Credit Union back-to-school survey highlights urgent need for cost-of living package - Darren O’Rourke TD

Wednesday 16th July 2025, 11:08 am

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Youth, Darren O’Rourke TD, says an Irish League of Credit Union (ILCU) survey showing that one in three families are being forced into debt due to back-to-school costs highlights, further, the urgent need for the government to introduce a cost-of-living package for hard-pressed families.

The ILCU survey had 730 respondents and found that the number of families taking out loans to cover back-to-school costs has tripled to 12%.

Teachta O’Rourke said:

“This survey undertaken by the ILCU found that one in three families will be forced into debt to send their children back to school this Autumn. This is shocking and shows the stark reality of the cost-of-living crisis.

“The average cost of sending a child back to school will be €1,450 for primary school parents and €1,560 for secondary school parents – up by €364 and €159, respectively, on 2024. Many parents have more than one child in school which doubles or triples that cost.

“In addition, 35% of parents said that they are forced to deny their children at least one back to school item. Most said that new gym gear is the item most likely to be missed.

“To add pressure to parent’s financial strains, the ILCU survey also found that 78% of schools ask for a so-called ‘voluntary’ contribution. These are often an essential measures for schools to make ends meet and to fill the ever-increasing gap in government funding, estimated to be in the region of €25,000 per primary school.

“It’s a similar picture at secondary level. Government must increase investment in our school system to match increasing costs in insurance, energy, electricity and elsewhere, and they should enact Sinn Féin’s Voluntary Contributions Bill to regulate this practice.

“It is time for this government to acknowledge the cost-of-living crisis and to respond to it with a cost-of-living package. In relation to schools, they point to free school books and hot school meals. While definitely welcome, it’s clear these measures do not go far enough to protect families from the increasing costs of education.

“What we need now is adequate investment in our schools and a cost-of-living package to support parents and families. I urge Minister McEntee and her government colleagues to heed the growing list of alarms and to implement a support package for parents and schools to help alleviate financial burden.”

Teacher supply crisis continues unabated under Minister McEntee – Darren O’Rourke TD

Monday 07th July 2025, 14:16 pm

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Education and Youth, Darren O’Rourke TD, has said the teacher supply crisis will likely get worse in Dublin and other urban areas due to the cost-of-living crisis, extortionate rents and the delayed implementation of the ‘Timebound Provision’.

Deputy O’Rourke was commenting on an article in the Irish Times which highlights that 1,800 teaching posts are still vacant for the upcoming school term.

Teachta O’Rourke said:

“There has been a serious lack of action from Minister McEntee and this government to prioritise filling vacant teaching roles.

“We know that the main reason schools in Dublin and other urban areas are struggling to fill teaching posts is because of extortionate rent prices in these areas. Many teachers, particularly newly qualified teachers, simply cannot afford to pay rent in Dublin and similar urban areas.

“Now, this government’s stubborn refusal to provide a cost-of-living package this year, is going to put teachers, schools and parents under even more financial pressure.

“Teacher unions have said that the supply crisis is being accentuated by the affordability of the profession for new entrants and unsustainable workloads. 1,228 of the 1,800 unfilled posts are in primary schools.

“Supersized classrooms have become widespread across the state with teachers being expected to work in overcrowded classrooms with little to no support. It is no wonder that there is a supply crisis when teachers are on the verge of burnout and feel a lack of support from the Department of Education.

“One measure that could have minimised the teacher supply crisis is the implementation of the timebound provision under the revised Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations.

“This provision is a temporary pathway designed specifically to assist teachers who have qualified outside of the state to register with the Teaching Council and complete their induction quicker.

“This provision was expected to be open for applications for Q1 of 2025. It was then pushed back to Q2 and is still unopen with recent responses suggesting it may be open in Q3 of the year.

“There are many teachers contacting me who have been unable to take a job in a school due to the delay in the implementation of this provision.

“There are teachers here who want to be teaching, but it has become increasingly difficult for so many, particularly those who didn’t study in the state.

“Comments from Minister for Higher Education, James Lawless TD, last week indicated that college fees will be pushed back up to €3000 this coming academic year. This hike in fees could prevent people from pursuing teaching in college, or push people to study abroad where fees, rent and the cost of living may be more affordable.

