Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 05/10/2026Hearts collectively broke watching Virgin Media's documentary on Monday. The Taoiseach said that he had not seen it and that it would only give one side of the story. It is one side of the story where we are seeing children being educated in cupboards and undertaking regulation in bathrooms. 0106
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 21/09/2026It is welcome that Govt is to propose changes to the Hot School Meals Programme based on the findings of two reviews. These reports vindicate the concerns of children, parents and schools. This scheme costs €300m to run - yet 100,000 meals are going in the bin every day. @jencummins.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieGovernment action on hot school meals welcome – but nutritional standards must be put on a statutory footing - Social DemocratsSocial Democrats TD Jen Cummins has welcomed proposed changes to the Hot School Meals Programme, saying the findings of two Government commissioned reviews confirm many of the concerns she has previou... 011
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 17/09/2026Govt have little interest in ensuring data centres are powered by renewables. Meanwhile, we're heading towards €28bn in fines if we don't meet emissions targets. Yet the Minister doesn't seem to care. Does he know something that we don't? Or is he just blindly hoping the EU won't follow through? 1179
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 17/09/2026It's welcome that RTÉ will not participate in next year's Eurovision. But the decision is at odds with its plans to broadcast the Republic of Ireland’s football fixtures against Israel in the coming weeks. When it comes to opposing genocide, we need consistency from our national broadcaster.socialdemocrats.ieRTÉ’s Eurovision snub at odds with its plans to broadcast Ireland-Israel games - Social DemocratsToday’s welcome decision by RTÉ not to participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is at odds with its plans to broadcast the Republic of Ireland’s football fixtures against Israel in the coming w... 1112
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 17/09/2026How can it take local authorities up to a year - or even longer - to re-let properties between tenancies? It again highlights the lack of an emergency response from this Govt to Ireland’s deepening housing crisis.socialdemocrats.ieLengthy re-letting times between local authority tenancies an insult to those in need of homes - Social DemocratsLocal authorities taking up to a year or more to re-let properties between tenancies shows there is no emergency response to Ireland’s deepening housing crisis, according to Social Democrats TD Rory H... 132
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 17/09/2026Today, the deadline passed for visa application approvals for Palestinian students wishing to study here. The Minister for Justice must account for the inexplicably high refusal rate this year. Govt has slammed the door shut on these students' hopes and dreams. @patriciastephenson.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieGovernment slams the door shut on Palestinian students’ hopes and dreams - Social DemocratsThe Minister for Justice must account for the inexplicable increase in visa refusals to Palestinian students after the deadline for application approvals passed this afternoon, according to Social Dem... 12417
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 17/09/2026Last night's RTÉ Investigates programme was shocking. The accusations made by former members of the Garda Protected Disclosures Office – which was set up to address concerns raised by whistleblowers – are damning. Has anything been learned from the Maurice McCabe scandal? 084
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 15/09/2026Today, the Social Democrats are holding their annual think-in. But what is a think-in? And why does every party have one in September? @jencummins.bsky.social explains it all. 431
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 11/09/2026Our third level institutions must not be used for the promotion and distribution of nicotine pouches. These products are cynically branded as a safer alternative to smoking. But they should really be viewed as a gateway to lifelong nicotine dependency. @jencummins.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieCummins expresses outrage after promotion of nicotine pouches on college campus - Social DemocratsSocial Democrats TD Jen Cummins has strongly criticised the distribution and marketing of nicotine pouches on a college campus this week. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s spokesperson on further and... 053
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 01/09/2026Resignation of second academic from group tasked with reforming maths curriculum for the Leaving Cert is concerning. Minister must urgently address claims that experts’ views were ignored by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) during the process. @jencummins.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieMinister must investigate maths experts’ claims they were ignored in curriculum reform process - Social DemocratsThe Minister for Education must urgently address claims that experts’ views were ignored by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) during the process to develop a new maths curricul... 041
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 04/08/2026If education in Ireland is truly free then why are parents fundraising for loo roll or to fix wonky building defects? The Government must take the strain away from parents to fundraise for the most basic necessities. All school buildings must be fit for purpose and fully functioning. 1121
