Latest news with #HelenMcEntee
Extra.ie
2 days ago
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Poll: Teachers ought to have same holidays as civil service
Almost half of us believe that teachers' months-long summer holidays should be in line with other public service jobs. Up to 30% of respondents are opposed to the change, while 25% don't know if holidays should be altered. Some 46% of the 1,000 people surveyed in the poll believes teachers should be treated like other public servants. The support is similar among the over-35s, with 50% of people aged 35 to 54 believing teachers' lengthy breaks need to be changed, 49% of those aged 55-64, and 48% of those aged 65-plus. Just 36% of under-35s want them aligned to other public service jobs. Almost half of us believe that teachers' months-long summer holidays should be in line with other public service jobs. Pic: File Education Minister Helen McEntee has defended the length of schools' summer holidays, saying they offer people a chance to 'take a break'. She acknowledged that it was a challenge for parents in need of childcare, and said that any decision on changing the length of the school year would require a considered approach. There has been some commentary in recent weeks that the length of the school holidays – three months for secondary schools and two months for primary schools – is outdated, as Ireland has some of the longest school breaks in Europe. Visiting a primary school last week in Clondalkin, Dublin, where children were taking part in a summer programme for two weeks, Ms McEntee said: 'I'm here in a school where you have principals, teachers, [and] SNAs, who are working and supporting children throughout the summer. Education Minister Helen McEntee has defended the length of schools' summer holidays, saying they offer people a chance to 'take a break'. Pic: Stephen Collins /Collins Photos 'What we find, particularly for our secondary schools, is they're actually coming back earlier now, in August, so the Leaving Cert results will be out from the 22nd, some students are actually in that week and, in fact, the following week is when a lot of schools are coming back. 'Our teachers work hard. Our schools are very active throughout the year. I think the time taken throughout the summer gives everybody a chance to take a break.' The children at St Mary's Junior National School in Clondalkin learn literacy and numeracy, and how to bake, as part of the summer programme to support children, including those with special educational needs. Some 1,800 schools are participating in the programme this year, including 80 special schools – an increase of 16% from last year. Pic: File Some 1,800 schools are participating in the programme this year, including 80 special schools – an increase of 16% from last year. Ms McEntee said the programme began 'with a particular emphasis on special education'. She continued: 'For children with additional needs, to have that structure and to have that focus is really, really important. And I think there was an acknowledgement that to have that extra support throughout the summer is something that would be hugely beneficial, not just for the students but also for the parents. 'It's since expanded. It's not just a focus on special schools or additional needs, it's a focus on our Deis schools, making sure that where children – and it's not all children that access the programme – but if there is that need there to have that extra support, throughout the summer, it's there. It's also fun.' Ms McEntee did acknowledge 'the challenges for parents when it comes to childcare, when it comes to the fact that in many households you have both parents working full-time. Pic: Eamonn Farrell/ Ms McEntee did acknowledge 'the challenges for parents when it comes to childcare, when it comes to the fact that in many households you have both parents working full-time, so the summer does pose challenges. 'I think any changes to summer breaks, any changes to holidays, that's something that would always have to be considered in engagement and consultation with schools, with teachers, with parents'. Ms McEntee announced a National Convention on Education to inform a long-term strategy for primary and secondary education. Professor Anne Looney, who will chair the convention, said she was looking forward to being involved in ensuring 'we give our learners and those who work with them the best opportunities to flourish and succeed'. The teachers' unions, ASTI, INTO, and TUI, were contacted for comment.