“Those students who do study abroad and choose to return to teach in our schools will be met with difficulty and delays with becoming registered with the Teaching Council. We already know that 13,540 unqualified individuals were employed in primary and post primary schools in 2023/2024. This must change.

“Other measures such as the teaching hours extension scheme which allows teachers on full teaching contracts to substitute up to an additional 35 hours per term have been implemented. Minister McEntee has said these are not long-term solutions but that she will continue to assist schools in accessing qualified teaching for the students in their schools.

“These words are completely hollow unless we see concrete action being taken by the Minister to address the cost-of-living crisis facing teachers in Dublin and other urban centres. The Minister must also work to get the timebound provision application open urgently, and to protect the supply of future teachers by reducing student fees.

“These vacancies need to be addressed immediately for schools to have adequate staff for reopening in September. I am again urging this government to treat this matter seriously and work to address these issues swiftly.”

Cllr Stephen Stokes Welcomes Application for New Coast Guard Station in Greystones

Friday 4th July 2025, 10:24 am

Cllr Stephen Stokes has welcomed the submission of a pre-validation planning application for a new, purpose-built Coast Guard Station at Greystones Harbour. It has been submitted by The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland. It marks a major step forward for local emergency response infrastructure. The long-awaited development has been on the agenda for over 15 years and could provide vital, modern facilities to support lifesaving rescue operations along the Wicklow coastline.

The proposed facility would consist of a single-storey boathouse and vehicle store with a flat roof, alongside a single-storey accommodation block with a mono-pitch roof. The building will cover a combined floor area of 257 square metres, with a maximum roof height of 7.8 metres above the adjacent public space. Cllr Stokes stated: “This is a project that I have campaigned for since the days of Greystones Town Council. It is a positive development to see it progress to the planning stage. However there is a bit to go, so hopefully this will be a new dawn, not another false dawn. Greystones is home to a dedicated Coast Guard unit, and it is simply unacceptable that they’ve had to operate for so long without appropriate facilities. This new station could provide an essential boost to the infrastructure that they need to save lives.”

The new development would enable more efficient emergency responses by providing secure, weatherproof storage for rescue vehicles and boats, along with essential crew facilities. It is expected to greatly enhance the operational capacity of the local Coast Guard team, which plays a critical role in responding to marine incidents and coastal emergencies. Cllr Stokes added: “We are indebted to all of our emergency services, including the Coast Guard. This development is about public safety. Every minute counts in an emergency, and this station will make a real difference when it matters most. The people of Greystones deserve this investment, and our Coast Guard team deserve our full support.”

The pre-validation planning application has now been submitted. Submissions can be made to Wicklow County Council until July 31st, 2025.

FINALLY! Slane Bypass Approved - Long Overdue Relief for Slane Residents and Meath Commuters

Tuesday 1st July 2025, 12:20 pm

Decades of tireless campaigning, relentless advocacy and countless meetings have finally borne fruit with the granting of approval for the Slane Bypass.

Aontú Cllr Emer says

“This is incredibly welcome news. Slane is historic and beautiful, but it isa VILLAGEand was wholly unsuitable for the huge volumes of traffic going through it. It was a deadly dangerous situation and sadly, lives were lost and irreparably changed through accidents.

Anytime I canvassed the area I was inundated with concerns from residents, and it was really their number one concern.

An estimated 17,000 vehicles trudge daily through the village via the N2 and N52, a staggering load for such a small, rural area. Anyone who has spent even a short time in

Slane will know how deeply unsuitable and dangerous this situation has been.

The approved project includes a 3.5km dual carriageway bypass, along with a 258-metre-long bridge over the River Boyne. Crucially, this will reroute heavy traffic away from the village, allowing Slane to regain its safety, tranquillity, and heritage charm.

Crucially, safety and peacewill now be restored, not only for motorists, but also for cyclists, pedestrians, visitors and residents who have long had to contend with noise, danger, and disruption.

This is not just a victory for Slane, it’s a huge development for Meath commuters, who according to the most recent census are the most hard-pressed in the country when it comes to journey times. Aontú has been fighting for the Navan Rail Line for years and years, so we are all too familiar with ‘commuter hell’.

This Slane bypass will bring significant reductions in both commuting times and fuel costs for thousands who rely on these key routes every day.

This is a day to celebrate a long-awaited step forward for Slane and for Meath and the next step in the process can’t come fast enough.

