when is homework banned in ireland

President Michael D Higgins says homework should be banned in Ireland

The country’s favourite leader believes that school activities should end at the school gate and students should be encouraged to engage in more creative pursuits

• 10:39, 21 JAN 2023

Never miss a beat from Dublin and beyond by signing up to our FREE newsletter

We have more newsletters

President Michael D Higgins has called for homework to be banned.

The country’s favourite leader has given hope to a new generation of students that the bane of their afterschool evenings could be scrapped. President Higgins argues that this would make time for young people to engage in more creative pursuits outside school hours.

The former Arts Minister believes that school activities should end at the school gate. He was speaking to RTE’s news2day current affairs and news programme for children on the occasion of the programme’s 20th birthday.

Read more: Children being 'corrupted' by drug dealing situation in Oliver Bond flats, Dail told

When asked what his opinion of homework President Higgins said: “I think myself, really that the time at home, and the time in the school is an educational experience and it should get finished at the school and people should be able to use their time for other creative things.”

To mark the show’s two decades on air, students from St Kevin’s National School, Littleton, County Tipperary put questions from RTÉ news2day viewers to President Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin. In a wide-ranging interview, the children asked the President questions like, what was your favourite sport when you were in school?

When you were nine years old what did you want to be? And when did you decide you wanted to be President?

The students also asked the President about his dogs, his official trips abroad, his favourite subject in school, differences between now and when he was a child and his favourite book. The President also spoke to the children about his love of handball and the importance of friendship in their lives.

RTÉ news2day will broadcast some of the President’s interview as part of Friday afternoon’s birthday celebrations at 4.20pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ News channel and the full interview will be available later on Friday evening on the RTÉ Player. In a message to the children of Ireland and the viewers of RTÉ news2day, President Michael D. Higgins gave this advice: “To stay curious about everything and I think it’s important to make sure you don’t miss the joy of sharing information.

“And I think an important thing is friendship and to make sure that there’s no one left without friendship and that people belong. And we will all do individual things... but I think friendships that you make will in fact always be great memories and that is so important. And also have the courage to stand your own ground and let other children be allowed the space of standing their ground too because none of us are the same.

“We’re all unique but at the same time we have a lot going for us.” President Higgins also encouraged the children of Ireland to speak the Irish language.

He encouraged them to speak Irish in a fun way and to feel free to use whatever bits of the language that they have.

Phone analysis expert says 'nothing to suggest' Jonathan Dowdall in park on alleged 'confession' date

Dermot Bannon says latest season of Room To Improve 'nearly killed him'

RTE Late Late Show viewers hail 'fantastic' Nell Mescal on singing debut

Temperatures soar across Dublin despite forecast of dreary weather

Gardai appeal for help in locating missing Dublin pensioner

Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.

• President Higgins
• Most Recent

• Data tracker

Students and parents plead case for homework ban

School children and parents pleaded with the Minister for Education Norma Foley to step in and introduce a homework ban.

In letters to the minister, kids wrote about how they were being forced to give up hobbies because they were given so much work to do after school.

The correspondence followed comments by President Michael D Higgins in January that a ban on homework should be considered.

In one letter, a school child wrote about how seven hours of school each day was “plenty of education” and that more work on top was unnecessary.

“I do not ask for homework to be completely banned but for it to be reduced to a certain limit. Otherwise, if there is a constant build-up of homework daily, it can cause stress and even a lack of exercise which will affect a person’s well-being.”

Another said they felt homework was a “waste of time” and that a ban should be introduced.

They wrote: “Kids should be doing more creative things with their time after school. Many kids have had to stop doing hobbies they have because of it.

“It is a burden to parents, kids, and teachers [and] so for the above reasons, I think you should BAN HOMEWORK!”

Homework annoys teachers

One hand-written letter, decorated with a Minnie Mouse bow, said homework was “annoying for teachers and pupils”.

“I play soccer and love writing stories, but because of homework, I have no time for doing these things. For teachers, it gives them more copies to correct and they have to go through the trouble of deciding what [homework] to give.”

A secondary school student said that if “sleeping isn’t for school” then “work isn’t for home”.

They explained how they did between one and two hours of homework every evening after school and sometimes more.

“When I would finish, there would be barely any time for me to relax before I had to go to bed to get enough sleep to get up in the morning,” said their letter.

“As I’m sure you’re aware, our president Michael D Higgins also thinks that homework should be banned so if you don’t want to listen to me, listen to our President.”

Another suggested there could at least be a compromise so that students would not be given homework for over the weekend.

“[This would relieve] students of mental stress,” they said.

Help parents

One young student said they were left with no time to help their parents, or to learn how to cook or do other activities around the house.

They said: “We all do activities like swimming, dance, and all other sports. It’s hard work and it’s stressful and it’s unfair.”

A single parent also wrote in to explain how one of their children was getting two hours of written homework every day.

They said: “We need time to teach them life skills such as sewing, cooking, how to work the washing machine, change their own bed sheets and personal care.

“These teachings are very hard for parents with zero [time] left in the evenings. There is no time for them to spend with siblings and parents because they are so tired.”

In responses, the Department of Education told the letter writers that homework policy was not within its powers.

In emails, they said: “The Department does not issue direct guidelines relating to homework being given in schools. It is a matter for each school, at local level, to arrive at its own homework policy.

“In keeping with good practice, the process of drafting a homework policy should involve consultation with teachers, parents, and students.

“However, the Department does acknowledge that homework can play an important part in helping pupils prepare for forthcoming class work and in reinforcing work already covered during class time.”

• Education ,
• Norma Foley ,
• President Michael D Higgins ,
• Minister for Education ,
• homework ban

Woman suffers serious injuries after attack by dogs in Dún Laoghaire

Man who intimidated Michael Healy-Rae must understand ‘ramifications’ of action, judge says

PSNI working on ‘robust response’ to removing racist posters and graffiti

Bid to ban dynamic ticket pricing in Ireland following Oasis furore

Message submitting... Thank you for waiting.

Want us to email you top stories each lunch time?

President Michael D Higgins says he doesn't think children should have homework

In a wide-ranging interview with Irish children, the president was asked for his thoughts on homework

• 15:35, 20 JAN 2023
• Updated 11:44, 20 APR 2023

Stay on top of the latest issues at home and abroad by signing up to our FREE daily newsletter

We have more newsletters

President Michael D Higgins has called for homework to be banned.

End of homework

Higgins has suggested that school activities should end at the school gates.

A smile is likely to have cross children and teenagers' faces after the president of Ireland suggested that homework should be scrapped.

Higgins argued that getting rid of homework would allow young people more time to engage in creative pursuits outside of school hours.

Speaking on RTÉ's news2day programme for the occasion of its 20th anniversary, children were able to put questions to Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin.

Higgins was asked about his opinion on homework.

The president replied: "I think myself, really that the time at home, and the time in the school is an educational experience and it should get finished at the school and people should be able to use their time for other creative things."

This isn't the first time a political leader has sought to curry favour with future voters.

In March 2022, when then-Taoiseach Micheál Martin was isolating in the US during his St Patrick's Day visit, told the children of Ireland that they could have the day off homework if they did a kind deed.

Other questions for President Higgins

Other questions that the children asked the president included:

• What was your favourite sport when you were in school?
• When you were nine years old what did you want to be?
• When did you decide you wanted to be president?
• What is your favourite book?

The president was asked about his dogs, his official trips abroad, his favourite subject in school, the difference between his childhood and nowadays.

Higgins told the children he loved handball and spoke about the importance of friendship in their lives.

He encouraged the children to speak the Irish language.

A message to the children of Ireland

In a message to the children of Ireland and the viewers of RTÉ news2day, President Michael D. Higgins gave this advice: "Stay curious about everything and I think it's important to make sure you don't miss the joy of sharing information.

"I think an important thing is friendship and to make sure that there’s no one left without friendship and that people belong.

"And we will all do individual things... but I think friendships that you make will in fact always be great memories and that is so important.

"And also have the courage to stand your own ground and let other children be allowed the space of standing their ground too because none of us are the same.

"We're all unique but at the same time we have a lot going for us."

To keep up to date with all the latest Irish environment and international climate news sign up to our bi-weekly newsletter

READ NEXT - The environmental wins and losses of 2022

READ NEXT - The top political stories in Ireland in 2022

• Michael D Higgins
• Most Recent

President Michael D Higgins calls for school homework to be scrapped

President Michael D Higgins stopped by St Kevin's National School in Tipperary where the pupils interviewed him about his dogs, his time in school and his view on homework

• 15:01, 21 JAN 2023

Get the latest showbiz news and gossip every day by signing up to our FREE newsletter

We have more newsletters

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins has said he supports the scrapping of homework.

He addressed students of St Kevin's National School, Littleton, Co Tipperary, this week in an episode of RTE's news2day programme.

The President said that schoolwork should be completed in school time so children can use time after school to pursue more creative activities.

Read more: Ireland weather: Met Eireann pin point the end of the cold snap as temperatures skyrocket next week

“People should be able to use their time for other creative things,” he said.

