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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 […]

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 […]

The new government must urgently act to halt the worrying use of nicotine pouches by secondary school students, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. “It has been reported today that an increasing number of schools have been sending notices to parents to highlight the ongoing use of these products in classrooms. This follows calls […]

The Social Democrats today outlined proposals to make education genuinely free; aim to remove faith formation from the school day; and provide emotional supports in schools for primary and second-level students. The party’s education policy was launched by Gary Gannon (Dublin Central candidate), Cllr Jen Cummins (Dublin South-Central candidate) and Cllr Ronan Moore (Meath West […]

A new report highlighting the impact of poverty on a child’s performance in school is further proof that the Government got its priorities badly wrong in last week’s budget, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said: “The ‘Children’s School Lives’ study, which looked at 4,000 students […]