Minister McEntee must abandon plans to redesignate MGLD special schools - Darren O’Rourke TD

Wednesday 25th June 2025, 10:40 am

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Youth, Darren O’Rourke TD, has called for an immediate reversal of plans to redesignate special schools for children with mild general learning disabilities.

Deputy O’Rourke says the Minister for Education must halt plans to review the designation of special schools as it has been made clear that sending children with mild general learning disabilities (MGLD) to mainstream schools would be detrimental to their learning and development.

Speaking today, Teachta O’Rourke said:

“The Minister’s intention to redesignate MGLD resources will have an adverse effect on children. This decision would see many children with MGLD left with no alternative but to attend mainstream schools which would have a negative effect on their learning and development.

“History has shown us that children who have MGLD fall behind in mainstream school. These children require additional learning supports and time. The intention to redesignate MGLD supports will cause major strains and stress on school communities and will, of course, have an adverse impact on children with MGLD. There are serious concerns that children with MGLD may slip through the cracks in a mainstream school.

“There are 30 special schools catering for over 3,000 children with MGLD across the state. They benefit very significantly from the supportive setting. It makes no sense to change this approach now. Redesignations of special schools will have a serious effect on future generations of students with MGLD.

“This news of redesignation is already causing anxiety for students, parents, and school communities. I have had many calls and emails from school staff and parents urging this decision to be reversed due to the negative impacts it will have for their students and children.

“Parents of children with MGLD have told me how they have seen their children’s confidence and academics come on leaps and bounds in these special schools. We must continue to increase investment for these children and schools in order to provide an equal education for children with MGLD.

“I urge Minister McEntee to abandon her plan to redesignate MGLD resources due to the effect that it would have on children’s learning and development.

“We all recognise that there is a shortage of places for children with complex needs. The solution is to provide more spaces for those children not instead of places for children with MGLD but in addition to them. The Minister should abandon her plan.”

Ní Mhurchú to challenge legal basis of EU trade with Israel

Monday 23rd June 2025, 09:43 am

Ireland South MEP, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, a member of the EU Parliament’s Petitions Committee, has launched a formal petition to the European Parliament calling on the European Commission and Council to review Israel’s compliance with the human rights clause (Article 2) of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and determine whether continued trade with Israel remains compatible with EU law. She has also raised a legal query as to whether any EU arms sales to Israel are now compatible with EU law.

The formal petition asking the EU Commission and EU Council to investigate technical breaches of EU law in trading with and selling arms to Israel has been supported and co-signed by 27 Irish Senior Counsel and Barristers.

The petition submitted by Ní Mhurchú, a former barrister, requires the EU Commission and Council of Europe to….

• Assess the impact of recent military actions on EU-funded humanitarian projects and aid infrastructure in Gaza, and request a report from the EU Commission on how EU funds have been protected, obstructed, or destroyed.
• Ensure that the EU’s Common Position on arms exports is being properly applied, particularly with regard to the prohibition on transfers that may facilitate violations of international humanitarian law.
• Encourage the creation of a monitoring mechanism under the European External Action Service (EEAS) to ensure that EU-funded humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza is protected and fully aligned with EU humanitarian principles.

Ní Mhurchú says she is horrified at what is happening in Gaza and says she is using this legal mechanism to attempt to force the EU Commission into a suspension of trade with Israel and more importantly to force an end to EU arms shipments to Israel. Ní Mhurchú said she wants to hold the EU Commission accountable for their inaction on Israeli breaches of international law, but more importantly she wants to hold EU authorities accountable for specific breaches of EU law.

“Like most other right thinking people, I am horrified at what is happening in Gaza and feel powerless. I have continually lobbied the EU Commission and Ursula Von Der Leyen directly for a suspension of the EU/Israel trade agreement on the basis that Israel is violating human rights clauses in that agreement. We cannot trade with a regime that kills women and children with impunity. Now, we are trying the legal route to stop trade with Israel.

A European Parliament petition is a formal mechanism, recognised by the EU Treaties, where complaints, issues or questions of law can be brought up in a formal hearing setting where the EU Parliament, MEPs, and the EU Commission are in attendance. Such a Petition will force the EU Commission to answer and address a number of technical legal questions on the situation in Gaza, namely,

1. Is the continuation of the EU/Israel trade agreement compatible with EU law?
2. Is Israel interfering with EU aid and aid infrastructure and if so, what is the Commission planning to do on this?
3. Are any arms transfers to Israel from the EU in compliance with EU law?