"I think as much as possible that [homework] should happen in the school and I think it’s more relaxed than it used to be.”

He said that not all lessons are learned from books, but that the responsible use of phones is something that he hopes the younger generation will be acutely aware of.

The children of Ireland "have a great value of friendships" and this makes it even more tragic when there is an "abuse of phones for bullying", the President said.

The pupils were also curious about some of the other residents of Aras an Uachtaran - dogs Brod and Misneach.

"He's probably a very famous dog now," said President Higgins of Brod. "He will be 11 in February, which is a very good age for a Bernese Mountain dog and Bród is wonderful.

"He came here at six weeks old, so he's lived all of his life at the Áras..

As for Misneach, he said: "He came during Covid and because I couldn't collect him because of the ban on inter-county travel, he didn't come to me until he was five months old.

"He also didn't have a good journey here, so he's actually shy. He's a beautiful dog."

Get the latest RSVP headlines straight to your inbox for free by signing up to our newsletter

Social welfare Ireland: Major warning issued as payment dates change ahead of Bank Holiday

Louth nurse opens up about father's passing 10 days after cancer diagnosis

Stefanie Preissner felt enormous guilt after 5 devastating miscarriages in two years

Una Healy leaves fans 'mind blown' after capturing optical illusion photograph

Amy Huberman moved after young fan sends her sweet letter

• Most Recent

• US election 2024
• US Politics
• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Rugby Union
• Sports Videos
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Lifestyle Videos
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Inspiration
• City Guides
• Sustainable Travel
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Home & Garden
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Climate 100
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Electric vehicles

Behind The Headlines

On the ground, decomplicated.

• You Ask The Questions

Binge Watch

Travel smart.

• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

Independent TV

Showing now | lifestyle.

Mary-Kate Findon | Saturday 21 January 2023 16:06 GMT

Irish president suggests schools should avoid setting children homework

Ireland's president has suggested that schools should avoid assigning children homework, leaving school at the gates.

Michael D Higgins shared his beliefs on the matter during a sit down with students that was broadcast on RTE.

"People should be able to use their time for other creative things," he told the children during his visit to Tipperary.

The 81-year-old also offered words of wisdom for the young people, urging them to "stay curious about everything."

Click here to sign up for our newsletters.

Viral new heart kid shares what life is like after transplant

Molly-Mae shares co-parenting update after Tommy Fury split

Katie Price pokes fun at those taking interest in financial situation

Adorable critically endangered wombat cub captured on nature camera

Editor’s picks.

Why France is your perfect autumnal getaway

Leila Farzad talks Kaos, The Decameron and finding the audience

How to travel sustainably around Europe by train

Olympic climbers Erin McNeice and Shauna Coxsey share tips on strength

Go to where the wild things are with a safari holiday

Team GB’s table tennis Olympians on how to get quicker

How did social media fuel the Southport rioters?

How to train like an Olympian: TeamGB’s Adam Burgess on decisions

Searching for the ‘Whitby Woman’

On the campaign trail with Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg

Life at 50C: Delhi’s streets struggling to cope with heatwave

Indian farmers use election to make voices heard against Narendra Modi

Baltimore will rebuild, but at what cost? | On The Ground

New Yorkers turn to self-defence classes as punching attacks continue

This 26-year-old could be Biden’s secret weapon | On The Ground

The NHS nurse fighting to be heard | On The Ground

What would a President Trump 2.0 look like?

When will the Cost of Living Crisis end?

How airlines greenwash the skies

Is it time to panic over AI? | Behind The Headlines

My personal struggle amid the global fight for abortion rights

Non-doms, ghost-doms and tax loopholes of the elite

The fight for LGBT+ rights in Poland

The war in Ukraine | Behind The Headlines

What is tactical voting - and why could it be a powerful tool?

Are ultra-processed foods bad for you?

Why are UK councils going bankrupt?

What causes the winter flu and how does it differ from other types?

How does the Iowa Caucus pick the next US president? | Decomplicated

Everything you need to know about the bedbug invasion | Decomplicated

What is Raac and why is it causing an issue in schools?

How does El Niño affect our weather? | Decomplicated

Viggo Mortensen on the role that got away

Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt pick their go-to karaoke songs

Actor Kevin Durand on how he found his inner ape

Go to Bat with Melanie Lynskey: My film that deserves more love

Oscars 2024: Who will win Best Actor and Actress?

Oscars 2024: Who will win Best Picture and Best Director?

Big Brother’s Jordan and Henry on life after the house

Lemoncello perform ‘Old Friend’ in Music Box session

Lemoncello perform ‘Sunflower’ in Music Box session

Boston trio Tiny Habits perform ‘Wishes’ for Music Box session

Boston trio Tiny Habits perform ‘Mudroom’ in Music Box session

The Mysterines perform ‘The Last Dance’ for Music Box

Rock band The Mysterines perform single ‘Stray’ for Music Box

Gareth Dunlop performs ‘Church’ in acoustic live set

Irish pop artist Gareth Dunlop performs Go Down Swinging for Music Box

The splendour along Lake Geneva as Montreux Jazz Festival plays

Exploring the wilds of the Atlantic Islands

How to spend your summer in Scotland

How to master the art of the last minute holiday

How to island hop around the Caribbean like a pro

Here’s why Greece is still a firm family summer holiday favourite

Vladimir Putin suggests support for Kamala Harris as next US president

Georgia shooting: Teacher tells students ‘not a drill’ as they cower

New footage shows chaotic moments after JFK assassination

Asteroid headed for Earth burns up in spectacular fireball

Historic flood waters burst into New York library, causing $10m damage

Pope calls for peace during interfaith gathering at Jakarta mosque

Angela Rayner hits back at critics after Ibiza clubbing uproar

Woman who lost family to Grenfell fire recalls questioning cladding

Paralympic archer hits incredible bullseye using her legs

US Open tennis star booed while ‘humiliating’ ball girl

Children demanding signatures pre-empt Coco Gauff’s US Open exit

Erik ten Hag clashes with journalist after 3-0 Liverpool defeat

Sean Dyche says Everton’s collapse ‘most frustrating’ defeat of career

Jadon Sancho reveals what Chelsea fans can expect from him this season

Gary Lineker pays tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson on Match of the Day

Judy Murray didn’t enjoy last five years of Andy’s tennis career

Surfers ride powerful 13ft waves amid weather warning

Floodwaters rage across Yelville as residents evacuated from homes

Greece shuts down Acropolis as temperatures hit almost 40 degrees

Eerie tornado sirens ring through downtown Chicago

Googlebox stars stuck in Jamaica as Hurricane Beryl makes landfall

Damaged boats sink in port after Hurricane Beryl lashes Barbados

Northern California wildfire forces thousands to evacuate

Cars swept away in New Mexico flash floods after wildfires

Gavin and Stacey cast don costumes as filming begins for final episode

Lady Gaga greets swarm of fans waiting outside Joker premiere

Tim Burton honoured by Winona Ryder and Michael Keaton on Walk of Fame

James Corden admits he is overwhelmed filming Gavin and Stacey finale

Helen Flanagan confesses secret boyfriend to Celebs Go Dating experts

Tommy Fury opens up on mental health struggles after Molly-Mae split

Lee: Kate Winslet urges women to ‘manifest’ change in film industry

Alexander Skarsgard praises Kate Winslet’s dedication to Lee Miller

Saudi Cup: ‘A true display of horsemanship’, says Prince Bandar

Princess Nourah praises young fashion designers on show at Saudi Cup

Andrew Strauss says Saudi is an eye opener

Saudi Arabia is ‘pushing limits’ of fashion creativity

Saudi Cup could become ‘the best race in the world’

Horseracing chiefs praise Saudi Cup

Saudi will become a ‘worldwide, year-long’ horseracing destination

Arabian horses ‘big part’ of global racing culture, says Damien Oliver

Galaxy the ripple effect.

Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE on the imposter syndrome epidemic

Finance coach Ellie Austin-Williams on the psychology of money

Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE on how to tackle imposter syndrome

Simple ways to boost your money situation with Ellie Austin-Williams

E.on next power switch.

Episode One - Cooking

Episode Two - Entertainment

Episode Three - Body Care

Episode Four - Lighting

Big in america.

Can Willsow’s children’s books pique the interest of the US market?

Will the founders of Spice Kitchen be able to find US retailers?

Co-founders of See.Sense bring their cycle safe tech to New York City

Collctiv fintech founder Amy Whitell tries to crack the US tech market

The maritime tech guru taking high-speed ferries across the Atlantic

Saudi green initiative.

