Thousands of 25-year-olds will be asked about their lives as part of a major study aimed at capturing a snapshot of the lives, aspirations and challenges facing Generation Z

Nine-year-olds who featured in Growing Up in Ireland study now approaching mid-20s

School transport companies are to receive temporary emergency support worth more than €5 million

Over 121,000 children at primary and secondary reliant on school buses each day

Fine Gael TD Jennifer Carroll MacNeill: ‘The Minister says it is easy to understand. I find it difficult to understand.’ Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Fine Gael’s Jennifer Carroll MacNeill criticises ‘general responses’ and ‘lack of output’

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has apologised to a family who have been without appropriate education for their children for seven years. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Taoiseach apologises to family without appropriate education for seven years

The shortage of examiners is also likely to spark a debate over the sustainability of externally assessed State exams. File photograph: Getty

Marking fees for teachers increased by 50% or more in effort to attract more applicants

A new Research and Innovation Advisory Forum, aimed at providing a platform for  engagement with the research and innovation community, will be chaired by the Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

New innovation strategy commits to providing more than €1 billion in funding to sector

Josephine Feehily, chair of the governing body for Technological University of the Shannon, said students in the region were entirely dependent on the private sector. File photograph: iStock

Student accommodation would be cheaper without en-suites, says university chair

Students and colleges fear that late Leaving Cert results could delay the start of the academic year for thousands of first-year students and results in a last-minute scramble for accommodation. Photographer: Dara Mac Dónaill

Results delay risks chaos finding accommodation or studying abroad, students warn

Education authorities told higher education representatives recently that there are logistical challenges in finalising a date for issuing exam results this year. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

Colleges fear delay to new academic year and last-minute scramble for accommodation

Minister for Education Norma Foley visiting Ukranian students who started attending Trinity Comprehensive School, Ballymun, Dublin. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill /

Official data suggest significant spare capacity remains at primary and second-level

Liz Hudon and her daughter Dorothy (11), at home in Rathfarnham. Liz began homeschooling Dorothy during lockdown and has continued after seeing her daughter thrive. Photograph: Laura Hutton

Avoiding stress and big class sizes among reasons some families prefer homeschooling

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris said access to education for Ukrainian people should not be hindered by ‘Putin’s illegal invasion’. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA

Number of displaced citizens from strife-torn state seeking third-level access not yet known

The voices of young people will be feature in a new Citizens’ Assembly on the future of education, Minister for Education Norma Foley has pledged. Photograph; Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

Forum offers a ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’ to reimagine Ireland’s education needs

Latest figures show the number of CAO applications is running close to last year’s record-breaking number. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

Last year saw very strong Leaving Cert grades and high CAO applications. A similar pattern is expected this year

Points requirements for college courses are ‘highly likely’ to reach last year’s record levels again with many places awarded on the basis of random selection, according to internal Government records. Photograph: Cyril Byrne

Many college places set to be awarded on basis of random selection, records show

The ethos of schools must not be allowed to prevent pupils’ access to impartial education on sex and relationships, Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris has said. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell

‘If we wait until young people are 18 to educate them on consent ... the damage is done’

Minister for Education Norma Foley  joined students at Dublin City University on Wednesday to launch the ‘Mobile Newton Room’, a Stem classroom which features professional flight simulators. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

Teachers may be fast-tracked through registration system, Minister Norma Foley says

If  the opportunities are seized, there is the potential to ensure Irish higher education can climb up rankings, improve the quality of courses and give school-leavers more options outside the CAO points race. Photograph: iStock

Cost of living and soaring rents means cut to €3,000 student fee will have limited impact

The student contribution fee for college students will be reduced over a number of budgets,  Minister for Higher Education  has said. Photograph: Tommy Clancy

Third-level funding plans seeks university reforms in exchange for extra funding

Non-religious teachers felt unprepared for the religious expectations they encountered in schools, research shows. Photograph: iStock

Schools have right to discriminate against recruits on basis of religion, report says

