Politician(s) lobbied: Helen McEntee (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: Letter sent to Minister McEntee jointly from an alliance of primary school organisations requesting an increase in primary school capitation in Budget 2026.
Methods: Letter
Politician(s) lobbied: Michael Healy-Rae (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: Discussion on the lack of parental choice in Kerry at present, the benefits of schools reflecting the communities they serve and the role of faith in schools.
Methods: Meeting
Politician(s) lobbied: Hubert Loftus (Assistant Secretary), Department of Education
Intent: Advocated for new permanent site to be confirmed for Wicklow ETSS and that consideration be given to providing a suitable building where the school is in the town. Also for better resources and support for school while in interim accommodation.
Methods: Phone call
Politician(s) lobbied: Jen Cummins (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: To raise awareness among the community and Jen Cummins TD of the urgent need for additional Educate Together school places in Meakstown.
Methods: Event / Reception
Details by Method
Event / Reception
Attended a community meeting organised by the Dublin West Soc Dems, with Jen Cummins TD and Educate Together, to discuss the need for a new primary school in Meakstown. Discussed challenges including the lack of an Educate Together school in the area and increasing housing development without sufficient school capacity.
Politician(s) lobbied: Jen Cummins (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: To raise awareness among TDs, Senators, and parliamentary staff and encourage political support for the parental survey, information campaign, and funding for patronage reconfiguration.
Methods: Meeting
Details by Method
Meeting
Jen Cummins TD hosted an AV room presentation in Leinster House to inform TDs, Senators, and parliamentary staff about Educate Together, highlighting the need for additional support from the Department of Education & Youth for patronage reconfiguration. The presentation included the parental survey, an information campaign for parents, and funding for schools and patronage transfers.
Politician(s) lobbied: Peadar Tóibín (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: To raise awareness of Educate Together’s challenges and seek support for the parental survey and funding for reconfiguration.
Methods: Meeting
Details by Method
Meeting
Met with Peadar Tóibín TD and his PA, Luke Silke, in his government office to discuss Educate Together. Explained challenges in meeting demand and outlined the need for the parental survey to be launched and for patronage reconfiguration to be funded by the Department of Education and Youth.
Politician(s) lobbied: Ged Nash (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: To explore options for expanding Educate Together school provision in Dundalk.
Methods: Meeting
Details by Method
Meeting
Educate Together met with met with Ged Nash TD in Leinster House to discuss the possibility of establishing an Educate Together school in Dundalk,
Politician(s) lobbied: Helen McEntee (Minister), Department of Education; Paraic Joyce (Professional Officer II), Department of Education
Intent: To inform the Minister for Education & Youth of the key challenges facing Educate Together schools and to seek Departmental support in addressing demand, funding, inclusion, and infrastructure needs.
Methods: Meeting
Details by Method
Meeting
Met with Minister for Education & Youth Helen McEntee TD in Leinster House to provide an overview of Educate Together schools.
Politician(s) lobbied: Jen Cummins (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: To raise awareness of education choice issues in Dublin 8 and seek support for expanding second-level school options.
Methods: Meeting
Details by Method
Meeting
Jen Cummins TD facilitated a meeting between Educate Together and the Educate Dublin 8 campaign group in the Educate Together national office to discuss education choice for second-level schools.
Politician(s) lobbied: Isobel Towse (Councillor), Cork County Council
Intent: To inform and engage Cllr Towse on Educate Together’s mission and the reconfiguration process, seeking her support in advancing these goals within the local council in her area.
Methods: Meeting
Details by Method
Meeting
Met with Cllr Isobel Towse in Clonakilty to provide an overview of Educate Together, explain the patronage reconfiguration process, and discuss how she can support these efforts locally.
