Leaving cert reform must take a long term approach
Leaving cert reform must take a long term approach - The Labour Party
Labour’s Education Spokesperson Eoghan Kenny TD has today called on the Minister for Education to pause the proposed Leaving Cert reforms, following reports that teachers could face a 5% pay loss if the plan is blocked. Speaking in Leinster House, Deputy Kenny criticised the Minister for “burying her head in the sand” while teachers, parents and students are left to deal with a reform process that lacks the necessary groundwork, support and training. Labour is urging a pause to ensure that vital reforms are introduced in a way that genuinely benefits schools and students.
Deputy Kenny said:
“The Leaving Cert absolutely needs reform – but it needs to be done right. Every teaching union, teacher group, and a huge number of parents and students are now calling for these reforms to be paused. They are not against reform. Neither are we. But the current plan is being rushed through without proper preparation, and that’s a recipe for disaster.
“The Minister is pushing ahead with changes that teachers simply have not been equipped for. There has been no comprehensive training, no proper supports put in place, and the voices of those working on the ground in schools are being ignored. The reality is, the necessary groundwork to make these reforms impactful has simply not been done. Forcing through half-baked changes won’t help students, it will only cause confusion and damage.
“Labour supports modernising the Leaving Cert. We want progress. But progress needs planning. Reforms of this scale should take a long-term approach, not a political shortcut. If we rush this, it will fail. Poorly implemented reforms will benefit no one – not teachers, not students, not parents. That’s why Labour is calling for the Minister to listen to the sector, engage properly with teachers, and pause the rollout until schools are ready.
“In recent weeks, we’ve seen widespread concern from teachers, unions, school leaders and parents. Yet the Minister continues to press ahead as if all is well. It is not. The warnings are loud and clear. The Minister must stop ignoring them.”