Jen Cummins
Spokesperson for Education; and Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Meet Jen
Jen Cummins is a TD for Dublin South-Central.
A passionate advocate for education and youth work, Jen has worked as a youth worker, youth arts worker and as the Coordinator of Ballymun Anseo School Completion Programme, supporting students in DEIS schools.
She recently earned a Doctorate in Education, from DCU. Her research focused on the lived experience of young people who had experienced adverse childhood experiences and left mainstream education before the Leaving Certificate.
She taught on the Bachelor of Education course in DCU, focusing on ethics and teaching about religion and beliefs.
She was Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Educate Together for many years and is passionate about parental choice in education as well as leading a charity with governance, employment and financial expertise.
Jen is committed to making Dublin South-Central a fairer place, with the community spaces, schools, services and supports needed in communities.
I believe the Social Democrats have the vision and policies needed to create lasting change in both the community and the country.
Jen’s Priorities
- Ensuring the Government implement the DEIS+ Scheme.
- Ensuring that every child has access to an appropriate school place, and special education is prioritised.
- Working to make sure the School Completion Programme governance and employment structures are finally resolved.
- Increase third-level core funding through State Contributions.
Get in touch
087 164 4166
Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
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Latest News
Progress of DEIS+ scheme welcome but work still to be done
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 […]
Read moreGovernment student accommodation plan misses the mark on affordability and access
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 […]
Read moreReport card shows that students are being left behind by failing education policies
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, […]
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