Saudi government doesn’t ‘pay lip service’ on climate action

SGI ‘seems like a nest of harmony’, journalist says

SGI ambitions are ‘extremely high’, says Saudi climate envoy

Saudi Green Initiative aims to ‘not just preserve, but create’

Expert explains how ‘blended finance’ can help achieve net zero

SGI can be a ‘catalyst’ for Saudi Arabia, head of SABB says

Kaust professor ‘inspired’ by Saudi efforts to save coral reefs

Watch in full: Day two of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum

Gérard Mestrallet on the challenges of bringing infrastructure to the region of AlUla

Sir George Iacobescu, chairman of the Canary Wharf Group on the investment into the historic region of AlUla

Oliver Ripley of sustainable hotel group Habitas talks about how AlUla challenged his preconceptions of Saudi Arabia

Thomas Kaplan of wild cat conservation charity Panthera on the mission to save the Arabian Leopard

How AlUla’s sustainability plan will stand the test of time - webinar

Discover AlUla: The Journey Through Time

AlUla Oasis View Trail

Stargazing Experience

The President Of Ireland Wants To Get Rid Of Homework & Honestly, He's Onto Something

“The time in the school is an educational experience and it should get finished at the school.”

Do you know who doesn’t like homework? Kids — and certain presidents. In an impassioned plea to the people of his nation, President Michael D. Higgins has called for a ban on homework across Ireland. And if small children were given the right to vote tomorrow, I feel fairly certain I know whose name they would be supporting on the ballot.

Higgins, who is himself a former Arts Minister of Ireland and therefore, in my opinion, knows a little about the subject, spoke to Ireland’s news program for kids RTE’s news2day at St. Kevin’s School in Tipperary about a number of subjects. What he wanted to be when he was a kid himself. What was his favorite sport in school, which he said was handball. When did he decide he wanted to be president. And then, the mutual bane of their existence — homework.

“I think myself, really that the time at home, and the time in the school is an educational experience and it should get finished at the school and people should be able to use their time for other creative things,” Higgins told his interviewers, four children hanging on his every word.

While it remains unclear if Higgins has begun any official paperwork to ban homework, which would ironically be homework for him, his sentiment resonated with his many fans. Children and social media users alike in fact. One person tweeted their appreciation of the fact that Higgins was “running his nation like the little Hobbit he is.”

Another social media user wondered if Higgins was really a “forest sprite.”

This social media user found the idea inspiring , writing, “We need a national conversation on how to bring more play, creativity, imagination, movement and positive experiences into our children’s lives. Banning homework would be a great first step.”

Higgins ended his interview with a message to children about the importance of fostering their friendships and telling them to “stay curious about everything and I think it’s important to make sure you don’t miss the joy of sharing information. And I think an important thing is friendship and to make sure that there’s no one left without friendship and that people belong. And we will all do individual things... but I think friendships that you make will in fact always be great memories and that is so important.”

I think he’s on to something.

• Travel + Fun
• Keep Discovering

HelloFresh - Back to school

• HelloFresh back to school
• About HerFamily
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement
• Advertise With Us
• User Generated Content
• Lovin Dublin

14th Mar 2023

Pupils and parents call on government to introduce homework ban

Kat O'Connor

Is it time to ban homework in Ireland?

Parents and pupils are calling on Minister for Education Norma Foley to ban homework in Ireland.

Many parents have voiced their concerns about the level of homework their kids get, but they’re taking it a step further by writing to the Education Minister.

Foley has received multiple letters from both children and parents about why a homework ban is needed.

According to The Irish Examiner , children revealed that homework is having a negative impact on their lives outside of school.

Many pupils believe they do enough work in school and stressed that there is little benefit to spending hours doing homework in the evenings.

One child wrote;

“I do not ask for homework to be completely banned but for it to be reduced to a certain limit. Otherwise, if there is a constant build-up of homework daily, it can cause stress and even a lack of exercise which will affect a person’s well-being.”

Many children told Foley that homework was “a waste of time”. Others said it was a “burden to parents, kids, and teachers.”

Varadkar said homework should not be banned completely

Both Leo Varadkar and Michael D. Higgins have expressed concerns about the amount of homework children are getting in Ireland.

However, Varadkar does not believe in a complete ban on homework.

He previously said there’s a place for homework in our education system, but we need to have a fair balance.

“You could have a long day in class, get home in the early evening, and then face, you know, three hours of homework.

“I remember that when I was a kid, staying up very late to do homework,” he shared.

Varadkar stressed that it shouldn’t be banned completely, but scaled back.

President Higgins also voiced his concerns about homework

The President of Ireland agreed with parents and said children should have more free time after school.

He told RTÉ’s news2day: “I think myself, really that the time at home and the time in school is an educational experience and it should get finished at the school and people should be able to use their time for other creative things.”

Do you think homework should be banned in Ireland?

Related Links:

Parents call for homework to be banned in ireland, varadkar agrees that children are getting too much homework, foley responds to homework ban calls and parents are furious, related articles.

Autism: “If my son doesn’t want to be in my world, then I will get inside his”

By HerFamily

10 VERY predictable things people tell you to do with your own newborn

By Trine Jensen-Burke

Pat Kenny asks if women who’ve had c-sections feel ‘proud – or a bit mortified?’

By Amanda Cassidy

Is Your Mate A New Mum? Here Are 5 AMAZING Things To Do For Her

By Katie Mythen-Lynch

5 things you shouldn’t pack in your child’s lunch box

By Anna Martin

Mum who admits to doing children’s homework for them draws criticism

By Jody Coffey

‘My son’s nose was broken in school and they didn’t call me about it’

By Kat O'Connor

MORE FROM HerFamily

Parents hail ‘genius’ trend that helps toddlers give up their soothers

By Sophie Collins

5 ways to reduce screen time on school nights

Mum asks for advice after realising her teen daughter is sneaking out

Expert issues warning to parents with list of surprising health issues caused by gaming

What to do if your child keeps crying at school drop-off

Everything you need to get playdate ready this back to school

Molly-Mae Hague speaks out about co-parenting for the first time

‘My daughter wants her first bra, but I think she is way too young’

These easy clean-up meals deserve a spot on your midweek roster

missing person

Gardaí call on public to help find missing mother and her son

The importance of school attendance and the consequences for unexplained absences

The shunned hair hack that is helping people’s hair grow

Understanding pica cravings – causes, implications, and management

Bram Stoker

Keanu Reeves reveals he’s been married to Winona Ryder for over 30 years

Irish schoolbook publisher apologises for ‘discriminatory’ depiction of Irish family

By Simon Kelly

James Lowe and his wife are expecting their second child together

New postnatal technology ’empowering women to dramatically improve their quality of life’

President of Ireland calls for homework to be banned

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins. (Source: Getty)

The President of Ireland has made his thoughts known about homework, saying it should be left at the gate and children should be able to use their leisure time for "creative things".

Speaking to RTE’s news2day - a current affairs and news programme for children, Michael D Higgins answered questions on a wide range of topics, the Irish Mirror reports .

When pressed on his views about homework Higgins said: “I think myself, really that the time at home, and the time in the school is an educational experience and it should get finished at the school and people should be able to use their time for other creative things.”

Higgins, a former arts minister, told children “to stay curious about everything and I think it’s important to make sure you don’t miss the joy of sharing information.

“And I think an important thing is friendship and to make sure that there’s no one left without friendship and that people belong. And we will all do individual things... but I think friendships that you make will in fact always be great memories and that is so important.

“And also have the courage to stand your own ground and let other children be allowed the space of standing their ground too because none of us are the same.

“We’re all unique but at the same time we have a lot going for us.”

Higgins also encouraged the children of Ireland to speak the Irish language.

While the role of president in Ireland is mainly a ceremonial one, it does have some sway over how the government operates.

More Stories

Munich police kill armed man near museum, Israeli Consulate

Officers were alerted to a person carrying a "long gun" in the Karolinenplatz area, near downtown Munich.

Crime and Justice

Celebrity 'spy' whale was shot, animal rights groups allege

The beluga whale, known as Hvaldimir, was found dead off Risavika Bay in southern Norway on September 1.

Failures by UK govt, industry made Grenfell Tower a 'death trap'

An inquiry into the 2017 blaze found dishonest companies, weak or incompetent regulators and complacent government caused the building to be covered in combustible cladding.

Rome's ancient Constantine Arch damaged in violent thunderstorm

The arch was erected in 315 A.D. to celebrate the victory of Emperor Constantine over Maxentius following the battle at Milvian Bridge.

Wednesday 8:37pm

Ukrainian foreign minister resigns, parliamentary official says

Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba resigned following an announcement last week from President Volodymyr Zelensky that a Cabinet reshuffle was imminent.

Wednesday 7:34pm

Mongolia ignores warrant for Putin's arrest, gives red-carpet welcome

The trip was Putin's first to a member nation of the International Criminal Court since it issued the warrant in March 2023.

Wednesday 1:18pm

26 mins ago

'Tough conversation' - Razor's message to benched veteran All Blacks

Māori wards deadline: Most councils stand firm, express frustration

Patients speak out on painful IUD insertion experiences

Quiz: What is New Zealand's oldest bridge?

Kiwis can get up close with the Auld Mug on nationwide tour

Sponsored by Toyota

Prominent TV psychologist Nigel Latta diagnosed with cancer

Investors upset after NZ cosmetics company put into administration

Wednesday 3:12pm

'Appalling callousness': Ex-NZ killer's jail term increased

Michael Keaton wants to start using his birth name

More from entertainment.

