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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 […]

Moves to require all trainee teachers to complete work placements in special education settings, while a step in the right direction, must be extended to include training supports for existing teaching staff in our schools, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said: “Proposed reforms in teacher […]

Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins has criticised the lack of communication with parents and school communities in the planned transition of Synge Street CBS to a Gaelcholáiste. Deputy Cummins, who is a TD for Dublin South-Central and is the party’s education spokesperson, said: “While progress in the transition process was welcomed initially, further discussions with […]

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 […]