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In this episode of ‘If I Were the Minister for Education,' I explore the recent survey conducted by the Irish Department of Education concerning primary school patronage. I also discuss the legacy left by former Minister Helen McEntee and give my initial thoughts on the new Minister Hildegarde Naughton. I raise questions about the survey's efficacy, its democratic value, and its alignment with the constitutional rights of children. I provide a historical context on the secular roots of Irish primary education and argue for state-run, multi-denominational schools. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:31 A New Minister for Education01:37 Legacy of Helen McEntee02:30 The Primary School Ethos Survey03:53 Survey Questions and Parental Choices06:25 Critique of the Survey's Purpose09:08 Human Rights and Education23:52 Historical Context of Religious Schools26:25 Conclusion: The Need for Genuine Reform This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simonmlewis.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of ‘If I Were the Minister for Education,' I explore the recent survey conducted by the Irish Department of Education concerning primary school patronage. I also discuss the legacy left by former Minister Helen McEntee and give my initial thoughts on the new Minister Hildegarde Naughton. I raise questions about the survey's efficacy, its democratic value, and its alignment with the constitutional rights of children. I provide a historical context on the secular roots of Irish primary education and argue for state-run, multi-denominational schools. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:31 A New Minister for Education01:37 Legacy of Helen McEntee02:30 The Primary School Ethos Survey03:53 Survey Questions and Parental Choices06:25 Critique of the Survey's Purpose09:08 Human Rights and Education23:52 Historical Context of Religious Schools26:25 Conclusion: The Need for Genuine Reform This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simonmlewis.substack.com/subscribe
Jerry spoke to Minister Helen McEntee who was attending the conference of the Irish Primary Principals’ Network in Killarney, the official opening of Tahilla Community National School, and a new building at Coláiste na Sceilge, Cahersiveen.
The Parents of 826,000 primary and pre-school children in the state will soon be asked to participate in a national survey.The survey, the largest and first ever held so far, will collect data on the kind of school structure parents want. Asking questions around the role of religion in schools, and whether single or mixed schools should be the future approach in education.The Minister for Education and Youth, and Fine Gael TD Helen McEntee, joins Seán Defoe to discuss.
It's claimed new guidelines are restricting Clare Special Needs Assistants from helping children in the classroom. It comes as the Department of Education has also been requested to carry out a full review of additional needs school spaces in this county. A circular issued by the Department of Education in May states the role of the SNA is to support the care needs of a child and that responsibility for the overall progress of students lies with the classroom teacher. A recent report by the he National Council for Special Education has also indicated that SNAs should have no role in assisting children with behavioural difficulties, causing outcry in Clare. The local authority has now requested that Minister Helen McEntee calls for an urgent meeting with the NCSE to resolve the issues. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor and SNA, Antoinette Baker Bashua believes it's a glaring policy error.
Minister for Education and Youth, and Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Helen McEntee, joins Kieran to discuss current SNA numbers, and the Presidential race as it stands.
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is calling for the Irish Government to ensure that victims of historical sexual abuse in schools are properly and promptly provided with redress. The commission say they fully agree with Minister Helen McEntee that those responsible must pay, but point out that it must include the State. Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.
Should summer Gaeltacht courses be mandatory for school kids? Minister Helen McEntee has been asked to consider this by Fianna Fáil's Spokesperson for Education Ryan O'Meara, who said he is concerned whether we are addressing improving and increasing the presence of the Irish language.Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss this is Fianna Fáil's Spokesperson for Education, Ryan O'Meara, and by Cúla4 Presenter, Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin.
On today's show, we turn our attention to the final day of the TUI Annual Conference taking place here in Wexford. We begin with highlights from Minister for Justice Helen McEntee's address, touching on key issues impacting the education sector. Following that, TUI President David Waters shares the union's perspective on current challenges, priorities, and progress within Ireland's teaching profession.
Minister for Education Helen McEntee joins The Pat Kenny Show to discuss Junior Cert reform, permanent contracts for teachers, and potential industrial action as education conferences take place across the country.Listen here.