The Petition, if accepted by the secretariat of the Petitions committee, will have a full hearing on the floor of the European Parliament in Brussels where EU Commission officials will have to answer very specific questions of law around our continued trade with Israel.

Ban them or cater for them – but stop ignoring illegally parked campervans

Thursday 19th June 2025, 12:48 pm

Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, a leading member of the EU Tourism Taskforce, has called on local authorities across Ireland to grant more planning permissions for facilities for campervans or invest in municipal campervan parks where no private facilities exist.

Ní Mhurchú has accused local authorities of putting their head in the sand when it comes to the regulation of, and opportunity provided by, camper van tourism.

Ní Mhurchú says that Ireland is way behind the rest of Europe when it comes to facilities for campervans. According to Ní Mhurchú, it is leading to a situation where campervans are parking illegally by our beaches and in public car parks annoying local residents in our coastal communities and causing friction.

“I would like to see more planning permissions given to camping and caravan parks and more supports for private existing campsites. Where no private facilities exist, local authorities should invest in modern basic facilities for campervan tourists that will allow them to dispose of waste, have showers, get water and power. Charge them a small fee for using these municipal camper van parks and reinvest that money back into the park”

According to Ní Mhurchú, illegally parked campervans are an eyesore at our beaches,

“Where are those campervans dumping their waste, grey water, sewerage and where are they getting water and sanitation?”

Camper van tourists spend money in the local restaurant, the local shop and buy groceries in the local supermarket. They are a valuable part of our tourism offering and we should have specific facilities that they can use and stay in the area.

Ní Mhurchú emphasised that she is only advocating for municipal facilities to be provided where existing private campsites do not exist.

Ní Mhurchú will raise the issue with EU Tourism chief, EU Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas when she meets with him in July. She will ask the EU Commissioner to consider EU funding supports to build these basic campervan facilities across Europe so that we can encourage a sustainable form of tourism that will reap rewards for coastal communities across Ireland and the EU.

Campervan culture has exploded since Covid as it becomes an increasingly popular way for Europeans to holiday. Travelling by road can be a more sustainable approach to exploration and adventure.

Aontú All-Ireland Presidential Voting Rights Bill passes first stage in the Dáil - Tóibín

Wednesday 18th June 2025, 09:54 pm

Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín has today moved the First Stage of the Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Voting Rights in Presidential Elections) Bill 2025, which will extend Presidential voting rights to citizens in the North.

Speaking after the Bill passed its First Stage, the Meath West TD said:

"The purpose of the Aontú Bill is to ensure that all adult citizens living in Ireland, north and south are entitled under law to vote in a Presidential election.

Shockingly, an Irish citizen in the north can stand in a presidential election, win a presidential election, be the president of Ireland, but can’t vote in a presidential election. Imagine the joy that Irish citizens in the north of Ireland would experience, if for 1st time since 1918, they could democratically participate as equal Irish citizens in an all-Ireland election. That they currently cannot means we are operating a two-tier citizenship.

This is not a zero-sum proposal. Affording Irish citizens the right to vote in the north does not remove one right from our Unionist brothers and sisters.

I understand that all political parties in the South have at one time or another stated that they support the right of Irish citizens in the north of Ireland to vote in presidential elections. Yet, it is the Irish Government that is withholding democratic rights from 700,000 Irish people in the North. That is shocking. It is anti-democratic.

We are now putting legislation into action to right an historic wrong.

It's not within the power of Westminster nor Stormont. Neither has the power to grant this right to Irish citizens. This is in the gift of the Dáil and so we are acting here.

Opinion polls show that the vast majority of Irish people in the south of Ireland favour a referendum on a united Ireland.

This Bill facilitates a real and practical step towards democratic self-determination.

The Aontú proposal is not unusual. In many countries – including European countries such as France and Poland – citizens of the state who are not resident in the jurisdiction, can still vote in presidential elections. On foot of Aontú announcing this bill, Sinn Féin tabled a non-binding motion in Stormont calling for the same objective.

The motion was carried with a majority of elected of MLAs in Stormont. This is significant. The polls indicate that the majority of Irish people are in favour of this Bill. The majority of parties here in the Dáil say that they support the objective and a majority of MLAs voted to support the objective.

