Education

Government Success Depends on Delivery

Monday, 21 June 2021

The Programme for Government contained several commitments which, if fully resourced and implemented, would represent significant steps towards creating a fairer and more just Ireland. As we emerge into a new post-Covid reality, our latest National Social Monitor looks at whether Government is delivering on its commitments in key areas and suggests that, so far, Government’s achievements are not matching its commitments.

National Social Monitor - June 2021

Monday, 21 June 2021

Social Justice Matters Policy Brief - Education

Monday, 14 June 2021

‘Social Justice Matters Policy Brief’ is a series designed to provide independent and in-depth analysis on important social policy issues and to present policy options that should be prioritised in the coming years. In this issue we look at the impact of Covid-19 on education at primary level and second level in Ireland.

Covid-19 induced school closures could reverse progress on educational disadvantage

Monday, 14 June 2021

The impact of Covid-19 on our education system cannot be understated. It will widen the learning gap between rich and poor, impose long-term losses of income on all students - with disadvantaged students suffering greater learning losses and greater impacts on their lifetime earnings. It could reverse much of the progress made on addressing educational disadvantage to date.

Digital Inclusion In Ireland

Wednesday, 9 June 2021

The latest NESC report, Digital Inclusion in Ireland: Connectivity, Devices & Skills, focuses on Digital Inclusion - what it is and why it's important. This Report provides key information for policymakers as we consider the world of work, education and social inclusion in an increasingly digital age.

Social Justice Ireland presents Budget Priorities to the Select Committee on Budgetary Oversight

Thursday, 3 June 2021

How we plan our finances, and what we choose to prioritise, post-Covid-19, will have profound implications for the future of our economy and society. To this end Social Justice Ireland proposed to the Select Committee on Budgetary Oversight that the priorities for Budget 2022 should be adequate social welfare rates and poverty reduction, just taxation, housing for all and tackling unemployment.

Economic Recovery Plan not on scale required to address the challenges we face

Tuesday, 1 June 2021

The Economic Recovery Plan announced today, while welcome, is not of the scale required to address the social, economic and environmental challenges that we now face. Covid-19 has brought extraordinary social and economic costs. Alongside this, the challenges that existed pre-Covid remain and cannot be ignored

EU Child Guarantee - will it work?

Monday, 31 May 2021

The issue of child poverty is again prominent in the European Commission agenda, with the publication of the Council Recommendation for Establishing a European Child Guarantee. In order to be successful, increased political focus is required and children must be at the heart of post-Covid recovery plans. Increased European and national funding is also a prerequisite for success.

Post pandemic need to invest in skills transfer programmes

Friday, 28 May 2021

The prospect of a return to high unemployment rates post pandemic is a daunting one and reiterates the need to ensure that the labour force is equipped and educated to meet the challenges ahead.

Apprenticeships crucial to meeting climate and digital challenges

Monday, 3 May 2021

Training, upskilling and reskilling will be fundamental to Government’s response to impact of COVID-19 on the labour market, meeting our carbon neutrality target and the challenges posed by digitisation. Apprenticeships and traineeships will be a crucial part of the response.