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
‘I'm angry that my abuse as a child does not count' – State must pay for school sexual abuse
Minister for Education Helen McEntee stated recently that those responsible for historical sexual abuse in schools must pay. She is right. But let us be very clear. This includes the State. It cannot be erased or ignored that 11 years ago, following the case taken by Louise O'Keeffe , the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) established that the Irish State had – and continues to have – a positive duty to take steps to protect children from abuse and to provide an effective remedy for those who have suffered sexual abuse in Irish schools. The ECHR ruled the State had been aware of the level of sexual crime by adults against minors in Ireland. The court made it clear the State bears a stand-alone responsibility to every child abused in State schools for its failure, until the early 1990s, to implement national child protection measures. It cannot outsource that responsibility to religious organisations, nor hide behind procedural defences. The Government is well aware of this judgment and is legally bound to comply with it. As recently as January 2024, a plan was submitted to the ECHR, updating it on State progress 'to abide by the final judgment of the European Court of Human Rights ...' which includes the State paying redress of €84,000 to survivors of sexual abuse in schools. READ MORE Strangely, and extremely worryingly, the interdepartmental group who recently published their report on the recommendations of the scoping inquiry, seem to be completely unaware of the European Court decision, or have chosen to act as if Ireland is not party to the European Convention on Human Rights. Their report includes the assertion: 'It has been concluded in case law, at Supreme Court level, that the State does not have such liability.' What the report fails to say is that the European Court of Human Rights directly rejected this view in the O'Keeffe judgment. Survivors have already waited far too long and suffered too much. They cannot now be told that the justice they are owed can only be delivered if and when the State manages somehow to make the churches open their coffers Notwithstanding the fact that the State has failed miserably so far to adequately implement the ruling, it seems extraordinary that senior Government officials should now ignore its very existence. This contradiction raises a more fundamental question about the position of the Government and State with regard to its ECHR obligations. In Europe, the Government has accepted the ECHR ruling and engaged with the court regarding its progress in implementing its terms, albeit it has thrown so many obstacles in front of survivors that to date, only 158 have received redress. At home, the Government is denying its existence, and further delaying justice for the many, increasingly ageing, survivors of abuse. Is it possible that despite what Ireland's representatives are saying in Strasbourg, some elements of the State infrastructure still do not accept the rulings of the European Court? [ Why are the experiences of people, like me, who were resident in Temple Hill forgotten? Opens in new window ] So, what is it exactly that the State is saying to victims of sexual abuse in schools? Can the Government confirm that it accepts the ruling of the European Court which found that the State does bear a responsibility for abuse that occurred in schools? Can it confirm that it will now, finally, deliver redress and fulfil its own obligations to those victims who have waited far too long for justice? To be clear, the legal strategies adopted by religious organisations to avoid restitution to victims are unconscionable. And there are many who – rightly – applaud the Taoiseach when he stated it is the Government's 'intention, commitment and determination' to make religious organisations pay compensation for the abuse they inflicted on children in schools. It is also important to make clear that any individual or private organisation responsible for the abuse of children should be held liable – under both criminal and civil law. But this is not an either/or situation. The Government has overarching responsibility for ensuring survivors of abuse receive appropriate redress. Of course, it should use every power it has to force the churches to make reparations from their very considerable wealth. However, this should have absolutely no impact on its own obligation to fully implement the O'Keeffe judgment immediately and deliver the redress for which it has responsibility. Survivors have already waited far too long and suffered too much. They cannot now be told that the justice they are owed can only be delivered if and when the State manages somehow to make churches open their coffers for the schools they ran on behalf of the State. Meanwhile, current State policy is to leave victims and survivors spending years trying to navigate a complex and hostile legal terrain. This is not justice. This is retraumatising victims. [ Sex abuse in schools: State accused of ignoring its liability for redress Opens in new window ] For example, last December, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission wrote to the Minister for Education as part of our ongoing work in pursuit of redress for some of Louise O'Keeffe's classmates at Dunderrow National School (not a religious school) who had been similarly abused. To date, there has been no response from the Government. The 'Dunderrow women' have been known to the State for decades because, like Louise O'Keeffe, many of them provided statements to An Garda Síochána – the very statements that led to prosecution and conviction of their abuser. On hearing of the latest investigation and further delays of redress, one of the Dunderrow women said: 'I feel outraged that the Irish Government haven't put the redress scheme in place for all survivors of sexual abuse. I'm extremely angry that my abuse is not of concern to the Minister, that my abuse as a young girl, a child, does not count. I feel left out and worthless.' McEntee has said those responsible must pay. That means the State. A redress scheme must be established immediately, without the arbitrary and discriminatory conditions in the previous schemes, regardless of any new commission of investigation's outcome. The State must finally comply with the O'Keeffe judgment in full, and it must do so now. Survivors have waited long enough. Justice, truth and dignity, demand no less. Liam Herrick is chief commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
Education Minister defends length of school summer holidays in Ireland
