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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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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: […]

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 […]

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 […]

Páistecare, a public model of childcare and early years services, is the best way to address the endemic problems in the sector, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who’s the party’s spokesperson for Children, said: “It’s about time that parties across the political spectrum come together to agree a vision for the […]

The government’s half-hearted approach to creating adequate school places in Cork for children with special needs is an insult to the families breaking their backs to ensure their kids receive an education, according to the Social Democrats. Deputy Pádraig Rice, who is a TD for Cork South-Central, said: “Shamefully, it is estimated there are around […]

The government’s half-hearted approach to creating adequate school places for children with special needs is an insult to the families breaking their backs to ensure their kids receive an education, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s Education spokesperson, said: “Parents who cannot find a school place for their […]

The government is sleepwalking through a teacher shortage crisis which has reached a new low, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, the party’s Education spokesperson, said: “Last year, former Education Minister Norma Foley said that there wasn’t a problem with staffing in schools, a claim so out of touch with the reality […]