In the Dáil today, Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty said previous health minister Stephen Donnelly was informed last year that hundreds of unnecessary hip operations may have taken place. Responding on behalf of the government, Minister Helen McEntee said these surgeries were the subject of a HSE audit. Political Correspondent Michael Lehane has more..
Minister McEntee made an announcement yesterday during World Autism Awareness day about school places for our neurodivergent kids and chats with PJ about other issues of the day too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More supports are to be put in place in schools to meet the needs of children growing up areas with the highest levels of disadvantage. Minister for Education Helen McEntee said she is considering enhanced funding, staffing and wellbeing supports as part of a new DEIS Action Plan will be published in 2025. The Minister joined Sarah in studio.
Today on the show - Minister Helen McEntee spoke with Alan about the keys details of the programme for Government and the newly announced ceasefire in Gaza. Independent TD's Marian Harkin & Gillian Toole discussed the negotiations that took place between Independents & the Govt parties to form a new Government and with a fresh outbreak of foot & mouth in Germany, the Irish Farmers Journal spoke to us about the need for vigilance amongst farmers here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Several families of Creeslough victims met with Minister Helen McEntee yesterday to make their case for a public inquiry into the tragedy. Solicitor Darragh Mackin represents many of the Creeslough victims' families joined us on Newstalk Breakfast this morning.
Several families of Creeslough victims met with Minister Helen McEntee yesterday to make their case for a public inquiry into the tragedy. Solicitor Darragh Mackin represents many of the Creeslough victims' families joined us on Newstalk Breakfast this morning.
Today on the show - Minister Helen McEntee on her meeting with the Creeslough families this week and the dates for the payment of the double social welfare payments. The Irish Cancer Society joined us to announce details of the new lung research programme they are launching and Ged Nash was in study to talk about Labour's cost of living policy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today on the show - Minister Helen McEntee on the landmark treaty she signed with UAE countries on extradition and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. Gino Kenny spoke to the us about the interim report from the Oireachtas Committee on Drugs and Ruth O Connell brought us all the latest details of the investigation into the disappearance of Kyran Durnin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has signed bilateral treaties with the United Arab Emirates on extradition and mutual legal assistance today. The minister said she believes the two agreements will support tackling organised crime and drug gangs. Deputy Leader of Fine Gael and Minister for Justice Helen McEntee joined Cormac.
Today on the show - Minister Helen McEntee on the importance of the local community Safety Partnerships, Peadar Toibin reveals he was once in receipt of an invitation to visit Russia and Threshold spoke with us about the launch of their "Own Your Rights" campaign Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Minister Helen McEntee will today announce €9 million in funding for up to 100 new speed cameras to enhance road safety. Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae calls it a waste of money and he explained why to Newstalk Breakfast.
Minister Helen McEntee will today announce €9 million in funding for up to 100 new speed cameras to enhance road safety. Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae calls it a waste of money and he explained why to Newstalk Breakfast.
Today on the show - Minister Helen McEntee joined us following the FG Think-in to discuss the upcoming Budget, the increase to the garda allowance & the call for a public inquiry into Michael Shine and Claire Kerrane, Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Children outlined how Sinn Fein will deliver childcare to all parents for €10 a day Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today on the show - Minister Helen McEntee discussed the Coolock protests & the progress being made on the Family Justice Strategy, Ivana Bacik outlined why she believes Govt has wasted 8 yrs of prosperity when it comes to housing and Stephanie Rohan brought us details of the Harris/ Starmer meeting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Minister Helen McEntee has this morning commenced the Criminal Justice Act 2024, which makes it an offence for an adult to either force or encourage children to engage in any criminal activity. Minister McEntee joined Shane this morning on the show.
Minister Helen McEntee has this morning commenced the Criminal Justice Act 2024, which makes it an offence for an adult to either force or encourage children to engage in any criminal activity. Minister McEntee joined Shane this morning on the show.
It's been an abysmal week for the Government as polls show massive levels of discontent with immigration policies, and that hasn't been helped by Minister Helen McEntee's seemingly endless public ineptitude.
It's been an abysmal week for the Government as polls show massive levels of discontent with immigration policies, and that hasn't been helped by Minister Helen McEntee's seemingly endless public ineptitude.