Minister for Education Norma Foley is expected to seek Cabinet approval for a €40m summer programme plan on Tuesday. Photograph: iStock

Programme aimed at 48,000 pupils with special needs or at risk of disadvantage

The creation of more than 5,000 new higher education places in the past two years led to a drop of about 30 per cent in the number of school-leavers opting for PLC courses. Photograph: iStock

Proposal for extra third level funding and fee cuts to be considered by Cabinet

Declan Newman, who died in Sunday, helped establish a swimming club at Lough Hyne. Photograph: Facebook

Experienced swimmer suffered suspected heart attack

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic collision in Co Westmeath in which a man in his 70s died.

Woman passenger in serious condition airlifted to Tallaght University Hospital

Lough Hyne in Co Cork. Photograph:  Skibbereen Heritage Centre

Experienced swimmer pronounced dead at Lough Hyne near Skibbereen

Students in Waterford mark the establishment of the South East Technological University. Photograph: Patrick Browne

South east gets its first university following merger of Waterford IT and IT Carlow

Teachers say any changes in how we assess students will need to be recognised by the CAO system – otherwise, they will be diminished in value. File photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times

Minister wants senior cycle reforms that recognise more talents – but what does this mean?

Prof Veronica Campbell has held several senior leadership roles in Trinity College, including dean of graduate studies, bursar and director of strategic innovation.

Veronica Campbell will bring ‘energy, vitality and leadership’ to role, says chair of board

Minister for Education Norma Foley said her department wants to ‘reimagine the delivery of the senior cycle’.  Photograph: Alan Betson

School leaders support move to reward team work and communication skills

Young people in the Republic have higher levels of educational attainment compared to Northern Ireland, according to a new cross-border study by the ESRI.

Early school leaving is two to three times higher in Northern Ireland

NUI Galway is to rename itself ‘University of Galway’ in a bid to emphasise its status as a university to an international audience.Photograph: iStock

College will rebrand as as ‘Ollscoil na Gaillimhe - University of Galway’ this summer

Norma Foley, Minister for Education addressing delgates at the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation annual congress in Killarney on Tuesday. Photograph Moya Nolan

Analysis: Industrial action threat fades despite anger over pay and spiralling inflation

Eamonn Daly said he is now openly gay at the school where he teaches and  highlights to students  how inclusive their school is.

Conference told by teacher of being unable to tell colleagues partner had died

Joe McKeown (seated), president of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation, is applauded by central executive members and delegates at the union’s annual congress in Killarney. Photograph: Moya Nolan

Erosion of switch-off time has lingered since Covid-19 school closures, INTO congress hears

Minister for Education Norma Foley with INTO general secretary John Boyle (left), president Joe Mc Keown and vice president John Driscoll at the union’s annual congress in Killarney on Tuesday. Photograph: Moya Nolan

Unions seek ‘significant’ increases to combat spiralling inflation

INTO delegates at the annual congress in Killarney where they called for all necessary supports to be made available to Ukrainian students. Photograph: Moya Nolan

Social media and Covid-19 disruption among the factors behind rise, INTO congress hears

Aoife Flanagan, a teacher at Gaelscoil an Eiscir Riada, Tullamore, Co Offaly

Inflation, class sizes and special-needs supports among key issues for union members

Minister for Education Norma Foley has said teachers’ pay is part of a wider public sector discussion between unions and the Government. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

Union conferences hear demands that salaries increase to match rate of inflation

It is expected Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris will seek a multi-annual funding package for the higher education sector. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell

Harris to tell teacher conference of plans to boost pathways for access to third level

Primary school children could be taught Ukrainian under a languages initiative. Photograph: iStock

Funding to be provided for language modules aimed at over 40,000 pupils

Joe McKeown, president of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation is applauded by central executive members and delegates at the union’s annual congress in Killarney. Photograph Moya Nolan

INTO seeks ‘substantial pay uplifts’ as it warns of need to ensure ‘industrial harmony’

‘The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform must immediately and finally eliminate pay discrimination,’ said TUI president Martin Marjoram. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill.