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 28/07/2026Increasing numbers of Gazan students hoping to start college in Ireland in September are being refused study visas this year. Govt likes to insist it is standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Yet its actions say otherwise. @patriciastephenson.bsky.social @jencummins.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieGovernment departments must work together to remove visa barriers facing Gazan students - Social DemocratsThe Social Democrats have urged the Department of Further and Higher Education and the Department of Justice to work together to remove barriers facing more than 20 Gazan students who have been refuse... 0109
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 27/07/2026Dept of Education should issue a formal apology to every survivor of historical abuse in schools. State acknowledgement and accountability remain absent for too many survivors who have carried the burden of abuse for decades. @jencummins.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieDepartment of Education should formally apologise to all abuse survivors - Social DemocratsThe Department of Education should issue a formal apology to every survivor of historical abuse in schools, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s education s... 061
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 22/07/2026As opposition, our job is to question govt policy. But people often ask us what we would do differently. For our education spokesperson @jencummins.bsky.social it starts with ensuring that no child is an outsider at school. And something else about homework... but we can't make promises on that. 1125
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 09/07/2026Govt must commit to a full process of transparency when it comes to historical child abuse. This must include disclosure of correspondence, letters, reports and records relating to allegations, admissions or investigations. State has a moral duty to end era of secrecy. @jencummins.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieGovernment must commit to process of transparency in the interest of abuse survivors - Social DemocratsThe Government must commit to a full process of transparency when it comes to historical child abuse, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins said: “Yesterday,... 161
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 23/06/2026*DISCLAIMER: Graphic descriptions. Viewer discretion.* Their evidence was strong enough to secure a conviction. But 19 survivors are still being denied the redress they deserve. No one should not have to keep fighting to be heard. We need to stop letting down survivors of abuse again and again. 054
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 23/06/2026The confusion around the summer provision programme is yet another chapter in the govt's shambolic record on special education. From short windows for applying to the programme, to a reduction in staffing, parents across the country are being left in limbo. Has the govt got a handle on this? 042
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 16/06/2026No child should be hungry in school. But school meals must also be nutritious, inclusive and appropriate for children’s needs. This bill would set clear standards so every child gets food that helps them learn. 193
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 15/06/2026The expansion of the Hot School Meals programme to every school in Ireland has been fantastic – but there’s always room for improvement. We're bringing forward a bill this week which will ensure consistency and accountability across every school. Let’s make this great programme even better. 062
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 11/06/2026As the school year comes to an end, parents all over the country will be receiving reports for their children's work since September. So it's time the govt went under the same level of scrutiny. And when it comes to special education, no parent would want to be seeing the grades FF and FG scored. 051
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 03/06/2026While today’s plan represents a positive outcome for SNAs, who have worked tirelessly over the last decade regarding respect and appropriate treatment in the workplace, it should not have taken so long to get to this stage. @jencummins.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieOverdue SNA Workforce Development Plan welcome step in right direction - Social DemocratsSocial Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins has welcomed today’s plan to professionalise the role of Special Needs Assistants, but notes that this is long overdue. Deputy Cummins said: “While ... 052
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 11/06/2026There must be clarity and protection provided to the staff and students of Carlow College who are facing uncertainty. The institution has shaped generations of students, thinkers, educators, and community leaders for more than two centuries. @patriciastephenson.bsky.social @jencummins.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieGovernment must provide clarity for Carlow College community as closure approaches - Social DemocratsThere must be clarity and protection provided to the staff and students of Carlow College who are facing uncertainty, according to the Social Democrats’ Patricia Stephenson and Jen Cummins. Carlow Kil... 022
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 15/06/2026Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins will tomorrow introduce the School Meals Nutritional Standards Bill 2026. Good nutrition is fundamental to children’s health, wellbeing and educational outcomes. @jencummins.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieJen Cummins TD to introduce bill ensuring nutritional standards for school meals - Social DemocratsSocial Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins will tomorrow introduce the School Meals Nutritional Standards Bill 2026. Deputy Cummins said: “This Bill is about ensuring that every child who rec... 182