Yet there has been no progress - I believe that this is due to party politics. I believe that party self-interest is eclipsing the national interest.

In working towards the re-introduction of this Bill, I contacted all Party Leaders to ask them to co-sign it as we wanted to make it a cross-party issue. Two parties replied, Independent Ireland, who co-signed the Bill and the Green Party, which said that they will support it. No other party replied, not even Sinn Féin.

As this Bill progresses through the Dáil, it will require time and it will require votes. We are again today calling on all those parties who have said they would support this important Bill to openly do so, and together we can re-enfranchise those in the North who wish to vote for their Head of State."

Prioritising phone pouches at a time when schools are struggling to cover basic costs is madness - Darren O’Rourke TD

Friday 13th June 2025, 14:54 pm

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Youth, Darren O’Rourke TD, has criticised the government’s instruction given to non-fee charging schools that funding of €25 per student is to be spent solely on phone pouches at a time when so many schools are struggling to pay their running costs.

Teachta O’Rourke said:

“It is complete madness that non-fee charging schools are being allocated €25 per pupil for mobile phone storage solutions while they are struggling to pay their most basic bills.

“This policy is a slap in the face to principals, teachers, SNAs and parents who are confronting shortages in special needs supports, dated and crumbling infrastructure, and increased running costs.

“The Department of Education’s decision to prioritise phone storage, instead of providing educational resources and funding speaks volumes about its skewed priorities. Schools are fundraising for essentials like heating, insurance costs and modern resources, to prioritise phone pouches is utterly baffling.

“Minister McEntee needs to start listening to the real concerns from principals and teachers. This funding would be better served on improving run down infrastructure and investing in modern technology and resources for students.

“I urge Minister McEntee to reverse this wasteful policy and to prioritise the bigger issues facing schools.”

4,020 families in Meath to benefit from Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance – Senator Linda Nelson Murray

Wednesday 11th June 2025, 12:13 pm

Families across Meath will be supported with the cost of sending their children back to school, said a Fine Gael Senator

Senator Linda Nelson said €54.4 million has been secured nationally for the scheme this year to help eligible families.

“The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance provides a really important once-off payment to the 4,020 eligible families in Meath towards the cost of school clothing and footwear.

“The rate of payment for 2025 is €160 for children aged 4 - 11 and €285 for children aged 12 years and over in second level education. It will be paid during the week beginning 14^thJuly and majority of payments will be paid automatically with no application required.

“I know the pressure families can be under with back-to-school costs, and this allowance will go a long way in helping people.

“I urge all families to check their eligibility for this important scheme and encourage any family who do not receive notification from the Department of an automated payment to make an application online onwww.MyWelfare.ie.

“The Scheme itself is extremely important in terms of easing that financial burden associated with the purchase of uniforms and shoes ahead of the new school term.Fine Gael are deeply conscious of the need to continue to support families”, concluded Senator Linda Nelson Murray

€427,643 in funding for social housing stock in Meath – Senator Linda Nelson Murray

Monday 09th June 2025, 11:37 am

€427,643 in funding for social housing will help address the needs of older people, people with a disability and overcrowding, said a Fine Gael Senator.

Senator Linda Nelson Murray said €23m in funding is being provided for local authorities across Ireland to carry out adaptations, extensions and other improvements to their existing social housing stock.

“I am delighted to see that €427,643 has been allocated for Meath. This funding will help improve housing conditions for older tenants and those with disabilities.

“It will also help tackle overcrowding in social housing and offer an alternative for those currently living in overcrowded private accommodation.

“This Disabled Persons Grant ensures homes are adapted to allow older people and those with disabilities to continue living independently, while also addressing overcrowding.

“This scheme funds essential home modifications for people with mobility or disability needs. These include minor adaptations like stair-lifts, ramps, and grab rails, larger projects such as extensions to reduce overcrowding as well as creating accessible spaces like a downstairs bedroom, en-suite, or wet-room.

“These grants so important for meeting the needs of local authority tenants and those awaiting social housing in Meath and play a key role in enabling people with disabilities to continue living autonomously.

