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Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins has expressed deep concern over plans to scrap much needed sports facilities on the campus of Belmayne Educate Together. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s Education spokesperson, said: “The Department of Education’s unilateral decision-making process has once again highlighted significant shortcomings in strategic planning, leading to unnecessary tensions between communities. […]

The Taoiseach must keep his promise to correct employment and governance structures for School Completion Programme (SCP) staff, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s Education spokesperson, said: “Today’s ESRI report, the second of its kind, has been welcomed by School Completion Programme (SCP) workers around the country – […]

Government must urgently address the severe shortage of special school places across the country, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins, ahead of today’s protest. Deputy Cummins, the party’s’ spokesperson for Education, said: “I stand in solidarity with the parents and guardians participating in today’s 24-hour sleep-out protest outside the Department of Education.  “They aim […]

Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins has expressed deep concern at the Department of Education’s decision to transform Synge Street CBS into a co-educational Gaelcholáiste by September 2026. Deputy Cummins, who represents Dublin South-Central and is the party’s education spokesperson, said: “While the initiative to expand Irish-medium education is commendable, the manner in which this decision […]

Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins has expressed her support for lecturers at BIMM Music Institute as they oppose the college’s plans to strip away secure teaching positions in favour of precarious freelance contracts. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said: “The proposed restructuring, which would see full-time educators replaced with part-time and casual […]

A review of the hot school meals scheme must be carried out to assess the nutritional standard of food being served to children, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said: “While the planned expansion of this initiative is welcome, concerns have been expressed by some teachers […]

Tackling teacher shortages in our schools must be a top priority for the new Minister for Education, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who was announced today as the party’s new education spokesperson, said: “Secondary schools around the country are continuing to grapple with serious teacher recruitment and retention challenges. “A recent […]

Instead of being laggards on gender balance, we should be leaders This government continues to go backwards when it comes to gender balance in government, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. “This government has a shameful record when it comes to giving women a seat at the top table. Last week, just three women […]

The millions of euro set to be wasted on the rollout of mobile phone pouches in schools would be better spent tackling education disadvantage, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who represents Dublin South-Central, made her comments after the Department of Education advertised a tender for the scheme, which is worth €7.3 […]

Unacceptable delays to three major regeneration projects in the Dublin south city area are affecting remaining residents’ quality of life and leading to the creation of disjointed communities, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who represents Dublin South-Central, said: “The regeneration of St Teresa’s Gardens, Dolphin House and Emmet Road was supposed […]