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDDublin Inquirer @dublininquirer.com · 29/05/2026The revived Newmarket Flea could really do with an indoor space, says its operator – like that vacant one sitting there. But the asking rent for the empty market space at the bottom of The Eight Building in the Liberties is €66,000 a year.dublininquirer.comThe revived Newmarket Flea could really do with an indoor space, says its operator – like that vacant one thereBut the asking rent for the empty market space at the bottom of The Eight Building in the Liberties is €66,000 a year. 0117
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 28/05/2026Schools should not be insisting on students wearing expensive branded uniforms in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. Minister must do more to encourage schools to adopt guidelines from a 2017 Dept of Education circular to bring down uniform costs for families. @jencummins.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieParents must be given option of generic school uniforms to help reduce costs - Social DemocratsSchools should not be insisting on students wearing expensive branded uniforms in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummin... 161
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 24/05/2026You do not need political experience to make a difference. You just need to care about Ireland’s future. Join the Social Democrats and help build something better. 14213
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDGavan Reilly @gavreilly.com · 23/05/2026🗳️ By-election tallies LIVE! 🚨 🔵 Dublin Central bit.ly/DublinCentral26 🟣 Galway West bit.ly/GalwayWest26 Updates here throughout the day(s)! 1215550
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDChildren's Books Ireland @childrensbooksireland.ie · 12/05/2026Today Children's Books Ireland were in Leinster house calling on Government to introduce a permanent school library funding stream as part of Budget 2027! Read more about why we need a #ReadingRevolution by clicking the link below ⬇️ 1133
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 11/05/2026The Minister for Education must publish the number of children awaiting special education school places. Parents across the country are desperately trying to secure appropriate school places for their children, yet there is no clear picture of the scale of unmet need. @jencummins.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieDepartment must publish figures for children awaiting special education places - Social DemocratsThe Minister for Education must publish the number of children currently awaiting special education school places, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins said... 051
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 06/05/2026The decision to revoke funding for the regeneration of Oliver Bond flats fails to address the urgent housing needs of residents. Residents in Oliver Bond flats have been living for years in unacceptable conditions, including severe overcrowding, damp, and mould. @jencummins.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieGovernment decision to revoke Oliver Bond regeneration funding is inhumane - Social DemocratsThe decision by the Minister for Housing to revoke funding for the regeneration of Oliver Bond flats fails to address the urgent housing needs of residents, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummin... 021
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 24/04/2026Govt and NCSE must provide clarity on the scale of unmet need for special education school places. Poor planning has resulted in demand for places being seriously underestimated. This has left thousands of families in limbo. There has to be a better way. @jencummins.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieGovernment must provide full clarity on scale of unmet need for special education school places - Social DemocratsSocial Democrats TD Jen Cummins has called on the Department of Education and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to provide urgent clarity and transparency on the true number of childre... 031
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDThe Week in Politics @rtetwip.bsky.social · 26/04/2026Áine will interview Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald after her party conference, and on the panel, Minister Christopher O’Sullivan, Social Democrats TD @jencummins.bsky.social and Aontú TD Paul Lawless will discuss #Taxes #Homelessness #EarthDay Tune in at midday on @rteone 📺 022
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 23/04/2026A new report reveals the depths of disadvantage in Dublin’s southwest inner city. On every metric, local communities are being failed by the Govt. Everything possible must be done to prevent more people being left behind if the area falls into futher decline. @jencummins.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieCummins calls for targeted resources for Dublin’s southwest inner city after damning report - Social DemocratsThe people of Dublin’s southwest inner city are being failed on multiple fronts by the Government, according to local Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who represents Dublin South Centr... 053
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDGavan Reilly @gavreilly.com · 23/04/2026- This means just under 2,000 children who were known to have special educational needs six months ago, have yet been given a school place - That doesn't include the number (unknown) who subsequently came forward since registrations re-opened - Uh-oh 0103
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 22/04/2026It’s official, May 22 is polling day. If you’re tired of how our country is being run, if you want change, vote for it. Daniel Ennis for Dublin Central, Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich for Galway West. Two strong voices for change in Dáil Éireann. Let’s do this! 099
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 17/04/2026Dublin Central by-election candidate Daniel Ennis discusses his path into the world of politics. 065
