Emma O Kelly

Education Correspondent

Helen McEntee has taken up the role of Minister for Education and Youth

Senior Cycle reform among top challenges for McEntee

Seeing through what promises to be the biggest change to Senior Cycle education here in 100 years is among the top challenges that will face new Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee, writes Emma O Kelly.

Analysis and Comment • 27 Jan 25

The previous Programme for Government had committed to achieving at least 400 multi-denominational primary schools by 2030 (stock image)

Concern over multi-denominational schools target omission

Education and Training Boards Ireland has expresssed concern at the omission from the Programme for Government of a target set by the last government to increase the number of multi-denominational primary schools here.

Education • 22 Jan 25

A tender published today calls for supplier applications for a contract with an estimated value of just over €7.3 million

Department of Education tenders new phone pouch contract

The Department of Education has tendered for a provider to supply mobile phone pouches to students in post primary schools. It calls for applications for a contract with an estimated value of just over €7.3 million.

Education • 20 Jan 25

The protests began at Trinity College Dublin in early May

Students reflect on 'radical action' over war in Gaza

Students look back on their protest action at Irish universities over the war in Gaza.

2024 in Review • 04 Jan 25

A focus was placed on the unfettered use of mobile phones through Minister for Education Norma Foley's call for their use to be banned in schools (stock image)

Schools facing 'new landscape' over mobile phone use

In 2024, a number of significant steps were taken to try and bolster the role of schools in arming children and teenagers to protect themselves from challenges that are seeping into their lives, writes Emma O Kelly.

2024 in Review • 30 Dec 24

Department of Education and schools say the trend towards co-ed is being driven by parental demand (Stock image)

10 schools switched to co-ed status in 2024

Five secondary schools and five primary schools switched from single sex to co-educational status during 2024.

Education • 29 Dec 24

Schools have complained that the teacher shortage is forcing them to place special education teachers in mainstream classes

Concern over deployment of special education resources

Department of Education inspectors have expressed concern at how additional teaching resources that should be supporting students with special education needs are being deployed in post-primary schools.

Education • 19 Dec 24

A more diverse teacher workforce is a strategic priority for the Teaching Council (file image)

Is Religious Ed Cert a barrier to diversity in teaching?

Is the Catholic Religious Education Certificate a barrier to diversity in teaching? Education Correspondent Emma O Kelly reports

Analysis and Comment • 15 Dec 24

The new rules ban the use of seclusion in schools, and state the physical restraint of a child should only be carried out strictly as a measure of last resort

Seclusion guidelines 'fall drastically short' - charity

A second disability charity has strongly criticised guidelines to ban or limit the use of restraint and seclusion for children in schools.

Education • 13 Dec 24

The new rules also state that the physical restraint of a child should only be carried out strictly as a measure of last resort

Use of seclusion in schools to be brought to an end

New guidelines have been published which should bring an end to the seclusion of children in schools as a form of punishment.

Education • 12 Dec 24