The Beetlejuice Beetlejuice star, 73, hasn't been allowed to go by his birth name due to it being the same as an Oscar-winning actor.

Queen guitarist Brian May in recovery after 'minor stroke'

The 77-year-old was taken to hospital last week after the "little health hiccup" left him unable to control his arm.

Wednesday 8:11pm

The Mentalist star pleads guilty to drink driving charge

Wednesday 7:16pm

Lady Gaga, Joaquin Phoenix bring Joker: Folie à Deux to Venice

Wednesday 6:43pm

The Prodigy, Chase and Status to headline Electric Avenue

Wednesday 11:52am

Hundreds of Game of Thrones props are up for auction

Wednesday 11:11am

• Movies & TV
• Keep Discovering
• Fitness & Health
• Contact JOE
• User Generated Content
• Advertise With Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement
• Lovin Dublin

27th Jan 2023

No plans to abolish homework, says Minister Foley

Kat O'Connor

Do you think homework should be scrapped in Ireland?

Minister for Education Norma Foley has said she has no plans to abolish homework in Ireland.

The Minister commented on the issue after President Michael D. Higgins suggested recently that homework be scrapped so that children could pursue “other creative things”.

But Foley does not agree, stating that it is up to each individual school to set its own homework policy.

“It would not be appropriate for a Government Minister to engage in the public debate with the office of the President,” she told the Irish Mirror .

Foley added that schools can make their own homework policies and that it is not up to the Government to scrap homework.

“These policies are created in conjunction with senior management and staff, the boards of management, parents, and the pupils,” she explained.

“Schools are in of themselves places where creative pursuits are cultivated, nurtured and encouraged. “That creativity may also be reflected in homework.”

While appearing on  RTÉ news2day to mark its 20th anniversary, the President of Ireland was asked by students from St Kevin’s National School in Littleton, Tipperary his thoughts on homework.

“I think myself, really that the time at home and the time in school is an educational experience,” he responded.

“It should get finished at the school.”

“People should be able to use their time for other creative things.”

In regard to homework, many parents feel it takes up too much of their children’s time during the evening.

However, others argue it helps kids make more progress in school and that it benefits their communication and reading skills.

Related links:

• One of the best war movies of recent years is finally available to watch at home
• Netflix has just added one of the best sci-fi movies of recent years
• One of the funnest movies of the ’90s is getting a TV reboot
• New Irish movie from the director of Sing Street premieres to great reviews
• Love Actually star reveals incredibly emotional behind-the-scenes story
• The Fabelmans is Spielberg’s best movie in 10 years

LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge

RELATED ARTICLES

Young girl stabbed in Parnell Square finally released from hospital after 281 days

By Joseph Loftus

Teenager rescued after cliff jumping accident in Waterford

By Ryan Price

11 counties hit with warning over ‘unseasonably strong’ winds and possible ‘power outages’

By Stephen Porzio

cliff diving

MORE FROM JOE

Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor says he is the ‘only logical choice’ for President of Ireland

By Simon Kelly

Father of Olympic athlete ‘killed by boyfriend’ in petrol attack pays tribute to daughter

By Harry Warner

Irish woman dies following avalanche at mountain range

Dermot Bannon

Dermot Bannon reveals he was ‘in agony’ after major health scare last month

Oasis reveal tickets for extra tour dates will be sold in different way than before

Irish schoolbook publisher apologises for ‘discriminatory’ depiction of Irish family

Netflix has just added a very fun new mystery thriller series

Darragh Ennis

Irish star of The Chase hits back at common complaint about show

Woman avoids paying rent by living in a shed in her parents’ garden

By Charlie Herbert

Lyon wonderkid ‘vanishes’ during medical with Premier League club

By Ryan Jarrett

American Football

NFL boss drops major hint over Ireland potentially hosting NFL game

Sponsored stories.

JOE Film Club

The JOE Film Club Quiz: Week 10

Movies On TV

One of the best sci-fi movies of the 21st century is on TV tonight

Joe Brolly slams Oasis reunion and recalls time he told Gallagher brother ‘go and f*** yourself’

JOE Quick Fire Quiz

The JOE quick-fire general knowledge quiz: Day 320

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

'Why I believe homework should be banned', by one primary school student

As the discussion around state exams through the Covid-19 shutdown continues, a separate debate about the very need for homework itself rumbles on. Over the years, many have argued that homework for students in busy modern-day family structures is no longer workable.

This year, the Green Party sought to open a discussion about the banning of homework in future. Here, primary school pupil Misha McEnaney, a fifth class student from Dublin, outlines why he believes homework is more of a hindrance than a help.

IRISH CHILDREN SPEND around 274.5 hours on homework in a year. Is it a waste of time? Generally speaking, homework does not improve academic performance among children, although it may improve academic skills among older students especially lower-achieving kids. Homework also creates stress among students who could be doing other things.

I think it is a waste of time. Here’s why I think so. 

Many students think homework is extremely boring and hard so it increases our stress levels. You might fight with your family or friends and that gives the impression you are angry and irritated when often it’s just because your homework is increasing your stress.

Also, a study by scholar Denise Pope at Stanford shows that out of 4,300 students at high-performance schools, 60% stated that their homework was their primary source of stress.

Movement is more important

I believe that homework eliminates time when you could be exercising, playing sports, carrying out hobbies, reading etc. So when your friends are playing outside or something exciting or important is happening you can’t go out because you’re stuck inside doing your homework. 

Homework messes up your sleep cycles and it causes you to be more tired. After school when you’re tired from working you still have to do your homework, so you don’t deliver your full concentration and that makes your performance not as acceptable as it should be. This can cause your grade to go down and so that defeats the whole point of education to become better and smarter. 

A study from teenink.com shows that students perform best in school when they receive 10–12 hours of sleep each night, while only 15% of teenagers in America reported themselves sleeping eight hours or more on school nights, according to the national sleep foundation of America. Sleep disruption is very bad for our health.

Teacher trust

If you’re completely booked up for the day doing sports or other activities you have no time to do your homework. Your teachers start to trust you less and less and this develops a bad view of you when it’s not entirely your fault. 

It’s also repetitive so you’re doing the same work at school and there’s no effectiveness, it’s not going in. So all that homework becomes a waste because you have already completed it at school. You can also easily get distracted.

Homework takes away revision time for tests and that can affect the test scores. That develops a bad reputation for the student and for the school. The parents then assume that the teaching at the school is bad and they might move school. So the kid might lose friends and over time the school becomes less liked and popular.

All because there is too much homework. 

Bad for the mood

If you don’t sleep enough it can cause mood swings which can affect students’ performance and relationships. To think we can stop all of this by just banning homework makes me wonder why schools still give out homework at all.

People who believe that homework should not be banned have reasonable points and arguments. They believe that doing homework at home can be better for the students and they would receive higher results. 

They also think the parents of the students will have an idea of what type of work they are doing in the classroom, at what scale the student is doing their work and how the student is doing that work. There is absolutely no reason why parents shouldn’t know what the student’s work is like. 

Some people believe that homework boosts interaction between a student and his or her teacher. Homework might develop their presentation skills. They believe that homework is “a remedy against weaknesses”. These can all be done at school. They believe it teaches the students responsibility because they have to make sure that they do their work and not lose it or destroy it. 

They think the students learn much more new information as well as in school. So people think it teaches the students important life skills. They also think it keeps the students busy and entertained. I would argue that these should all be the responsibility of parents, not school.

A shift in the debate

The Green Party in Ireland has promised to explore the banning of homework for primary school children. They also vow to review primary and secondary schools curriculum “to meet the needs of the 21st century”. Catherine Martin, deputy leader of the Green Party, said that “the phasing out of homework is something that definitely should be explored”. 

“This isn’t new, this has been on our policy for the past several years. And I think we really need to have a conversation on how best to develop the creative juices of our children, or really change how we do homework, homework could be, ‘go home and draw a picture of something that means a lot to you’,” she said.

“They’re so young, especially up to the age of seven or eight, it’s a conversation that we need to have”. 

She used the example of Loreto Primary School in Rathfarnham, Dublin, which is currently trialling a “no-homework” programme for all classes except sixth. Ms Martin said that they had found the pilot scheme “amazing” and children were spending a lot more time with their families as a result. 

Mental health considerations

Psychotherapist Mary McHugh believes that we are reducing children’s natural “curious, imaginative and creative” tendencies by “pressuring them to conform”. 

“Our children from the age of three, are being trained to sit still and from five upwards, it’s expected that this is the norm.” McHugh also says that “stress is showing up at an alarming scale and we’re still applying more pressure academically younger and younger”. 

Let’s look at Finland. In Finland, there is no homework in all schools. Finland agrees that there should be no homework because it increases stress, it wastes time etc. Finnish students regularly top the charts on global education metric systems.

Some 93% of Finnish students graduate from secondary school compared to 75% in the USA and 78% in Canada. About two in every three students in Finland go to college which is the highest rate in Europe. The students’ test scores dominate everyone else.  These are the scores for the PISA test (Program for International Student Assessment) 2006.  There are other reasons why Finland’s education system is so good but no homework is definitely an important one. 