A local migrants rights group claims the Government is dealing with an immigration crisis of its own making, due to a failure to put proper reception conditions in place. New figures from the Department of Justice show less than 200 asylum seekers have been returned to the UK over a six-year period. It comes as an encampment of international protection applicants in Dublin has been removed this morning. On a week when the Irish and UK Governments have been at odds over the return of asylum seekers to the UK, the Justice Minister has now clarified the numbers presenting here from the north. Minister Helen McEntee prevously claimed over 80% of asylum seekers in Ireland have come over the border but has now pointed to Justice Department data which shows the true figure is in fact 91%. Despite this, a Downing Street spokesperson claims the UK has "no legal obligation" to accept the return of asylum seekers who cross the Common Travel Area. Under the Dublin III Regulation, which was a reciprocal return agreement between Ireland and the UK between 2015 and 2020, just 162 asylum seekers were returned to the UK. As 154 asylum seekers were returned here during the same period, this led to a net change of just eight people. Newmarket-on-Fergus native and Professor of Politics at the School of Law and Government at Dublin City University Donncha Ó Beacháin believes Ireland is falling victim to Brexit-era anti-immigrant UK policies. The Rural Independents are calling for a debate on the EU Migration and Asylum Pact in the Dáil today. The pact would see changes in how asylum seekers are processed by placing a focus on efficiently returning unsuccessful applicants to their countries of origin, as well as expediting the processing of those from safe countries or with invalid documents. Rural Independents member and Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae insists a referendum on the matter is needed. It comes on a day when a major operation has taken place on Mount Street in Dublin to remove what's been described as a "tent city" outside the International Protection Office. Doras CEO John Lannon believes the Government only has itself to blame for the current emergency accommodation crisis.
The Taoiseach Simon Harris speaking in Brussels said it was his understanding that the Gardai would consider the outcome of the Stardust inquest today. He asked the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and the Attorney General to consider the recommendations of the inquest and the verdict. Minister Helen McEntee joined Cormac in studio.
Following Leo Varadkar's resignation as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael yesterday, Justice Minister Helen McEntee joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live to discuss who she will be backing as Ireland's next Taoiseach...
Today on the show - We spoke with Minister Helen McEntee & Damien English about the departure of Leo Varadkar. Gino Kenny & Ronan Mullen of the Committee on Assisted Dying spoke to us about the recommendations from their report and Tara McManus of the GRA spoke to us about proposals to end the dispute on Garda rosters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Crime Correspondent Paul Reynolds has the verdict
Today on the show - We had our final debate on the upcoming referendums with local TD's Minister Helen McEntee and Peadar Toibin, Tom Brennan, Principal of Skyrne National School spoke to Ken about road safety concerns at the school and Age Action outlined why a cashless society will not work for everyone Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Claire Brock is joined by Minister Helen McEntee, Senator Michael McDowell, Minister Norma Foley, Peadar Tóibín TD & Simon Marks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Anton is joined in studio by Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee.Together they discuss, 'Cuan', the new statutory agency that sets out to tackle and reduce domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV); the decision by the Garda Representative Association (GRA) to not invite Commissioner Drew Harris to its delegate conference this year; as well as tackling issues around immigration & opposition to asylum seekers being moved into certain community.
A Shannon councillor insists the Minister for Justice is "delusional" if she thinks the current policing model in Clare is working. Following claims that Clare residents were feeling "vulnerable" due to a perceived shortage of Gardaí on the ground, a number of the county's local representatives wrote to Minister Helen McEntee last month calling for the merger of the Clare and Tipperary Garda divisions to be revisited. The Minister's response has stated the merger brings positive changes such as "more front-line Gardaí, increased Garda visibility, and a wider range of policing services for people in their local area". Shannon Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn however believes people aren't even bothering to ring the Gardaí anymore because of the pressure their services appear to be under.