“Fine Gael is committed to enabling older and disabled people to continue to live independently”, concluded Senator Linda Nelson Murray

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Workers’ Rights, Deputy Johnny Guirke, Calls for Worker Protections and Consultation Amid Wellman’s’ Examinership

Wednesday 4th June 2025, 11:31 am

Sinn Féin TD Johnny Guirke has called for the urgent need to protect workers’ rights during the examinership process at Wellman’s in Mullagh. Deputy Guirke attended a briefing this morning with management to discuss the process of examinership as the company navigates this challenging period, it is vital that workers are not left vulnerable and that their voices are fully heard along with their unions.

The company employs 217 people and is the largest European producer of recycled polyester fibres. It began operations in Mullagh in March 1973, and the site was acquired by Indorama Ventures in 2011. The company has reported losses in the double-digit millions across 2023 and 2024, driven by increased energy prices following geopolitical conflicts and fierce competition from low-priced imports from China, Africa, and the Middle East.

Reacting to the news, Sinn Féin TD Johnny Guirke stated:

"The news of Wellman’s entering examinership is concerning for all workers involved. During such uncertain times, workers must be at the heart of any decision-making process. They deserve full transparency, meaningful consultation, and assurances that their rights and livelihoods will be protected."

He continued:

"The government must step up and provide robust support to ensure that workers are looked after are not sacrificed in the pursuit of corporate restructuring. It is essential that every effort is made to safeguard jobs and uphold workers’ rights throughout this examinership process."

Deputy Guirke has also called on the Ministers for Enterprise and Social Protection, urging their immediate intervention. He calls on the government to support the workers, facilitate their consultation, and ensure that their interests are prioritized during this critical period.

Deputy Guirke stated ‘Myself and my colleagues in Sinn Féin stand in solidarity with the workers at Wellman’s and all employees facing uncertainty.

ReUnity of Ireland and accountability in Government at Aontú’s Ard Fheis

Wednesday 28th May 2025, 08:25 am

The reunification of Ireland, neutrality, housing, crime and justice,disabilityand healthcare services, together with the ongoing chaotic mismanagement of immigration were all centre stage atAontú’sweekend Ard Fheis.

The event, the 5^th since the party’s foundation in 2019 took place in GormanstownCo. Meath.

Meath is constituency of party leader, Deputy Peadar Tóibín and Cllrs Emer Tóibín and Dave Boyne.

Hundreds of delegates debated more than 140 motions, deciding and voting on new policy across a wide range of pressing local and national issues.

On foot of the Ard Fheis Cllr Emer Tóibín who represents MeathEast says

“Our focus as always is on constructive solutions and a clear path forward. Speakers and members alike contributed ideas groundedin reality anddriven by a deep desire to see real change in Irish life and governance. Delegate after delegate offered a frank and thorough critique of government inertia and mismanagement, evidenced by the scandal of homelessness in a country awash with money, the spectre of little children waiting in agony for long promised scoliosis treatments while others have undergone painful and unnecessary hip surgery, the billions spent on IPAS accommodation, the children’s hospital which is increasingly like the Irish mythological island of Hy-Brasilas it’s becoming more and more distant as time goes on; the glaring lack of accountability is strangling our people. We are constantly saying that if there are no serious consequences for Government ineptitude and its cavalier and autocratic attitude, people are doomed to have to put up with much less than they deserve”.

We persevere with a can-do work ethic underpinned by common sense — a hallmark of our movement. This is evident in our growing, country-wide activism, with 68 active Cumann operating north and south. Membership is increasing steadily, and more young candidates are stepping forward to contest elections at both local and national level.

Aontú’sgrowing membership reflects a broad cross-section of Irish political life, made up of former members of FiannaFáil, Sinn Féin, Fine Gael, Independents, Greens and many who are entirely new to politics. For many, the lack of a candidate to vote for in recent elections has been a compelling motivation for getting involved. Disenchantment and cynicism have taken a strong hold of the public mood. Aontú is here to offer a hopeful and viable alternative. We are possibly the best example of true pluralism in Irish politics today”.

The energy and passion at last Saturday’s Ard Fheiswastruly fantastic and heartwarming. What stood out most was the genuine desire and determination to improve people’s lives. That commitment is real. It's on the ground, rooted in our communities. Aontú is building something different, something honest, and something urgently needed”.

It’s remarkable to think of what we have achieved in five short years and it can only get better for all.