Homework increases stress levels among students. It replaces time for hobbies and sports. It messes up your sleep. It can’t always be done and that causes trouble. It’s repetitive. You can develop health problems from lack of sleep.

It takes away time for studying and also when you don’t get enough sleep you can get mood swings and that can affect performance and relationships. There are reasonable arguments for why people who believe that homework shouldn’t be banned are wrong.

We have seen that the Green Party also thinks that homework should be banned and that some schools have already trialled it. We have looked at Finland banning homework and we have seen the impact it has made compared to other countries. This is why I think homework should be banned, not just in my school but in all schools. 

Misha McEnaney is a fifth class student at St Mary’s College, Rathmines, Dublin.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal

To embed this post, copy the code below on your site

600px wide <iframe width="600" height="460" frameborder="0" style="border:0px;" src="https://www.thejournal.ie/https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/homework-5086000-May2020/?embedpost=5086000&width=600&height=460" ></iframe>

400px wide <iframe width="600" height="460" frameborder="0" style="border:0px;" src="https://www.thejournal.ie/https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/homework-5086000-May2020/?embedpost=5086000&width=400&height=460" ></iframe>

300px wide <iframe width="600" height="460" frameborder="0" style="border:0px;" src="https://www.thejournal.ie/https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/homework-5086000-May2020/?embedpost=5086000&width=300&height=460" ></iframe>

Create an email alert based on the current article

• RTÉ Archives
• RTÉ Brainstorm
• RTÉ Learn
• RTÉ Radio 1
• RTÉ lyric fm
• RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta
• RTÉ Weather
• Century Ireland
• Policies and Reports
• Terms & Conditions
• Individual Rights Guide
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Freedom of Information
• Latest Annual Report
• Advertise with RTÉ
• Newsletters
• RTÉ Supporting the Arts

Why phone ban can only be achieved with buy-in from students

Education Correspondent

The amount of time that many Irish teenagers spend on their phone is likely to have decreased significantly in recent weeks as a direct result of the reopening of schools.

Many teenagers are now guaranteed at least a few hours every weekday during which they cannot use their phones.

According to the school management body, the JMB, most post-primary schools ban or place extreme limits on the use of phones during the school day.

And a complete ban is set to become more prevalent following a recent intervention by the Minister for Education.

Norma Foley wrote to post-primary schools last week urging a complete ban on mobile phones during the school day.

There are different ways to achieve this, but school leaders agree on one thing: a ban can only be achieved with buy-in from students.

Teenagers can be tricky customers and they do not always take kindly to rules imposed arbitrarily.

Castlecomer Community School in Co Kilkenny reckons it may have been the first school in the country to ban phones when it did so eight years ago.

In the school canteen during lunchtime last Friday there was not a mobile phone in sight.

The students gathered for lunch know no different. This is the way it has always been for them.

"It's all right. It’s not too bad. It wouldn’t be a killer," 5th Year student Sophie Brennan said.

"It’s quite good in a way", Emily O’Shea added.

The ban has given students a new freedom.

"It allows you to branch out onto more people around you and get to know your classmates more" said 5th year student Grace Buggy.

"So rather than sitting in the same classroom as someone and texting them or someone in the classroom next door, you are kind of just walking around the hall getting to see them. It makes it more exciting to interact with people and develop your social skills," she added.

Josh Dowling said: "It’s just a great way to communicate with your friends. You are talking to everyone every day. To be honest with you, you wouldn’t really miss [your phone]".

There is something very poignant about hearing these teenagers describe the joy that comes with being able to communicate freely with each other, face-to-face, something so taken for granted in previous generations.

"I think phones are really important sometimes," 5th year student Shona Ruane said.

"But it is way more fun talking to your friends than you ever would have on your phone," she said.

Daniel Mooney put it succinctly: "The ban is good because it leads to people talking to each other."

The school’s mobile phone ban is laid out in its code of conduct which all students sign.

They are told they should not bring their phone into school, but it is only when a phone appears that the ban kicks in. If a phone is seen it has to be handed in at the school’s front office.

The school prefers not to use the word "confiscated".

A phone remains at the school until a parent can come into the school to collect it.

There is a landline in a small room adjacent to reception that students can use if they need to contact a parent during the school day.

Students who spoke to RTÉ News acknowledged that students do sometimes try strategies to get around the ban.

Staff reckon some are thwarted by especially poor mobile coverage in some areas of the school, such as student toilets.

Principal Pat Murphy says that among the school’s 640 students, the confiscation rate currently amounts to about one phone per week.

The school may be an oasis of calm for students, but Mr Murphy is deeply concerned about the impact that mobile phone use beyond the school gates continues to have on students.

He said: "We would find that the younger teenagers - the 11, 12, and 13-year-olds are not able for social media and the pressures it brings.

"They don’t realise that when they type something in online they are actually talking to someone, and when we get them to realise that, and that they may be saying something that they would not say to [the person’s] face then that changes their perception of it."

The issue with older teenagers is different.

"We would find with the older teenagers that mobile phone use interferes with their sleep patterns and their study patterns, even late into the night their phone is pinging in the bedroom very frequently with their friends on snapchat or whatever," Mr Murphy said.

Principals like Pat Murphy say the access children have to their phones at home, access that is often completely unrestricted, is the real problem.

"I don’t think people realise the depth of the problem; that when you are giving your 12-year-old a mobile phone you are giving them free access to the internet, and to quote Mary Aiken [cyber psychologist and writer] that is like letting them loose in a red light district", he says, "and you wouldn’t do that with your 12-year-old child".

A different approach

Schools like Castlecomer are, to a large extent, relying on students to police themselves.

There is a lot to be said for this, not least because it helps them develop self-regulation skills.

"There were a few groans to start with but actually there was no strong argument against it"

But other schools are using devices like phone pouches to restrict access.

The students place their phone in a magnetic pouch which locks itself and only reopens at the end of the school day. In this way they have the comfort of knowing that their phone is with them, but they cannot use it.

Clogher Road Community School in Dublin city has introduced phone pouches this year.

Until recently the school did not allow phone use during class time, but this year it has moved to a full school day ban.

Like Mr Murphy, Clogher Road Principal Lesley Byrne knows that buy-in from students is key.

"There were a few groans to start with but actually there was no strong argument against it," Ms Byrne told RTE News.

She said: "We were expecting more resistance but bar a tiny handful it has been seamless.

"Students actually deep down know that they don’t want to be on their phones that much. Students were averaging about 7-8 hours a day online and some were 13 hours. They are intelligent young people and they know that this is not right."

Ms Byrne says students like the fact that they have just one decision to make in the day, that first act of placing their phone in the pouch to be locked.

"If a wider societal approach is taken to the use of phones then we can make great headway in reducing the negative impact of the phone on young people."

"What we really want is for our students to have a phone free experience in school. [Before the ban] students rather than sitting talking to each other in the canteen or on the corridor were on their phones. But now teachers are already noticing the difference, in how students are interacting in class," she said.

But Ms Byrne says their approach to phones is not black and white nor should it be.

"We are very mindful of the fact that there may be students with something happening at home. They don’t need to be anxious. We know that sometimes a student may need to check their phone for just two minutes," she said.

'Parents have to model this behaviour'

Both Ms Byrne and Mr Murphy know that the impact of a school ban on phones is limited.

When it comes to phone use they both say the role and influence of parents is much greater.

Ironically, Ms Byrne says some of the greatest distractions for students on their phones are text messages and phone calls from parents during the school day.

Deirdre Matthews, of school management body the JMB, says for Norma Foley’s aspiration to reach its full potential - and she believes it has potential - a broader societal response is required.

She said: "Parents have to model this behaviour.

That is ultimately what the minister wants: for childhood to be ‘mobile phone free’ and for the risks associated with phone ownership among older teens to be mitigated.

These are tall orders. The impact of a school ban on phones may be limited, but it is a start.

More stories on

• Analysis and Comment

More by Emma O Kelly

SVP calls for expansion of free schoolbooks scheme

Support teachers in new consent module, DRCC tells Foley

CAO and random selection: how does it work?

Almost 57,000 applicants received offer of college place

• Essay Editor

Why Homework Is Good for Students: 20 No-Nonsense Reasons

Is homework beneficial in education? It has long been a cornerstone, often sparking debates about its value. Some argue it creates unnecessary stress, while others assert it’s essential for reinforcing in-class learning. Why is homework important? The reality is, that homework is vital for students' personal and academic growth. It not only improves their grasp of the material but also develops crucial skills that extend well beyond the classroom. This review explores 20 reasons why homework is good and why it continues to be a key element of effective education.

Enhances Study Habits

Does homework help students learn? Establishing strong study habits is essential for long-term success. Home assignment plays a key role in enhancing these habits through regular practice. Here are reasons why students should have homework:

•  Routine Building: Independent work creates a consistent study routine, helping learners form daily study habits. This consistency is crucial for maintaining progress and avoiding last-minute cramming. 
•  Time Management: Managing home assignments teaches students to balance academic duties with other activities and personal time. 
•  Self-Discipline: Finishing assignments requires resisting distractions and staying focused, fostering the self-discipline needed for success in and out of college or school. 
•  Organization: Home task involves tracking preps, deadlines, and materials, improving students' organizational skills. 