Ciara Doherty & Claire Brock speak to Minister Helen McEntee, James Lawless TD, Martin Kenny TD, Alison O'Connor, Barry Ward & Ronan Mullen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today on the show - Minister Helen McEntee joined us to discuss the future of Navan hospital and the public's concerns about immigration. SIPTU talked to us about Boliden's roposed vouluntary redundancy scheme at Tara Mines and SPARK gave their thoughts on proposals from a Dept of Justice review which could see revenue take over the collection of child maintenance payments Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today on the show - Minister Helen McEntee joined us to discuss cuts to migrants supports, the fire in Galway and issues relating to the Gardai. MEP Ciarán Cuffe called on parents not to gift kids high power e-scooters this Christmas and local woman, Mandy Kelly spoke to Alan about her fight to get back her 2 young sons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the wake of the vote of surviving her vote no confidence does, Minister Helen McEntee stand a chance at regaining law and order?Is it finally time for something new? We chat about why the same Christmas songs stay on the charts every holiday season.From Rizz to Artificial intelligence We discuss the most used words from this year! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Clare Independent TD believes the Justice Minister must face political accountability for the depletion of Gardaí and rising crime throughout the country. The government will hold a vote of confidence in Minister Helen McEntee in the Dáil from 3:30pm this afternoon. The Fine Gael Minister looks set to comfortably survive the vote though, with 88 TDS already having signalled their intention to back her, while Kilrush TD Violet-Anne Wynne is among the deputies to have entered a pairing arrangement. Scariff Deputy Michael McNamara believes however that a change is needed in the office to instil confidence in rank and file Gardaí.
A Clare Independent TD has described a motion of confidence in the Justice Minister as "a complete waste of Dáil time". The Government looks set to comfortably win the motion later today, which arises out of a Sinn Féin motion of no confidence in Minister Helen McEntee. Scariff Independent TD, Michael McNamara has confirmed he'll be voting against the Minister, though the government's motion is expected to be carried by a surplus of 20 votes. Kilrush Independent Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne has entered into a pairing arrangement though, as she believes the government and opposition alike are 'playing party politics', rather than focusing on crime and policing solutions.
The Dáil has been hearing reaction today to the Dublin Riots last Thursday, and what this means for Minister Helen McEntee.Kieran was joined by Senator Lisa Chambers, Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and the EU, Louise O'Reilly, TD and Sinn Féin spokesperson on Workers' Rights, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Neasa Hourigan, the Green Party's Finance & Health Spokesperson, and TD for Dublin Central...
Today on the show - Former Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan gave us his thoughts on yesterday's shocking events in the capital. Minister Helen McEntee responds to criticism of Govt and Gardai in how they handled the trouble and we look at the proposals on the Triple Lock with Matt Carthy and James Lawless. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this essential episode of, we delve into the critical topic of car seat safety for our littlest passengers. We unravel the complexities of choosing the right car seat, ensuring proper installation, and understanding the latest safety guidelines. We also sit down with Minister Helen McEntee, Ireland's Minister for Justice, to explore her career in politics, her parenting journey including her experience of being the first ever member of the cabinet to take maternity leave. Minister McEntee opens up about her multifaceted life, sharing anecdotes from her career trajectory and her relatively new role as a parent. She recounts the anticipation and the surprises that came with motherhood and candidly discusses the support system that stood by her as she navigated motherhood for the first and second times. In a frank exchange, Minister McEntee addresses the mixed reactions to her maternity leaves, shedding light on the current sentiments within the political sphere. She offers insights into how societal attitudes towards maternity leave and professional growth can be reshaped. Finally, Minister McEntee sends an empowering message to women and mothers aiming to enter politics or other demanding sectors, emphasizing the importance of representation and perseverance.
Today on the show - Minister Helen McEntee on the new criminal offences and tougher sentences that came into effect this week , Ged Nash calls on people to make sure they are claiming all the tax credits they are entitled to and we've the latest on the flooding conditions across Louth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A chat with Ricky about his road to recovery, Kevin Herlihy of the CBA on Minister Helen McEntee's visit, and a discussion on childcare in Ireland. Tune into the Neil Prendeville Show weekdays from 9am on Cork's Red FM. May contain sensitive content.
Today on the show - Minister Helen McEntee was with us discuss Garda resources & policing, the N/S Interconnector, the ED at Navan hospital and the legal strategy being used by the Christian Bros, while One Family told us calls to their helpline have increased as financial pressures on families mount due to the cost of living Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Joining Gavan On the Record is Justice Minister, Helen McEntee. Together they discuss the implementation of facial recognition technology, President Higgins' comments on Irish neutrality, and the proposed Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill.
