Senator Higgins highlights inequalities in education arising from COVID-19
21 May 2020
Over the last
number of weeks, I have been corresponding with the Minister for Education and
Skills on issues raised by Covid 19 at every level of
our education system. This crisis has
deepened inequalities already faced by many students, I have
called for particular action on the difficulties faced
by students in direct provision. I have also pressed
for a ‘no detriment’ policy and policies that ensure real
opportunity and choice for all leaving cert students. In a time of emergency we
cannot allow vulnerable communities to be left behind - I have also highlighted the
challenges faced by Ireland’s research sector and called for more
flexible and ambitious funding across science and
the humanities, including more public-public research. The collective challenges
we will face in terms of society, culture, economy and environment over the
coming months and years will require research of many different kinds.
The Irish Research Council funding for research on the Sustainable
Development Goals is one example of a project which could and should be
scaled up as we try to ensure future resilience and sustainability. Education
can and must be an
accessible and enriching social good.
Lastly, as part of the wider reimagining
of our public spaces, I have called for an investment in
better cycling and pedestrian infrastructure around our schools to
ensure that safe and sustainable transport is an option for more
families next September.