Mandatory Gaeltacht course should form part of the Leaving Certificate, says Tipperary TD
A Tipperary TD has called for all Leaving Cert students to visit the Gaeltacht as part of the state exam.
Fianna Fáil's education spokesperson and Tipperary North TD, Ryan O'Meara, is calling for a mandatory Gaeltacht course to be introduced for all Leaving Certificate students.
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RTÉ News
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Harris says Govt 'not rowing back' on hospitality VAT cut
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The Journal
2 days ago
- The Journal
'Important step': Ban on services must be included in Occupied Territories Bill, committee says
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We can talk about financial, political [repercussions] but there is a serious moral issue here… We are a small country but we are a proud country with moral standards.' Needs to be enacted as soon as possible Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, has welcomed the committee's recommendation stating that the message to government is clear: 'We cannot have a watered-down Occupied Territories Bill. We need it to be comprehensive, we need it to have teeth and we need it enacted as soon as possible.' Related Reads Gaza mother: 'My children ask for food, and I can give them nothing' Simon Harris says he will try to make a 'national day of protest over Gaza' happen EU tells Israel to 'stop killing people' who are seeking food and aid 'It is a hugely significant step forward that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade has recommended that the government legislation on the Occupied Territories include a ban on not only trade in goods, but also trade in services. 'The situation that we see on our television screens and on our phones on a daily basis is intolerable – we are seeing deliberate starvation and human suffering on an incredible scale, and we are seeing people shot as they queue for aid. The world cannot simply look on,' he said. The committee launching its report in Leinster House in front of the media. Senator Alice-Mary Higgins, who is a member of the committee and co-sponsor of the Original Occupied Territories Bill introduced by Senator Frances Black in 2018, welcomed the report and its strong recommendations, particularly the recommendation to end trade in both goods and services from illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. 'A euro of support is a euro of support' Speaking on the launch, Senator Higgins stated: 'The report is clear, there should be no dilution and no delays. The Committee want to see the Bill advanced as 'a matter of urgency' and believe it should include a prohibition of both goods and services in line with our obligations under international law.' Conor O'Neill, Christian Aid Ireland's Head of Policy and spokesperson for the Campaign to Pass the Occupied Territories Bill, said the committee has made it abundantly clear that Ireland needs to act. 'Ultimately, it doesn't matter whether you're importing a box of olives produced on stolen Palestinian farmland or booking a holiday rental in a stolen Palestinian home on a service platform like Airbnb. 'A euro of support is a euro of support, and the ICJ was clear that all of it has to end. We are calling on the government to listen to the Foreign Affairs Committee and the ICJ and pass a full, effective Occupied Territories Bill as soon as the Dáil resumes in September,' he said. With reporting from Jane Matthews Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Concern over ‘rushed' Leaving Certificate changes for nine subjects in WEEKS amid AI fears and ‘high stress' blast
MAJOR concerns have been raised over "rushed" changes to several Leaving Certificate subjects from September. Changes are set to take effect to the Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Arabic, Latin and Ancient Greek subjects in just a few weeks. A new subject, Climate Action and Sustainable Development, has also been added to the senior cycle curriculum. The changes will see 40 per cent of a overall marks come as a result of assessments such as project work, oral exams, or practical assessments. The remaining 60 per cent of marks will be made up from a traditional written exam. The move has been made in an attempt to more widely asses a student's capabilities and reflect progress from throughout the year, not just on exam day. READ MORE IN NEWS Similar structures are already in use for certain subjects such as Irish, where the oral exam forms 40 per cent of marks, art, where a project makes up 50 per cent of marks and music, where a practical exam makes up 50 per cent of marks. Design and Communication Graphics also has a similar marking scheme, with 40 per cent of marks coming from project work. However, ASTI raised concerns over damage to education quality and a rise in inequality over September's changes. ASTI President and Donegal school teacher Padraig Curley blasted the "sweeping changes" despite objections from teachers. Most read in Irish News He said: "Sweeping changes to the Leaving Cert are coming this September, despite major concerns about the use of AI in Leaving Cert Additional Assessment Components, the widening of inequalities amongst students, and a lack of adequate training for teachers.' Ireland's oldest Leaving Cert student awaits results as grandson to sit exams next year Curley claimed teachers will be "left grappling" with the changes in September. He said: "Last May almost 20,000 ASTI members voted down a proposed package of support measures because they failed to address teachers' most significant concerns. "The ASTI's priority is to enter a viable process which allows for teachers' real and valid concerns to be voiced and addressed. "We call on Minister McEntee to do everything in her power to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.' 'Classroom teachers will be left grappling with the unknown this September. FURTHER CHANGES "In addition, many teachers of biology, chemistry and physics face implementing new subject specifications in the absence of the necessary lab space, equipment and training for teachers. "This is a recipe for high stress for both students and their teachers.' The changes will kick in for new senior cycle students just days after thousands of outgoing students receive their exam results on August 22. And the changes will keep on coming after September of this year. English, Geography, and Physical Education will also adopt the new format from 2027. Additional subjects such as Drama, Film, and Theatre Studies will also be offered to leaving cert students. 1 Students starting fifth year in September will be impacted Credit: David Jones/PA Wire
