GEMMA BROLLY: Minister for Education Must Prioritise Mental Health And Well-Being of Students by Cancelling Transfer Test 2021

Aontú Rep for East Derry, Gemma Brolly, welcomes the recent statement from the Minister of Education calling for ‘early clarity’ for parents and children regarding the intention of grammar schools and the transfer test for September 2022 admissions.

In line with his desire for early clarity, we would encourage the minister and his department to follow their own advice and prioritise the emotional wellbeing of our children by cancelling the 2021 transfer test immediately.

This year’s Year Six pupils have missed approximately six months of education in the last twelve months. The transfer test can place an increased amount of stress and pressure on young shoulders within a normal school year. To place any extra pressure upon children in these times, whilst demanding mental health and wellbeing are prioritised would be hypocritical and unjust.

Aontú demands that the minister cancel the transfer test for 2021 and begins to establish a method of consultation, to facilitate essential admissions criteria which is both fair and consistent ‘across the board.’

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.