AN education charter setting out 18 priorities for our next elected representatives was launched by the TUI in Dublin yesterday. Maintenance grants for PLC students is on the list. It also pinpoints truancy and discipline - and it wants action to end the cycle of disadvantage at second level. A further education authority is called for, as well as the restoration of pension credit for days lost through disputes.

The TUI is confident that the general election will provide a great opportunity for vigorous debate on education. "Each political party will present its policies and seek a mandate to govern our country for a five-year term, says TUI president Alice Prendergast. The union is to seek a binding commitment from the parties on its charter. It aims to ensure that the next government delivers lifelong educational opportunities for all.

"Education is social justice and liberty," says Prendergast. "Education is an opportunity not just for individual fulfilment but also for the collective success and prosperity of our nation."

The charter affirms that every young person up to 21 should have the opportunity to avail of third level, further education, training, apprenticeship or work experience. It says that there should be maintenance grants for PLC students the further education sector should be developed in a coherent way and spending per student in third-level technological sector should be brought up to the level in the university sector. Youthreach and VTOS should also be developed.

The May issue of the TUI News points out: "The TUI is not a party political trade union but we have never shied away from advocating radical educational policies." It asks its members to lobby prospective TDs on the charter.

Eight aims in second-level education are set out in the charter. These included a provision for small schools in remote areas; restoration of guidance and counselling to the pre-1983 level; adequate resourcing of traveller education; and reduction of the pupil-teacher ratio to give smaller classes and greater diversity.

On teacher conditions, the charter calls for gender equality through the education service. It wants the PCW agreements with the unions implemented and an end to casualisation.

The charter wants legislation to provide a comprehensive framework in consultation with the social partners and the teaching unions. It also seeks to have anti-discrimination provisions in employment legislation applied to teachers.