The Education Minister has defended the length of schools' summer holidays, saying they offer people a chance to "take a break". Helen McEntee acknowledged that it was a challenge for parents in need of childcare, and any decision on changing the length of the school year would require a considered approach. There has been some commentary in recent weeks that the length of the school holidays – three months for secondary schools and two months for primary – are out of date, as Ireland has some of the longest school breaks in Europe. Visiting a Clondalkin primary school on Thursday, where children were taking part in a summer programme for two weeks, Ms McEntee said: "I'm here in a school where you have principals, teachers, SNAs, who are working and supporting children throughout the summer. "We've always had a particular time period for school holidays. "What we find, particularly for our secondary schools, is that they're actually coming back earlier now, in August, so the Leaving Cert results will be out from the 22nd, some students are actually in that week and, in fact, the following week is when a lot of schools are coming back. "Our teachers work hard, our schools are very active throughout the year. I think the time that's taken throughout the summer gives everybody a chance to take a break." A view of the summer programme at St Mary's Junior National School in Clondalkin, Dublin. It features baking, literacy and outdoor classes for students over the summer break. Picture date: Thursday July 24, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Grainne Ni Aodha/PA Wire The children at St Mary's Junior National School learn literacy and numerical skills, and how to bake, as part of the summer programme, which gives educational support to children, including those with special educational needs. They can also paint in the school's outdoor wooden classroom, called the sun room, which was funded by the Arts Council. Ms McEntee said 1,800 schools are taking part in the summer programme this year, including 80 special schools, a 16 per cent increase on last year. Asked if the activity of the summer programme suggested the summer break was too long, she said the programme initially began "with a particular emphasis on special education". "For children with additional needs, to have that structure and to have that focus, is really, really important. 'And I think there was an acknowledgement that to have that extra support throughout the summer is something that would be hugely beneficial, not just for the students, but also for the parents. "It's obviously since expanded, it's not just a focus on special schools or additional needs, it's a focus on our DEIS schools, making sure that where children – and it's not all children that access the programme – but if there is that need there to have that extra support, that structure throughout the summer, it's there. Education Minister Helen McEntee (left) and junior minister Emer Higgins (centre) during a visit to the summer programme at St Mary's Junior National School in Clondalkin, Dublin. It features baking, literacy and outdoor classes for students over the summer break. Picture date: Thursday July 24, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Grainne Ni Aodha/PA Wire "It's also fun. "I do acknowledge, I have to say, the challenges for parents when it comes to childcare, when it comes to the fact that in many households you have both parents working now full time, so the summer does pose challenges. "But you know, I think any changes to summer breaks, any changes to holidays, that's something that would always have to be considered in engagement and consultation with schools, with teachers, with parents, with families overall." Ms McEntee also announced a National Convention on Education, to inform a long-term strategy for primary and secondary education in Ireland. Professor Anne Looney, who will chair the convention, said in a statement she was looking forward to being involved in ensuring "we give our learners and those who work with them the best opportunities to flourish and succeed." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Change to summer holiday period would require widespread consultation, says McEntee
The summer break poses 'challenges' for parents but any changes to holidays would have to be considered following consultation with schools, teachers and families, the Minister for Education has said. Helen McEntee said the issue may come up as part of a new convention on education announced by the Government on Thursday. The Fine Gael TD said schools are 'very active' throughout the year and summer holidays 'gives everybody a chance to take a break'. Ms McEntee also pointed to 1,800 primary schools that are participating in the summer programme , which caters for pupils with complex special educational needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage. READ MORE 'There's a lot of things happening over the summer, whether it's school camps, different types of sports or activities ... but I do acknowledge the challenges for parents when it comes to childcare ... that in many households you have both parents now working full-time,' she told reporters in Clondalkin, west Dublin. 'So the summer does pose challenges, but I think any changes to summer breaks, any changes to holidays, that's something that would always have to be considered in engagement and consultation with schools, with teachers, with parents, with families overall.' The Minister said she would like to see the reduction in the student contribution fee for higher education maintained. Third-level fees have been reduced to €2,000 as 'once-off' cost-of-living measures for the past three years. However, Minister for Higher Education James Lawless signalled late last month that a previous €1,000 reduction to fees would no longer apply after the Government decided there will be no cost-of-living package in the 2026 budget. 'There's a very clear commitment in the programme for government that we would continue to reduce it, and as someone who was leading the negotiations from the Fine Gael point of view, that is a very strong commitment that we've made, and one that we intend to see through,' Ms McEntee said. 'Obviously, any budget discussions have yet to happen or they'll be happening now over the summer months into October, and it will be for every individual Minister to set out exactly what their plans are and what their overall budget is, but we've made very clear commitments, and it's something that we want to see continue.' Separately, the Minister said that while it is important for there to be flexibility and structure at a Government level in terms of remote working, there must be 'autonomy' within companies also. AIB has moved to require staff eligible for hybrid working to return to its branches and offices three days a week on a phased basis, introducing the tightest rules among Irish retail banks. 'Ultimately, companies do have to make decisions based on what's right for them, what's right for the way in which they are working, while at the same time trying to support and recognise and acknowledge that people have families, school, commitments [and] that they have to try to work with them to make sure that everybody benefits from it,' Ms McEntee said.