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 15/04/2026People are scared of the next bill landing through their door. The cost of living crisis is hitting families hard and they need real support now. We’re proposing a €400 energy credit, support for essential workers and investment in solar to cut bills long term. 2145
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 15/04/2026The debate on the Soc Dems' motion on tackling soaring energy costs has just started. 📺You can watch it live here tinyurl.com/23rudu66 073
Jen Cummins TD @jencummins.bsky.social · 12/04/2026I was on RTE radio one yesterday as the tensions rose at the blockades at Whitegate. You can listen back here. www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...rte.ieSaturday with Cormac Ó hEadhra Saturday 11 April 2026Cormac Ó hEadhra unpacks the political week with lively debate and fresh perspectives from those shaping policy - both nationally and globally. 000
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 10/04/2026A million homes in Ireland are suitable for solar panels, which could save households hundreds on energy bills. People on lower incomes shouldn't be excluded from making those savings. That's why we're bringing forward our Solar for All plan. But what does the plan involve? Watch to find out 0215
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 09/04/2026The dedication teachers have to their profession is deeply admirable. They're at the coalface of our education system – and no one understands how to improve it like they do. The govt must listen to their concerns to ensure Ireland has a world-class education system well into the future. 121
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 08/04/2026Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton must approach negotiations with our teachers unions in good faith if we are to avoid strike action. Both the INTO and ASTI are considering strike action in response to the chronic underresourcing of education on all fronts. @jencummins.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieMinister for Education must meaningfully engage with teacher unions to avoid strike action - Social DemocratsMinister for Education Hildegarde Naughton must approach negotiations with our teachers unions in good faith if we are to avoid strike action this coming autumn, according to Social Democrats educatio... 031
Jen Cummins TD @jencummins.bsky.social · 08/04/2026www.independent.ie/irish-news/r...independent.ie‘Religion should be done at home’ – TD says divestment of Catholic schools moving at ‘nought miles an hour’Primary school divestment is moving at “nought miles an hour”, activists say, as only one school has removed Catholic patronage in two years. 010
Jen Cummins TD @jencummins.bsky.social · 08/04/2026jrnl.ie/7002020jrnl.ieTextbooks v screens: Parents are now questioning the use of classroom techIn a number of countries there is a movement away from using laptops and digital devices for schoolwork. Could Ireland follow suit? 000
Jen Cummins TD @jencummins.bsky.social · 08/04/2026www.socialdemocrats.ie/survey-on-sc...socialdemocrats.ieSurvey on school ethos must be a catalyst for change - Social DemocratsThe government cannot continue to sit back and ignore this ongoing crisis The government must act on a survey which found 41 percent of parents of children attending a Catholic primary school would pr... 072
Jen Cummins TD @jencummins.bsky.social · 08/04/2026@tuiunion.bsky.social congress 2026 is in full swing. Listening intently to motions and debates. 000
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 07/04/2026Teachers are still waiting on pay they were due months ago. At the INTO conference, delegates spoke clearly about pay delays, working conditions and the urgent need for proper supports in education. In the middle of a cost of living crisis, this simply isn’t good enough. 032
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 24/03/2026The Children’s Rights Alliance Report Card makes clear that students and their families are still facing excessive pressure and insufficient supports. Without strong, accessible supports beyond the classroom, efforts to tackle educational disadvantage will fall short. @jencummins.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieReport card shows that students are being left behind by failing education policies - Social DemocratsThe Children’s Rights Alliance Report Card makes clear that students and their families are still facing excessive pressure and insufficient supports, according to Social Democrats education spokesper... 041
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 27/03/2026Dept of Education is facing an overspend of up to €700 million this year. Yet schools around the country continue to struggle due to years of underinvestment by successive Govts. We need to treat education as an investment in our future rather than a cost to be contained. @jencummins.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieEducation overspend to reach hundreds of millions while schools continue to struggle from underinvestment - Social DemocratsIt’s difficult to understand how the Department of Education is facing an overspend of up to €700 million while schools around the country continue to struggle from underinvestment, according to Socia... 052
Reposted by Jen Cummins TDSocial Democrats @social-democrats.bsky.social · 25/03/2026For students, the housing crisis is no longer just about availability, but about cost. Continuing to rely on private developers to deliver student housing risks repeating the same mistakes that have defined Ireland’s wider housing crisis. @jencummins.bsky.socialsocialdemocrats.ieGovernment student accommodation plan misses the mark on affordability and access - Social DemocratsSocial Democrats higher education spokesperson Jen Cummins has criticised the Government’s newly published National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026–2035, warning that it fails to address the core ... 0103