These points underscore why homework is good for boosting study habits that lead to academic success. Regular home assignments help learners manage time, stay organized, and build the discipline necessary for their studies.

Facilitates Goal Setting

Setting and achieving goals is vital for student success. Homework assists in this by providing possibilities for setting both short-term and long-term academic objectives. Here’s why is homework beneficial for goal-setting: 

•  Short-Term Objectives: Homework encourages immediate targets, like finishing assignments by deadlines, and helping students stay focused and motivated. 
•  Long-Term Aspirations: Over time, preps contribute to broader accomplishments, such as mastering a subject or improving grades, providing direction in their studies. 
•  Motivation: Completing home tasks boosts motivation by demonstrating results from their effort. Achieving targets reinforces the importance of perseverance. 
•  Planning: Homework teaches essential planning and prioritization skills, helping learners approach tasks systematically. 

These aspects demonstrate the reasons why homework is good for setting and achieving educational targets. Regular preps help students establish clear objectives, plan effectively, and stay motivated.

Improves Concentration

Attention is vital for mastering any subject. Homework offers an opportunity to develop this ability. Here’s why homework is important for boosting attention:

•  Increased Focus: Regular assignments require sustained attention, improving mental engagement over time, benefiting both academic and non-academic tasks. 
•  Better Task Management: Homework teaches managing multiple tasks, enhancing the ability to concentrate on each without becoming overwhelmed. 
•  Mental Endurance: Completing home tasks builds stamina for longer study sessions and challenging tasks, crucial for advanced studies and career success. 
•  Attention to Detail: Home assignments promote careful attention to detail, requiring students to follow instructions and ensure accuracy. 

These elements show ‘why is homework good for students’. Homework aids students in improving their focus, leading to better academic outcomes. Regular practice through homework improves mental engagement.

Reinforces Perseverance

Perseverance is key to success. Homework significantly contributes to teaching this skill. Here are reasons homework is good in supporting the development of perseverance:

•  Problem-Solving: Homework challenges students to tackle difficult problems, fostering perseverance as they approach challenges with determination. 
•  Resilience: Regular homework helps build resilience against academic challenges, developing mental toughness. 
•  Persistence: Homework encourages persistence, teaching students to complete tasks despite difficulties, which is crucial for long-term goals. 
•  Confidence: Completing assignments boosts confidence, motivating students to tackle new challenges with determination. 

These reasons highlight ‘Why is homework good for fostering perseverance?’ Engaging with home tasks consistently helps students overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Final Consideration

To recap, the motivating reasons for homework extend well beyond the classroom. From improving study habits and mental engagement to fostering goal-setting and perseverance, the advantages are clear. Preps equip students with skills necessary for personal and academic growth. What do you think are the top 10 reasons why students should have homework among the ones we listed? Discuss with your peers. To refine your homework or essays, consider using tools like the AI Essay Detector and College Essay Generator to boost your academic performance.

Related articles

How to write a dialogue in an essay: useful tips.

A correct usage of dialogues in essays may seem quite difficult at first sight. Still there are special issues, for instance, narrative or descriptive papers, where this literary technique will be a good helper in depicting anyone's character. How to add dialogues to the work? How to format them correctly? Let's discuss all relevant matters to master putting conversation episodes into academic essays. Essay Dialogue: Definition & Purpose A dialogue is a literary technique for presenting a con ...

Can Plagiarism Be Detected on PDF?

Plagiarism has been a challenge for a long time in writing. It's easy to find information online, which might make some people use it without saying where it came from. But plagiarism isn't just taking someone else's words. Sometimes, we might do it by accident or even use our own old work without mentioning it. When people plagiarize, they can get into serious trouble. They might lose others' trust or even face legal problems. Luckily, we now have tools to detect plagiarism. But what about PDF ...

What Is Self-Plagiarism & How To Avoid It

Have you ever thought about whether using your own work again could be seen as copying? It might seem strange, but self-plagiarism is a real issue in school and work writing. Let's look at what this means and learn how to avoid self-plagiarism so your work stays original and ethical. What is self-plagiarism? Self-plagiarism, also called auto-plagiarism or duplicate plagiarism, happens when a writer uses parts of their old work without saying where it came from. This isn't just about copying w ...

How To Write Essays Faster Using AI?

Creating various topical texts is an obligatory assignment during studies. For a majority of students, it seems like a real headache. It is quite difficult to write a smooth and complex work, meeting all the professors' requirements. However, thanks to modern technologies there appeared a good way of getting a decent project – using AI to write essays. We'd like to acquaint you with Aithor, an effective tool of this kind, able to perform fine and elaborated texts, and, of course, inspiration, i ...

Top 10 Use Cases for AI Writers

Writing is changing a lot because of AI. But don't worry — AI won't take human writers' jobs. It's a tool that can make our work easier and help us write better. When we use AI along with our own skills, we can create good content faster and better. AI can help with many parts of writing, from coming up with ideas to fixing the final version. Let's look at the top 10 ways how to use AI for content creation and how it can make your writing better. What Is AI Content Writing? AI content writin ...

Paraphrasing vs Plagiarism: Do They Really Differ?

Academic assignments require much knowledge and skill. One of the most important points is rendering and interpreting material one has ever studied. A person should avoid presenting word-for-word plagiarism but express his or her thoughts and ideas as much as possible. However, every fine research is certain to be based on the previous issues, data given, or concepts suggested. And here it's high time to differentiate plagiarism and paraphrasing, to realize its peculiarities and cases of usage. ...

What is Citation and Why Should You Cite the Sources When Writing Content

When we write something for school, work, or just for fun, we often use ideas and facts from other places. This makes us ask: what is a citation in writing? Let's find out what this means and why it's really important when we write. What is Citation? Citation in research refers to the practice of telling your readers where you got your information, ideas, or exact words from. It's like showing them the path to the original information you used in your writing. When you cite something, you us ...

Plagiarism: 7 Types in Detail

Your professor says that it is necessary to avoid plagiarism when writing a research paper, essay, or any project based on the works of other people, so to say, any reference source. But what does plagiarism mean? What types of it exist? And how to formulate the material to get rid of potential bad consequences while rendering original texts? Today we try to answer these very questions. Plagiarism: Aspect in Brief Plagiarism is considered to be a serious breach, able to spoil your successful ...

Norma Foley won't debate homework with President Michael Higgins after his call for it to be banned

Minister Foley finally broke her silence on the matter last night when she told the Irish Mirror that she was not going to get into it with the President.

• 06:00, 26 JAN 2023
• Updated 09:54, 26 JAN 2023

Want the latest political news and analysis delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up to our FREE newsletter

We have more newsletters

Education Minister Norma Foley is refusing to debate the homework ban issue with Michael D Higgins after the President called for schoolwork outside of school hours to be scrapped.

Instead, she said it is up to schools to decide homework policy, which is at odds with the President’s call for schoolwork to be left at the school gate.

The controversial comments, made on RTE’s news2day children’s news programme, have had the country’s students, teachers and parents debating the issue since the remarks were made last Friday by the President.

READ MORE: Met Eireann verdict on Ireland ‘Polar Vortex’ fears as weather phenomenon could trigger big freeze

She said: “It would not be appropriate for a Government Minister to engage in public debate with the office of the President.

“Currently schools are free to have their own policy on homework and these policies are created in conjunction with senior management and staff, the boards of management, parents and the pupils.

“Schools are in of themselves places where creative pursuits are cultivated, nurtured and encouraged and that creativity may also be reflected in homework.”

Meanwhile, a Government Minister has said that it is “important” to include children in discussions about homework policies in schools.

It comes days after President Higgins’ call for homework to be banned at home and for all work to stay in the classroom.

Irish Mirror readers were also overwhelmingly in favour of banning homework, with 98% of our readers in favour.

In a landslide decision, 57,440 readers voted yes, while just 1,211 voted no.

In an interview with RTÉ’s news2day, President Higgins said that he believed that time at home should be spent doing more creative activities,

He said: “I think myself, really that the time at home, and the time in the school is an educational experience and it should get finished at the school and people should be able to use their time for other creative things."

Minister Foley recently said that her Department does “not issue any guidelines relating to homework being given in schools.

“It is a matter for each school, at local level, to arrive at its own homework policy”.

It followed a question from Fine Gael Minister of State Neale Richmond who asked if research has been carried out by her Department into the benefits of ending the provision of homework for primary school pupils.

He told the Irish Mirror that children should be involved in conversations about their schools homework policy.

Minister Richmond said: “I submitted the Parliamentary Question following a visit to one of my local primary schools.

“The pupils were genuinely interested in the policy relating to homework going forward and I agreed it’s an important discussion to involve pupils in.”

Minister Foley told her Government colleague that the Department of Education has not commissioned research on the matter.

