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Government’s recycled response to school attendance crisis doomed to fail

The government’s reaction to the school attendance crisis is déjà vu disguised as innovation, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who’s the party’s education spokesperson, said: “Let’s be clear: this crisis didn’t come out of nowhere – for years, the School Completion Programme ran effective, community-based attendance monitoring and promotion in DEIS […]

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Combined Opposition demands Government address assessment of need crisis

It’s time for the government to finally act on their promise to address the assessment of need crisis, according to Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “According to the Disability Act 2005, an assessment of need must be completed within six months of the date the application is received. “Yet, in the […]

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Soc Dems’ motion calls for parental choice in education

The Dáil will debate a Social Democrats’ motion on Thursday (May 8) which will call on the government to increase the number of multi-denominational schools and phase out religious patronage in public education. Deputy Jen Cummins, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said: “Our motion is about parental choice in education. Parents across the country […]

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RTÉ investigation into sexual abuse by Christian Brothers highlights the need for more secular schools

RTÉ’s investigation into the systematic sexual abuse of children by Christian Brothers should serve as a salutary reminder of the need to end the prevalence of religious orders in our schools, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is a TD for Dublin South-Central and the party’s education spokesperson, said: “Last night’s […]

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Cummins slams government TDs’ pushback to plans for more multidenominational schools

Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins has strongly criticised opposition from a number of government TDs to the Education Minister’s plans for more multidenominational schools. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said: “Despite a pledge from Minister McEntee last week to give parents more choice by increasing the number of multidenominational schools, it is […]

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Government must accelerate process of divesting schools from religious patronage

The government must act on the findings of an Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) survey by accelerating the process of divesting schools from religious patronage, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said: “The survey’s findings confirm there is widespread support among primary school teachers for a […]

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Government must not renege on commitment to reduce class sizes

It’s extremely concerning that a government pledge to reduce class sizes is in danger of being reneged on, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who’s the party’s Education spokesperson, said: “The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has warned the Department of Education not to proceed with a reduction in class sizes […]

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Need for greater oversight and locally sourced food in expanded School Meals Programme

Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins has welcomed the government’s announcement of increased investment in the School Meals Programme but warned that without stronger accountability and a commitment to provide locally sourced, nutritious food, the scheme risks falling short of its goals. Deputy Cummins, who represents Dublin South Central and is the party’s education spokesperson, said: […]

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Overburdened teachers considering leaving profession in their droves if staffing crisis continues

Almost half of teachers are at risk of leaving the profession due to the stresses imparted by staffing shortages, a crisis that’s been put on the back burner by government, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, the party’s spokesperson on Education, said: “The nonchalance of successive education ministers’ actions has failed to […]

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Minister must make good on commitment to deliver additional special education classes

Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins has welcomed the announcement of additional special education classes, but warned that the government must match ambition with action by properly resourcing staff training and supporting families on the ground. Deputy Cummins, who represents Dublin South Central and is the party’s spokesperson on education, said: “The news of 375 new […]

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