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
‘A chance to take a break': McEntee defends length of school summer holidays
The Education Minister has defended the length of schools' summer holidays, saying they offer people a chance to 'take a break'. Helen McEntee acknowledged that it was a challenge for parents in need of childcare, and any decision on changing the length of the school year would require a considered approach. There has been some commentary in recent weeks that the length of the school holidays – three months for secondary schools and two months for primary – are out of date, as Ireland has some of the longest school breaks in Europe. Visiting a Clondalkin primary school on Thursday, where children were taking part in a summer programme for two weeks, Ms McEntee said: 'I'm here in a school where you have principals, teachers, SNAs, who are working and supporting children throughout the summer. Education Minister Helen McEntee at St Mary's Junior National School in Clondalkin, Dublin (Grainne Ni Aodha/PA) 'We've always had a particular time period for school holidays. 'What we find, particularly for our secondary schools, is that they're actually coming back earlier now, in August, so the Leaving Cert results will be out from the 22nd, some students are actually in that week and, in fact, the following week is when a lot of schools are coming back. 'Our teachers work hard, our schools are very active throughout the year. I think the time that's taken throughout the summer gives everybody a chance to take a break.' The children at St Mary's Junior National School learn literacy and numerical skills, and how to bake, as part of the summer programme, which gives educational support to children, including those with special educational needs. They can also paint in the school's outdoor wooden classroom, called the sun room, which was funded by the Arts Council. Ms McEntee said 1,800 schools are taking part in the summer programme this year, including 80 special schools, a 16% increase on last year. Helen McEntee (seated centre) acknowledged that it was a challenge for parents in need of childcare (Grainne Ni Aodha/PA) Asked if the activity of the summer programme suggested the summer break was too long, she said the programme initially began 'with a particular emphasis on special education'. 'For children with additional needs, to have that structure and to have that focus, is really, really important. 'And I think there was an acknowledgement that to have that extra support throughout the summer is something that would be hugely beneficial, not just for the students, but also for the parents. 'It's obviously since expanded, it's not just a focus on special schools or additional needs, it's a focus on our DEIS schools, making sure that where children – and it's not all children that access the programme – but if there is that need there to have that extra support, that structure throughout the summer, it's there. 'It's also fun. 'I do acknowledge, I have to say, the challenges for parents when it comes to childcare, when it comes to the fact that in many households you have both parents working now full time, so the summer does pose challenges. 'But you know, I think any changes to summer breaks, any changes to holidays, that's something that would always have to be considered in engagement and consultation with schools, with teachers, with parents, with families overall.' Ms McEntee also announced a National Convention on Education, to inform a long-term strategy for primary and secondary education in Ireland. Professor Anne Looney, who will chair the convention, said in a statement she was looking forward to being involved in ensuring 'we give our learners and those who work with them the best opportunities to flourish and succeed'. Read More Government may delay hospitality Vat cut to mid-2026 amid budget tradeoffs
