Educate Together’s education manifesto outlines key priorities to transform Ireland’s education system over the course of the 34th Dáil. A more inclusive, diverse, and well-resourced system is needed, one that reflects the values of fairness, equality and choice for all families. As demand for equality-based education grows, the next Government must take action to ensure Ireland’s education system can meet the needs of a modern society.
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Accelerate and fund school patronage transfers
Successive governments have pledged to transfer schools from religious to multi-denominational patronage, but progress has been too slow. To expedite this process, the next Government should establish a fund to support school transfers. It is beyond time for schools and multi-denominational / equality-based school patrons to be resourced to manage the transition from religious to multi-denominational patronage.
- Prioritise community and parental choice
The right of parents to choose the type of school their children attend is highly valued across Irish society, and enshrined in Article 42 of the Irish Constitution. To uphold this right, the Government should proceed with the long-promised national survey of parental preferences, and use the findings to leverage real change, enabling more families to choose an Educate Together school.
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Please keep this canvas card handy so that you can ask election candidates when they call to your door about their positions on education in Ireland. Hold a Citizen’s Assembly on Future of Education
Holding a Citizens’ Assembly on the Future of Education in Ireland would allow for a comprehensive discussion on school patronage and inclusive education. The need for more equality-based school places in Ireland should be a central issue for the Assembly. The diverse voices of children and young people must be heard in this process.
- Reform planning and improve school infrastructure
Every student deserves the right to learn in their local area with suitable facilities and equipment. The State must reform planning processes to prioritise school sites, and to accelerate the planning process for school buildings. This includes reducing the time schools spend in temporary accommodation and ensuring adequate facilities.
- Prioritise education funding
Our education system has been underfunded for too long. It is shameful and short-sighted that Ireland currently spends less on education per child than almost all developed countries. Education must be resourced so that every child can access quality education in their local community. School leaders and the volunteers who govern our schools deserve to be properly supported and trained. Spending should be brought in line with the OECD average of 4.5% of GDP so that the system can be properly resourced. Specifically, management body grants should be increased by at least 50% and primary school capitation grants should be increased to €275 per pupil.
Conclusion
Educate Together’s vision is to create a more inclusive and equitable education system. By advocating for these key priorities, we aim to empower parents, improve school infrastructure and resourcing, and ensure that every child has access to a quality education.
