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It’s difficult to understand how the Department of Education is facing an overspend of up to €700 million while schools around the country continue to struggle from underinvestment, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said: “I am deeply concerned at reports that the Department of Education […]

Today’s announcement that over 121 of the country’s most disadvantaged schools are to receive additional supports, including hundreds of new staff, under the DEIS+ scheme is timely, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins said: “I am delighted to finally see progress on the DEIS+ scheme – it is particularly encouraging to […]

Social Democrats higher education spokesperson Jen Cummins has criticised the Government’s newly published National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026–2035, warning that it fails to address the core issue facing students and families which is the spiralling cost of accommodation. Deputy Cummins said: “The strategy places too much emphasis on increasing supply through the private sector, without […]

The Children’s Rights Alliance Report Card makes clear that students and their families are still facing excessive pressure and insufficient supports, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins TD. Deputy Cummins said: “The Report Card highlights ongoing concerns around school completion, pointing to the continued delay in publishing the Review of Out-of-School Education Provision, […]

The government has doubled down on the deeply unfair decision to reintroduce State examination fees , according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins said: “Emails issued to school principals directing them to send information regarding the collection of fees to parents demonstrate a refusal by government to listen to the concerns of […]

The Minister for Education must explain why a number of children in Finglas are receiving just two hours of school time a day in a community hall because of a delay in delivering two special classes, according to Social Democrats TDs Rory Hearne and Jen Cummins. Deputy Hearne, who represents Dublin North-West, said: “I have […]

There must be greater targeted investment in schools and communities in disadvantaged areas following new research highlighting inequalities in Leaving Certificate outcomes, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins TD. Deputy Cummins said: “The ESRI’s findings reinforce the need to strengthen supports for students and families living in lower socio-economic areas; that investment must […]

The decision to reintroduce state exam fees, which would heap further pressure on families already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, must be reversed, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins said: “The decision to bring back fees for students sitting the Junior and Leaving certificates sends the wrong signal to families who […]

Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins has called on the Department of Education to provide urgent clarity to schools, families and staff on the long-awaited SNA workforce development plan, warning that continued delays are creating ongoing uncertainty. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said: “At the Oireachtas Education Committee today, I called on the […]

The government and Minister for Education is allowing teacher shortages to spiral out of control due to inaction, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins said: “The teacher recruitment and retention crisis has brought schools around the country to their knees – the government cannot sit on the sidelines while teachers and […]