Rape Crisis Midwest has welcomed new legislative amendments which protect victims of sexual-based crimes. Among the new amendments announced by the Justice Minister, courts may prevent victims of stalking and harrassment from being cross-examined to avoid re-retraumatisation and civil restraining orders may also be made for these crimes. Minister Helen McEntee also announced that the identity of victims of stalking and harrassment may be protected. Rape Crisis Midwest Director Karen O'Donnell says the introduction of the amendments shows how seriously sexual-based crimes are taken in modern Ireland.
Ending domestic, sexual and gender-based violence isn't an option for us – it is an obligation. That's the word of Justice Minister Helen McEntee writing in the Irish Independent today and Minister McEntee spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.
Ending domestic, sexual and gender-based violence isn't an option for us – it is an obligation. That's the word of Justice Minister Helen McEntee writing in the Irish Independent today and Minister McEntee spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.
Cabinet have approved a bill to strengthen laws around consent in rape. The bill will see laws around consent, knowledge and belief in rape cases strengthened. It will also see a change to the current system where an accused person can be found not guilty of rape if they believed that they had received consent. Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice and TD for Meath East and joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show.
Minister Helen McEntee tells us of her frustration over the controversy surrounding the proposed changes at Navan hospital, the ESRI discuss the fact that one in four households are already in energy poverty as we face into more price hikes. Meath Cllrs Nick Killian and Emer Toibin say local Cllrs are seeking a meeting with Stephen Donnelly to discuss the proposed restructuring of Navan hospital while Karen Coleman of EuroParl radio spoke to us about the EU's plans to launch a legal challenge against the UK's proposed changes to the NI protocol - these stories and more on the show today See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The US President Joe Biden has questioned why anyone would need a gun like the one used in Texas yesterday - other than to kill someone. 19 children and two teachers were killed in a massacre at a school last night. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee joined Kieran to discuss the situation.
Outdoor dining looks set to stay as the cabinet is seeking approval to extend it for pubs and restaurants. Minister Helen McEntee is today seeking cabinet approval to extend outdoor seating areas for pubs and restaurants by 6 months as the hospitality industry enters the summer season. Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurants Association of Irelands spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning. Listen and subscribe to Newstalk Breakfast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Outdoor dining looks set to stay as the cabinet is seeking approval to extend it for pubs and restaurants. Minister Helen McEntee is today seeking cabinet approval to extend outdoor seating areas for pubs and restaurants by 6 months as the hospitality industry enters the summer season. Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurants Association of Irelands spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning. Listen and subscribe to Newstalk Breakfast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
It was a great pleasure to be joined in the tortoise shack by Dr Arsalan Shahid. We discuss how he came from Pakistan to Ireland in 2016, had to give up his ambition to become a surgeon because of our non-training of immigrant doctors, was married in early 2020 and how now, after an earlier miscarriage, he and his lovely wife Namra Javed are due their first child any day now. All of this would be a time for celebration except the Irish state has refused a visa to Namra's mother a 3 month visa to help them after the birth of the baby. This is a cruel and ludicrous situation and we're urging you all to ask Minister Helen McEntee to intervene here. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Note: The Sunday Special is live for members from 12 and will be on the patreon feed shortly afterwards.
It was a great pleasure to be joined in the tortoise shack by Dr Arsalan Shahid. We discuss how he came from Pakistan to Ireland in 2016, had to give up his ambition to become a surgeon because of our non-training of immigrant doctors, was married in early 2020 and how now, after an earlier miscarriage, he and his lovely wife Namra Javed are due their first child any day now. All of this would be a time for celebration except the Irish state has refused a visa to Namra's mother a 3 month visa to help them after the birth of the baby. This is a cruel and ludicrous situation and we're urging you all to ask Minister Helen McEntee to intervene here. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Note: The Sunday Special is live for members from 12 and will be on the patreon feed shortly afterwards.
Minister Helen McEntee