Heartbroken father says daughter made him pay for wedding before 'replacing me on the big day'

Thousands of workers missing out on cash boost that could be worth over €2,000

Instagram users warned 'you might have a stalker' if you notice one strange thing on your stories

Major rescue operation called into action after person falls from cliff in Howth

€3.5m Lotto jackpot-winning ticket sold in Dublin as search begins for winner

Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter

• President Higgins
• Most Recent

International

• U.S. Elections
• Left Opinions
• Mon David Pakman
• Tue Ruben Navarrette
• Wed Adrienne Lawrence
• Thu Jordan Reid
• Fri Dr. Rashad Richey
• Right Opinions
• Mon Larry Lindsey
• Tue Ben Weingarten
• Wed Newt Gingrich
• Timothy Carney
• John Fortier
• Matthew Continetti
• Robert Doar
• Fri Star Parker
• Peter Zeihan
• Dr. Frank Luntz
• Weapons and Warfare™
• America Speaks with Dr. Frank Luntz
• Editorial Mission

California set to approve groundbreaking law that cuts homework, alleviates stress

By Jack Aylmer (Energy Correspondent), Mathew Grisham (Digital Producer), Mirlie Larose (Producer), Jack Henry (Video Editor)

In California, a new law that could dramatically change the way homework is handled in state schools is nearing approval. The Healthy Homework Act is now awaiting the governor’s signature after passing both chambers of the state Legislature.

It aims to not only reduce homework, but also stress among students and parents. The author of the bill, Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, says she was inspired by a conversation with her young daughter, who asked if she could “ban homework.”

Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.

Point phone camera here

Schiavo said many parents support the idea, expressing frustration of the lack of quality time with their kids. Heavy homework and extracurricular activities topped the list of those potential distractions.

People supporting the current levels of homework argue that it sets up kids for future success. Supporters of the new bill argue that it can damage mental health and place an unnecessary burden on families.

The bill aims to address these concerns by encouraging teachers to carefully consider whether the homework they assign requires parental support or access to technology that not all students have. The Administrators Association of San Diego City Schools, a union representing management employees, is urging lawmakers to pass the legislation.

The union said it would help address the harmful effects of excessive or poorly designed homework , and mentioned that homework is linked to stress, headaches, exhaustion and even physical health problems like weight loss.

Mental and physical health aren’t the only concerns. The rise of artificial intelligence also raises new challenges in the classroom. Educators worry that students are using tools like ChatGPT to complete their assignments.

Related Stories

• LA school district joins growing number of schools considering cellphone bans
• 4-day school week gains popularity for teacher recruitment
• Utah schools spending $72M in upgrades amid rise in school shootings

Jack Aylmer

IN CALIFORNIA, A NEW LAW THAT COULD DRAMATICALLY CHANGE THE WAY HOMEWORK IS HANDLED IS NEARING APPROVAL. 

THE HEALTHY HOMEWORK ACT, WHICH PASSED BOTH CHAMBERS OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE, IS NOW AWAITING THE GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE. IF IT BECOMES LAW, IT COULD NOT ONLY REDUCE HOMEWORK BUT REDUCE STRESS FOR BOTH STUDENTS AND PARENTS. 

THE AUTHOR OF THE BILL, ASSEMBLYWOMAN PILAR SCHIAVO, SAYS SHE WAS INSPIRED BY CONVERSATION WITH HER NINE-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER, WHO ASKED IF SHE COULD “BAN HOMEWORK.” 

SCHIAVO SAYS MANY PARENTS SUPPORT THE IDEA, EXPRESSING FRUSTRATION OVER THE LACK OF QUALITY TIME WITH THEIR KIDS DUE TO HEAVY HOMEWORK LOADS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.

SUPPORTERS OF HOMEWORK BELIEVE IT SETS KIDS UP FOR FUTURE SUCCESS, WHILE OPPONENTS ARGUE IT CAN DAMAGE MENTAL HEALTH AND PLACE AN UNNECESSARY BURDEN ON FAMILIES. 

THE BILL AIMS TO ADDRESS THESE CONCERNS BY ENCOURAGING TEACHERS TO CAREFULLY CONSIDER WHETHER THE HOMEWORK THEY ASSIGN REQUIRES PARENTAL SUPPORT OR ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY, THAT NOT ALL STUDENTS HAVE. 

THE ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION OF SAN DIEGO CITY SCHOOLS, A UNION REPRESENTING MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES, IS URGING LAWMAKERS TO PASS THE HEALTHY HOMEWORK ACT, SAYING IT WOULD HELP ADDRESS THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF EXCESSIVE OR POORLY DESIGNED HOMEWORK. THE UNION MENTIONED THAT HOMEWORK IS LINKED TO STRESS, HEADACHES, EXHAUSTION AND EVEN PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEMS LIKE WEIGHT LOSS. 

MENTAL and PHYSICAL HEALTH AREN’T THE ONLY CONCERNS, THE RISE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ALSO RAISES NEW CHALLENGES IN THE CLASSROOM. EDUCATORS WORRY THAT STUDENT ARE USING TOOLS LIKE CHAT GPT TO COMPLETE THEIR ASSIGNMENTS.

AS CALIFORNIA INCHES CLOSER TO POTENTIALLY PASSING THE HEALTHY HOMEWORK LAW, THE CONVERSATION AROUND HOMEWORK, AND “HOW MUCH” CONTINUES TO EVOLVE.

WE’LL KEEP YOU UPDATED AS THIS STORY DEVELOPS. 

MediaMiss™

Underreported stories from each side

China’s New York envoy ‘performing his duties as usual’ after Chinese agent case, Beijing’s consulate says

A record-breaking passenger ship is set to become the world’s largest artificial reef

Unbiased news.

MOST POPULAR

‘Walz’s for Trump’: Political divide inside VP pick’s family

Trump, Harris agree on rules for ABC debate

Georgia school shooting suspect was questioned over online threats: FBI

Livestock feed company admits fault in delivery that killed 70 horses

Rfk jr. sues wisconsin to remove his name from the state’s ballot, texas gov. abbott spent $221 million to bus migrants to 6 sanctuary cities, xi jinping commits $50 billion to boost africa’s infrastructure development, harvard and columbia ranked worst for free speech amid campus tensions, conservative podcasters react to russian influence campaign allegations, less invasive self-administered pap smear now available, idf reveals new details on living conditions of 6 executed hostages, cpsc wants to investigate shein and temu’s baby products, meta board says ‘from the river to the sea’ phrase is not hate speech, scientists edge closer to better internet and navigation with nuclear clocks, volvo improving electric trucks to make them a more viable long-hauling option, california passes landmark bill on ai replication of deceased performers, new weapons and warfare episode, unbiased news. directly to your inbox. free.

Learn more about our emails. Unsubscribe anytime.

By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy .

Culture | Music

Bid to ban dynamic ticket pricing in Ireland following Oasis furore

A bid to ban so-called “dynamic pricing” in Ireland has been launched following the controversy over Oasis concert ticket sales.

A number of Fianna Fail politicians have said they will introduce a Bill that would extend existing legislation outlawing the resale of tickets above face value.

Their Bill would prohibit the sale of tickets for prices that have been adjusted by primary ticket sellers.

Many fans were shocked by the price of standard tickets for the Oasis reunion tour, including for two dates at Croke Park in Dublin, rising steeply on Ticketmaster .

A number were also left angry and disappointed after being left empty-handed, having waited in an online queue for hours to buy tickets.

Ticketmaster has said it does not set concert prices and its website states this is down to the “event organiser” who “has priced these tickets according to their market value”.

Senator Timmy Dooley has said the use of dynamic pricing by primary ticket sellers must be banned.

He and a number of colleagues are to introduce the Sale of Tickets (Cultural, Entertainment, Recreational and Sporting Events) (Amendment) Bill 2024.

Mr Dooley said: “This is a consumer issue. This is about protecting consumers from being ripped off by technological practices.

“ People attending any event, not just concerts, should be confident that when they are waiting in an online queue to purchase a ticket they will pay the price that was initially advertised.

“Over the weekend, this was not the case for fans of Oasis.

The emerging practice of dynamic pricing must be nipped in the bud before it becomes common practice

Timmy Dooley

“After waiting in an online queue fans were met by ‘in demand’ tickets that were for sale at over 400 euro each.”

He added: “We all recognise that online sales have revolutionised ticketing and nobody wants a return to the days of queues down the street and around the corner from a ticket office.

“However, the emerging practice of dynamic pricing must be nipped in the bud before it becomes common practice.

“How long will it be before dynamic pricing becomes commonplace, applying to tickets for everything from All-Ireland finals to smaller gigs?

“Just because dynamic pricing models can be used does not mean they should.

“ Fans deserve fairness and transparency, they should not be forced into being ripped off and that is why we are introducing this Bill.”

Create a FREE account to continue reading

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in

We've updated our Privacy and Cookies Policy

We've made some important changes to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and we want you to know what this means for you and your data.