TUI survey finds 87% of members say extra supports will be needed next year

Norma Foley: she has said that teachers’ pay is part of a wider public sector discussion between unions and Government.  Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

INTO president to warn that a pay rise is needed to stabilise the public sector pay deal

Delegates at a recent Irish National Teachers’ Organisation’s annual congress in Killarney:  Cost-of-living issues are likely to trigger demands that the Government provides inflation-matching pay rises before the end of the year. Photograph: Moya Nolan

Cost of living and Covid-era spending are among the key topics to be discussed

Minister for Education Norma Foley said on Sunday that a survey of schools indicates there is ‘significant’ spare capacity. Photograph: Alan Betson

Teachers’ unions warn of strain on education system unless more supports made available

Prof Holohan’s salary will be in excess of regular pay scales for academic professors at the university. File photograph: Julien Behal

CMO also reveals own role in development of his new academic job

Dr Tony Holohan was announced as the professor of public health strategy and leadership at Trinity on March 25th. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos

TCD post paid for by department will be in excess of regular pay scales for professors

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, pictured with (left to right) Yousef Elkhodairy, Lily McClean, and Milan McDonnell Griffin during a visit to Scoil Treasa Naofa Primary School, Donore Avenue, Dublin 8 on Wednesday. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw for The Irish Times

Humphreys announces review of school meals programme with an eye to expansion

A decrease in stigma around mental health plus increasing anxiety and academic pressure to do well appear to be factors in the rise in demand for counselling services, according to professionals. Photograph: iStock

Colleges struggle to cope with demand for counselling from students under pressure

It is Government policy to promote mainstream education of children with additional needs by providing supports such as resource teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs). Photograph: iStock

Children ‘pushed’ into special classes, department warns

Renee and Shay Finegan (left) with Lisa, Jamie and Cillian Kelly at Scoil Naomh Colmcille in Togher, Co Louth: SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school-based resource.

School says it is unable to access enough SNAs to support vulnerable pupils

Minister for Education Norma Foley announced details of planned reforms to the Leaving Cert this week. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

Some exams will take place in fifth year – but bigger reforms will take years to deliver

A teacher has admitted to fraudulently creating documents about his qualifications with the aim of securing a second level teaching post in Ireland. Photograph: iStock

‘I cannot express enough how deeply ashamed I am of my actions,’ says teacher

Enda O’Gorman, principal of Mother of Hope National School, Littlepace, Dublin 15. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times

Learning loss emerging in pupils’ handwriting, numeracy and sports, says principal

The INTO has also opted to use the sectoral bargaining fund to increase part-time and hourly /daily rates. Photograph: iStock

INTO agreement will see principals and deputies climb up allowance scale based school size

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the school completion programme  has played a key role in engaging students at risk of early school leaving. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

About 91% complete post-primary in Ireland, one of the highest rates in the world

Ukrainian students Peter Babenko, Rostyslav Kuznetc and Kate Peterman at Trinity Comprehensive School, Ballymun, Dublin. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

Education system faces steep challenge to meet needs of thousands of refugees

The pandemic forced what was once unthinkable: the cancellation or replacement of the traditional Leaving Cert. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien

Jury is out on whether reforms will end up easing pressure on students

Minister for Education Norma Foley says the proposed  Leaving Cert reforms will reduce the pressure on students from   final year written exams. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

Teacher-based assessment to feature with greater emphasis on project work from 2024

Louise Tobin, principal of St Joseph’s Primary School, Tipperary Town, which has been given Deis status. ‘We’re looking forward to a brighter future for our young children,’ she says. Photograph: John D Kelly

Expansion of the scheme has sparked wider debate about whether it is doing enough

Universities are concerned that Leaving Cert results for more than 60,000 students may issue later than normal this year. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

Students likely to get results later than usual due to alternative set of State exams in July

