Summary of Education Measures
Published on: 23 January 2020
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Primary Measures
- Reduce average class sizes to 20 by 2025 in Primary Schools.
- We will reduce the DEIS band one pupil teacher ratio to 18:1.
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We will roll out a €5m grant to Local Authorities and the Department of Education
for an “Edible Playgrounds” campaign in every county initially focusing on DEIS schools.
- Protect Small Schools by Reversing Staffing Schedule Changes.
- We will place the Minor Works Grant on a permanent footing.
- Re-establish the Modern Languages in Primary School Initiative at a cost of €15m per annum.
Secondary Measures
- We are committed to the establishment of a pathway towards an end to pay inequality as part of our steps towards a new public service pay agreement in 2020.
- We will review circulars issued by the Department since 2011 with view to reduce the number issued and to ensure they are issued at the most appropriate time for schools.
- Increase primary and secondary school capitation levels by €20m.
- Task the NCCA to design a new course on the Junior Cycle that centres on European languages and culture in light of Brexit.
- Deliver the full restoration of History.
- Task the NCCA with a review of Geography in light of the vital role education will play in tackling climate change.
- We will hire an additional 100 guidance counsellors.
Supports for Children with Special Needs
- Introduce legislation banning the inappropriate use of reduced timetables.
- To reform the NCSE so that its primary function is to ensure each child with a special education need has an appropriate school place in line with their constitutional rights.
- Produce a five-year forecast of the current and future need for special needs education places in the catchment area of each school and to communicate this demand to schools within each area.
Third and Fourth Level Education
- Establish a new Department of Higher Education and Research
- Provide an additional €100m per Year for Higher Education funding.
- We will freeze student fees.
- Increase the maintenance grant by 20%.
- Increase Student Assistance Fund by €4.9m.
- Undertake a review of selection boards to identify further reforms required to progress towards gender equality in senior roles.