Irish Independent and sponsored by Bank of Ireland.

“Bank of Ireland is one of the financial institutions that contributed to this country’s economic collapse,” said Ms Ni Chuinneagain.

“It has been bailed out to date with €3.5 billion in state aid, with more taxpayers money expected to be pumped into it. Just today, it is set to get €11.5 billion of taxpayers’ money through the NAMA scheme to pay for its reckless lending to developers and speculators.”

“The 1.5 million euro in sponsorship money is effectively taxpayers’ money which is being used to promote the bank through school children,” she said.

“Primary teachers should not have any hand act or part in promoting the public rehabilitation of this or any other bank in this manner.”

The INTO said schools needed government investment but objected strongly to it being channelled through Bank of Ireland advertising.

“This must be a new low in trying to target school children for commercial gain,” she said.

“Because of the reckless activities of Irish banks, resources to schools have been withdrawn, teacher numbers have been cut back and teachers have seen their salaries cut. It takes some brass neck to expect teachers to co-operate with an advertising scheme.”
 
Ms Ni Chuinneagain said the union would make a public protest against this promotion in the near future if the companies involved did not scrap the scheme.

The INTO has an established policy in relation to the promotion of commercial products through schools. It aims to prevent the exploitation of pupils for commercial ends in schools and particularly urges schools not to support proof of purchase schemes.

The union said it did not oppose all links between businesses and schools.

“Many schools could not survive without the support of local businesses that regularly support local fundraising efforts. However, this is done in ways that do not seek to exploit children for financial or commercial gain in schools.” (Source: INTO)