Schools need to identify where the most significant gaps in learning have occurred as a result of school closures and address them in a systematic way. Photograph: iStock

The Department of Education chief inspector’s report shows strengths but also challenges in the school system

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD, pictured during a visit to  Trinity Comprehensive School, Ballymun, Dublin on Thursday. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill / The Irish Times

Norma Foley tells school leaders a reformed senior cycle will meet needs of all students

Minister for Education Norma Foley visiting Ukranian students from left; Peter Babenko, Rostyslav Kuznetc, Kate Peterman and Anastasia Rudnytska, who have started attending Trinity Comprehensive School, Ballymun, Dublin. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

Supports being put in place for new arrivals getting to grips with upheaval, says Foley

At primary level, the report found that pupils’ learning outcomes in Irish at English-medium primary schools were ‘very concerning’. File photograph: iStock

Learning as Gaeilge suffered disproportionately during coronavirus pandemic, say schools

Josepha Madigan, Minister of State for special education, announced the  expansion of special education places in Dublin and Cork.  Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

Funded special classes to be established in private sector with fees waived

More than 9,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived into the State so far, according to Department of Justice figures. Photograph: Wojtek Radwanski/AFP

‘Personalised assessments’ to be made available for those people seeking work

A Department of Education analysis has identified tens of thousands of spare places in primary and secondary schools. Photograph: iStock

Primary enrolments reduced by 25,000 since 2018, according to Department of Education

Dr Miriam Hederman O’Brien: after simultaneously studying law in King’s Inns as well as French and English at UCD, she practiced at the Bar, moved into radio and writing and completed a doctorate in political science from Trinity College Dublin. Photograph: Paddy Whelan.

Barrister, academic and first female chancellor of an Irish university dies at 89

Ukranian students who move  to Ireland will have access to grants that are available to Irish and EU students, Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris has said. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill

New arrivals will have access to same supports and grants available to Irish students

Minister for Education Norma Foley said there will be need to draw on the expertise of Ukrainian teachers over the coming months. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Move aims to ensure schools can cope with expected influx of children

School patrons such as Educate Together fear they will be excluded from a new pilot programme aimed at transferring the patronage of Catholic schools to a multi-denominational patronage. Photograph: iStock

Educate Together fears being excluded from plan to create multi-denominational schools

Catholic schools account for 89 per cent of primary schools, while about 5 per cent have a multi-denominational ethos. Photograph: iStock

Bishops to ‘co-operate fully’ in facilitating school choice in eight pilot areas

Minister for Education Norma Foley said it is the Government’s “absolute intention” to meet the needs of all children and young people who arrive from the Ukraine. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

Authorities planning database of Ukrainian speakers to assist with integration

Enei (8) and his sister Odarka (13) Hetman arriving with their mother Oresta to St Brigid’s National School, Ballysax, Co Kildare. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

Family begins new life in Co Kildare after offer of accommodation via Facebook

Minister for Education Norma Foley and Minister of State for special education  Joespha Madigan. Some 310 schools are to be added to the Deis programme of support for schools with at-risk students. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill

Disadvantaged programme expanded to include schools attended by 60,000 students

 CAO figures as of March 1st reveal 78,000 college applications this year, a 1.5 per cent fall on last year. There are fewer mature applicants compared to 2021. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

Business, law and science slip too, while arts, environment and languages rise

February’s Covid absences are the lowest recorded since October of last year. Photograph: iStock

Teachers’ unions, however, say virus remains an issue of concern in classrooms

Maryfield College students Riya Philip, Ellen O’Mahony and Anita Sibi say the option to wear trousers as part of the school uniform should be extended to all girls’ schools. Photograph: Tom Honan

Schoolgirls say ‘ladylike’ skirt rules are outdated and hinder freedom of movement

Minister for Education Norma Foley is planning to appoint a students’ representative to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.  Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Norma Foley to appoint student representative to State body for syllabus and assessment

‘Britain’s strictest teacher’: Katharine Birbalsingh, principal of Michaela Community School in London

Katharine Birbalsingh says Irish parents should resist ‘progressive’ education policies

Taoiseach Micheál Martin speaking to media after announcing the funding at Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute in Pearse Street, Dublin, on Wednesday. Photograph: Alan Betson

Government higher education initiative aims to deliver all-island approaches to innovation

Prof Tonra resigned from the senior UCD role in global engagement.

