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Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has called for the new phase of planning for the State examinations to be expedited to end the ongoing uncertainty for Leaving Certificate students. Minister Foley today confirmed that a new phase of planning would include both the provision of Leaving Certificate examinations while also exploring a corresponding non-examination process. […]

Tá sé fógartha ag na Daonlathaithe Sóisialta nach cuimsitheach ná cumhachtach go leor é Bille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, in ainneoin na 300 leasuithe a bhí molta ag lucht an fhreasúra nuige seo, agus céad leasú astu diúltaithe. “Tá pobail áirithe na Gaeilge timpeall na tíre seo, idir muintir na Gaeltachta go cainteoirí agus teaghlaigh lán-Ghaeilge, […]

Reacting to today’s Government announcement on the extension of Level 5 restrictions, Gary Gannon TD, Social Democrats spokesperson for Education, said: “Vague promises to reopen schools as early as possible will be of little comfort to parents and students. In the absence of an agreement with all stakeholders, the Government’s stated intention to prioritise the […]

Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has said we should mark International Day of Education today by reflecting on the vital role that our schools play in society. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson for Education, said: “Covid-19 has made it clear that our schools and school community provide more than just places to learn […]

Speaking in the Dáil this evening, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon called on the Minister for Education to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions over the reopening of schools for children with additional needs and continue to seek a pathway to a solution with all stakeholders. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson for Education, […]

Responding to remarks today from the Taoiseach that the Leaving Certificate needs to be reformed, Social Democrats spokesperson for Education, Gary Gannon TD, commented: “The needs of the 2021 students must be the impetus for lasting change when it comes to the Leaving Certificate examinations. “The Department of Education needs to hear the calls from […]

– Minister must set out return to school plan Education Minister Norma Foley needs to immediately reconvene talks and deliver a return to school plan for students with additional needs, according to Social Democrats Education spokesperson Gary Gannon. Commenting, Deputy Gannon said: “There is a need to identify exactly what measures must be put in […]

Social Democrats spokesperson on Education, Gary Gannon TD, has said that Education Minister Norma Foley needs to spell out a safe and speedy return to the classroom for students with additional needs when she addresses the Dáil this afternoon. Deputy Gannon said: “The immediate focus now must be on a pathway to resolve the education […]

Priority for in-person learning must be based on the wellbeing and needs of the students, according to the Social Democrats. Gary Gannon TD, spokesperson for Education, stated: “Throughout this week I have highlighted the need for us to prioritise our most vulnerable students by using a similar model to the UK. While I have welcomed […]

Responding to the news that the Government will abandon plans for Leaving Certificate students to return to schools for three days a week next week, Social Democrats spokesperson for Education, Gary Gannon TD said: “The decision of the Minister of Education and the Department to reopen schools for three days a week for sixth year […]

Social Democrats spokesperson for Education, Gary Gannon TD, believes that the Government should use this opportunity to bring about permanent reform of the Leaving Certificate instead of concentrating on sending exam students back to school next week. Speaking after today’s Government’s decision to allow Leaving Cert students to return to school for three days a […]

With schools to remain closed until the end of January, Social Democrats spokesperson for Education, Gary Gannon TD, has called on the Government to develop a national strategy to support remote learning for teachers and students. Deputy Gannon stated: “It had become increasingly clear that schools would not be able to reopen next week and […]

School leaders and communities should not be expected to have to come up with a solution for continuing with education during the Covid-19 crisis. That’s according to Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central and spokesperson for Education, Gary Gannon. Speaking ahead of a briefing for Opposition spokespersons by the Minister for Education this afternoon, Deputy […]

Social Democrats spokesperson for Education, Gary Gannon TD, has welcomed confirmation from the Department of Social Protection that funding for the school meals programme will be made available over the Christmas period for any school participating in the scheme that wishes to avail of it. Deputy Gannon said: “It is important to get the message […]