Minister McEntee must not ignore science teachers’ concerns on Leaving Cert reform - Darren O’Rourke TD

Wednesday 14th May 2025, 12:35 pm

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Youth, Darren O’Rourke TD, says Minister McEntee must not ignore science teachers' concerns on Leaving Certificate reform.

Speaking in the Dáil on statements on Innovation and Research, Teachta O’Rourke said:

“The concerns of science teachers and their representatives in the Irish Science Teachers Association (ISTA) are well- and long-articulated in relation to the Minister’s accelerated approach to Leaving Cert reform and Senior Cycle Redevelopment.

“They have raised serious concerns in relation to funding for schools, the digital divide and additional assessment components (AAC), and the impacts of proposed reforms on educational standards. There is also concern that the current approach will keep advantage on advantage and disadvantage on disadvantage.

“Extreme concern has been raised around the proposed leaving certificate reforms, warning that without urgent and significant funding and investment in school laboratories and resources, these changes will have an unfair and unbalanced effect on students.

“Under-resourced schools will be left behind if these proposals are implemented. Many schools lack adequate laboratory facilities, trained technicians and essential equipment. This creates an uneven playing field, where students’ results may depend more on their school’s resources than their own ability.

“Furthermore, there is a risk to standards, which has continuously been raised by science teachers. They have warned of the potential dilution of scientific rigour in the Leaving Certificate. Without proper and adequate resourcing, there is a real danger that results could become a lottery, again, depending on school facilities rather than student merit.

“Issues have been raised with regards AACs and in particular the process for supervision and authentication of this individual piece of work. Setting this component at at least 40% is extreme. Evidence shows, at this level, the incentive for cheating is very strong.

“Significantly, without proper management to ensure quality and confidence in the system, there is a real possibility that students will vote with their feet and move away from science subjects. Students could turn away from science if they feel that these subjects are unfairly assessed or are inaccessible due to poor resourcing. We have already seen a 33% decrease in students taking up Agricultural Science as a subject, for example.

“Agricultural Science, as a subject, has already been through this reform process, of course. All this at a time when we need to increase the number and quality of science graduates – as outlined in the STEM Policy Statement 2026. Minister McEntee’s proposal will risk discouraging the next generation from pursuing careers in STEM, a critical sector for Ireland’s future.

“What the government must do is prioritise immediate capital investment, a dedicated fund to upgrade science laboratories in all secondary schools, ensuring every student has access to high-quality practical learning. Schools should be provided laboratory technicians for teaching science subjects.

“Threatening teachers' wages, bullying them to get behind reforms is wrong, what must happen is adequate consultation and engagement with schools and teachers to ensure everyone is ready, prepared and capable of implementing these reforms.

“Standards must be protected, and assurances must be made to protect the integrity of the Leaving Certificate so that results reflect students abilities and not their schools resources.

“The government cannot proceed with Leaving Cert reforms on the cheap. If they continue going this way, they will risk deepening existing inequalities and risk turning students away from science altogether. We need investment, not just ideology, to deliver a system that is fair, rigorous and fit for purpose.”

Minister must heed Teacher warnings on Senior Cycle Reform - Darren O’Rourke TD

Wednesday 23rd April 2025, 09:23 am

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Youth, Darren O’Rourke TD, has urged Minister Helen McEntee to listen to the serious concerns of teachers as reflected at their annual conferences this week.

Speaking from the ASTI convention in Killarney, Teachta O’Rourke said:

“As teacher unions gather this week to discuss critical issues in education, I am urging the Minister for Education to listen to their serious concerns about the proposed Senior Cycle reforms. Teachers are on the frontlines of our education system, and their warnings cannot be ignored.

“The current reform plans, pushed forward without meaningful engagement with educators, risk undermining the quality and fairness of our Leaving Certificate. Teachers have raised valid concerns about workload pressures, inadequate resources, and the potential for increased inequality under the proposed changes, including due to the impact of Artificial Intelligence.

“The Minister must pause this rushed process and engage in genuine consultation with all stakeholders, particularly the professionals who deliver education every day. Reforms must enhance, not hinder, the learning experience for students.

“Sinn Féin supports modernising education, but it must be done right - with proper planning, investment, and collaboration. The Minister’s approach risks alienating the very people tasked with implementing these changes.

“I stand with teachers in calling for a pause and re-engagement. The future of our young people is too important to get wrong.”

Copyright © All Rights Reserved