Government are at the Back of the Class on Leaving Cert decision. -Tóibín

Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín TD has called on the government to stop procrastinating on the Leaving Cert decision.

He stated;

“Opposition TDs have given the government space and time to consult with all the stakeholders in the Education Sector. If the government seek to proceed with a traditional Leaving Cert they need to set out a Road Map on how that can be done safely and fairly and they need to do it now”.

“The exam could and should be modified to allow for the massive lack of class time. Instead of answering 3 out of 5 questions students on certain papers, students could be asked to answer 3 out of 8 questions to increase the likelihood that students can focus on question material that have been covered in class. We have consulted widely with teachers and principals. Many saying that if all the classrooms in schools are used the number of students in each class could be as low as 5 children and could be well spaced out”.

“We need to make the protection of teachers a priority. Aontú is calling for school staff to made a priorities for testing and vaccination. In addition to priority testing, contact tracing measures must be implemented and extensive testing of staff, adults and children where there is a Covid case in the classroom. If we can serial test meat factories we can serial test education professionals. Furthermore, empower management to inform and communicate with staff and parents where there are cases. Finally, ensure a proper supply of PPE for these schools. The 40% grant is not good enough. This means N95 standard masks. Whatever is needed, ensure they have it.”

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.