University’s initial reaction reveals sensitivity to damaging links with China, says academic

Brian Moore (left) , principal of Rathdown Senior School and Dermot Dix, principal of Rathdown Junior School, along with pupils Caleb Mason, Dylan Fitzmaurice Brady. Photograph: Julien Behal

Rathdown School in Glenageary to begin move to co-education later this year

The Oireachtas committee on education on Tuesday heard that ‘contract cheating’ is a growing problem and that universities need targeted funding to help protect the quality and integrity of teaching and learning. Photograph: iStock

Officials estimate up to 10% of students may have used contract cheating services

There is  broad consensus in the school community that reform is needed to the senior cycle, according to Paul Crone of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien

Principals say there is broad consensus in schools for Leaving Cert reform

St Columba’s in Dublin is the most expensive day school in the country (€9,174) and  is also the most expensive for seven-day boarding (up to €24,670). Photograph: Bryan O’Brien

Principals, fearing an end to State subsidies for the sector, plan a rear-guard action

Public funding goes towards paying the salaries of the majority of teachers and special needs assistants in fee-charging schools. Photograph: iStock

SF pledge to remove €111m subsidy sparks alarm among fee-charging schools

The storm is due to track across the country from the early hours of Friday morning. Photograph: Valerie O’Sullivan

Damaging winds in excess of 130km/h expected as well as flooding and power cuts

St Columba’s College warden Mark Boobbyer: ‘We can’t wait to get back to normal.’ Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

Public health experts advise easing of Covid rules as teachers’ unions urge caution

More than a third of people want much greater access to co-educational and multi-denominational schools closer to their homes, according to a new survey. Photograph: iStock

Progress in expanding school choice moving ‘far too slowly’, education boards chief says

Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan is expected to write to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly  following the first meeting of Nphet since January. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins

Teaching unions want cautious approach to easing of mitigation measures in schools

Róisín Devlin Devlin, (left) with her daughter Caitlin (8) protesting outside Leinster House, Dublin, over reduced access to special needs assistants. Photographs: Dara MacDónaill/The Irish Times

School says it has to share one SNA among 12 vulnerable pupils with additional needs

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland warned that a sudden relaxation of measures could disrupt preparation for the Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert exams. Photograph: iStock

Teachers’ union says infection prevention measures should stay in place until Easter

Bernie McNally has has a BSc and MSc from Trinity College Dublin and completed a graduate leadership programme with the University of Limerick and Office for Health Management.

Outgoing mandarin Seán Ó Foghlú due to complete 10-year term of office this week

Department of Education figures show the number of teacher absences climbed from 9,278 in December to 14,390, a 55 per cent increase. Photograph: iStock

Jump in teacher absences of 55% as school managers warn ‘pandemic is not over’

Minister for Education Norma Foley says the National Public Health Emergency Team is due to meet next Thursday  to review safety measures in schools. Photograph: Dara MacDónaill

Secondary school students currently have one of shortest academic years in Europe

The final of the Irish Times Debate, Ireland’s longest-running third-level debating competition, takes place next month.

Final of Ireland’s longest-running third-level debating competition takes place next month

Updated guidance is due to issue in advance of the return of school following the mid-term break on February 28th. File photograph: Getty

School managers warn ‘pandemic is not over’ amid student and staff absences

Tánaiste has asked officials in the Department of Finance to examine whether funding can be drawn from a €1 billion-surplus in the National Training Fund for higher education. Photograph: Alan Betson

Tánaiste says it would be a mistake to cut €3,000 student charge and only leave ‘small bit’ for core funds

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