• Find out what's changed
• Close privacy banner

Let us know you agree to data collection on AMP

We and our partners use technologies, such as cookies , and collect browsing data to give you the best online experience and to personalise the content and advertising shown to you. Please let us know if you agree.

• Accept data collection and continue
• Manage my settings
• Close cookie banner

Manage consent settings on AMP pages

These settings apply to AMP pages only. You may be asked to set these preferences again when you visit non-AMP BBC pages.

The lightweight mobile page you have visited has been built using Google AMP technology.

Strictly necessary data collection

To make our web pages work, we store some limited information on your device without your consent.

Read more about the essential information we store on your device to make our web pages work.

We use local storage to store your consent preferences on your device.

Optional data collection

When you consent to data collection on AMP pages you are consenting to allow us to display personalised ads that are relevant to you when you are outside of the UK.

Read more about how we personalise ads in the BBC and our advertising partners.

You can choose not to receive personalised ads by clicking “Reject data collection and continue” below. Please note that you will still see advertising, but it will not be personalised to you.

You can change these settings by clicking “Ad Choices / Do not sell my info” in the footer at any time.

• Reject data collection and continue

Plan to ban dynamic ticket pricing after Oasis sale

Image source, Getty Images

• Author, Hayley Halpin
• Role, BBC News NI
• 5 September 2024, 11:13 BST Updated 4 hours ago

A number of Fianna Fáil senators and TDs (Irish MPs) are seeking to introduce legislation in the Republic of Ireland that would ban a process known as 'dynamic pricing' following price increases for Oasis gigs in Dublin.

There has been widespread criticism of dynamic pricing over the past week.

Dynamic pricing meant that on Ticketmaster, where tickets to the reunion tour were originally sold, prices rose in line with demand.

The cost of some standing tickets at Croke Park in Dublin rose from €176 (£148) on pre-sale to more than €400 (£337).

Ticketmaster has defended the way it sells tickets.

Last week, Oasis announced two concerts at Croke Park on 16 and 17 August, along with a further 15 other nights at venues in the UK.

Two more gigs have since been announced for Wembley in London.

Move to ban practice

Image source, Getty / Darragh Moriarty

In the Republic of Ireland, the Sale of Tickets (Cultural, Entertainment, Recreational and Sporting Events) Act came into effect in 2021 and banned the reselling of tickets above face value.

On Thursday, Fianna Fáil Senator Timmy Dooley, Niamh Smyth TD (MP) and Jim O’Callaghan TD will introduce an amendment to that bill.

Mr O’Callaghan said: “The 2021 Act protected fans from the experience of missing out on tickets and seeing those same tickets for sale on a secondary site for far more than they can afford or would be happy to pay.

“It now must be extended so we can protect fans from the experience of seeing ‘in demand’ tickets jumping significantly above the asking price that was initially advertised.”

The UK government has already said there will be a review looking at the transparency and use of dynamic pricing, including the technology around queuing systems which incentivise it.

Schellion Horn, competition economist at accounting firm Grant Thornton, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that dynamic pricing was about setting the price around supply and demand.

That means as demand for tickets goes up, then the price rises to match that.

'Must be nipped in the bud'

Senator Timmy Dooley said: “This is about protecting consumers from being ripped off by technological practices.

"People attending any event, not just concerts, should be confident that when they are waiting in an online queue to purchase a ticket they will pay the price that was initially advertised.

“Over the weekend, this was not the case for fans of Oasis. After waiting in an online queue fans were met by ‘in demand’ tickets that were for sale at over €400 each.”

Mr Dooley said the practice of dynamic pricing “must be nipped in the bud before it becomes common practice”.

He added that fans “deserve fairness and transparency”.

Image source, Darragh Moriarty

What is dynamic pricing?

Dynamic pricing is when a charge varies according to market demand, rather than having a fixed cost.

Ticketmaster has said it does not set prices and that it is down to the "event organiser" who "has priced these tickets according to their market value".

Tánaiste (deputy Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin has said there is a role for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to investigate the pricing of the Oasis gig tickets.

In a statement, the CCPC said that under consumer law in Ireland, people should be clearly informed of the full price of a product, including fees, before they buy.

Oasis hit out at Ticketmaster's dynamic pricing this week .

In a statement issued to PA Media, the band said: "It needs to be made clear that Oasis leave decisions on ticketing and pricing entirely to their promoters and management."

They added they had "at no time had any awareness that dynamic pricing was going to be used" in the sale of tickets for the initial dates.

Oasis said tickets for the new Wembley dates would be handed out via a "staggered, invitation-only ballot process".

Will this proposal become law?

The bill will now be brought to the Seanad for debate before being debated in the Dáil. It will then be voted on.

Only when both Houses have passed a bill can President Michael D Higgins sign it into law.

The bill is being introduced as a Private Members' Bill (PMB).

Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party are currently in a coalition government.

A spokesperson for the Green Party in the Republic of Ireland has said that as the bill is a PMB, it will have to be discussed at Cabinet before a decision will be made on whether or not to support it.

'It's pure greed'

Green Party Councillor for Lisnasharragh Brian Smyth tried to get tickets for one of the Oasis gigs at Croke Park.

The only tickets available when he got through the online queue were platinum tickets or packages. The platinum ticket on offer started at €353.50 (£297.96) and the fan packages started at €420.25 (£354.19) and went as high as more than €500.

Given the high ticket prices, he made the decision not to purchase one.

This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter cookie policy and privacy policy before accepting. To view this content choose 'accept and continue'.

End of Twitter content

"Ticketmaster have got a lot of questions to answer that this practice has been part and parcel in America and it’s now slowly creeping in over here. I think people are now looking at it fairly disgusted and going ‘This isn’t acceptable’," Mr Smyth told BBC News NI.

Mr Smyth said he “couldn’t justify” paying over £400 for a ticket.

Top Stories

Jeremy kyle denies humiliating tv guest who died as unseen footage shown at inquest, royal navy crew member dies in training exercise, ‘running for her family’ - olympian mourned after vicious attack, more to explore.

'She was so proud to live in Grenfell Tower': The 72 people killed by the fire

No 10's message to jittery Labour MPs: Toughen up

What we know about the Apalachee High School shooting victims

Baseless claim about Harris crash spread by mysterious website

What is the House of Lords, how does it work and how is it changing?

AI's solution to the 'cocktail party problem' used in court

Did chapel-goer murder his sister 50 years ago?

The child-killing wolves sparking panic in India

Politics Essential: Get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox every weekday

Content is not available

• {{rankTranslation}} {{title}}

EU law experts say Ireland can introduce trade ban on Israeli-occupied West Bank

Senator Frances Black tabled a bill in 2018 to introduce a trade ban

The campaign to ban trade between Ireland and the Israeli-occupied West Bank has received a major boost with two leading experts saying there is no legal impediment on the Government imposing the ban.

Two of the world’s leading experts on EU trade law said the Government is legally entitled to pass the Occupied Territories Bill and ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements.

The legal opinion was written by Professor Takis Tridimas, who worked as a legal adviser in the European Commission and Parliament, and Professor Panos Koutrakos who is a leading academic on EU law.

The professors say that the Occupied Territories Bill is compatible with EU law and is further strengthened by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling against Israel in July. They question legal advice given to the Government by former Attorney General Seamus Woulfe.

"It is striking that the AG should have ignored the judgements in [two cases] where the European Court of Justice expressly held that Member States may deviate from EU law, including… on public policy grounds in order to protect fundamental rights... The analysis and conclusion in the AG Opinion that the Occupied Territories Bill is inconsistent with EU law [is] not only unconvincing but also at odds with settled ECJ case-law,” they said.

The Bill, first tabled in 2018 by Independent Senator Frances Black, would ban trade with the illegal Israeli settlements built on occupied Palestinian land. It was passed by the Seanad before being introduced to the Dáil by Fianna Fáil, where a majority of TDs also voted in favour of the legislation.

Two Governments, including the sitting Coalition, refused to pass the Bill based on advice from Justice Woulfe who said the ban would breach EU law.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said he asked the current Attorney General Rossa Fanning for “fresh advice” in light of the ICJ ruling that the Israel was illegally occupying areas of Palestine.

The ICJ found that all states must now “abstain from entering into economic or trade dealings with Israel concerning the Occupied Palestinian Territory or parts thereof which may entrench its unlawful presence in the territory”, and “take steps to prevent trade or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory”.

Ms Black said since she introduced the proposed trade ban six years ago the plight to the Palestinian people has “rapidly deteriorated”.

“While the world is focused on the horrific, genocidal war in Gaza, across the West Bank we’re also seeing one of the biggest land grabs in decades – more homes destroyed, families displaced, settlements built. How can we repeatedly condemn this as illegal but continue to trade in the goods produced? It’s clear hypocrisy and it must stop,” she said.

Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Gary Gannon said it is now “essential” the Government enacts the Occupied Territories Bill.

“Israel has been engaged in a relentless annihilation of Gaza for nearly a year, while the western world sits idly by. The death toll stands at more than 40,000 people; more than 100,000 are injured or missing, presumed dead under rubble; and once eradicated diseases like polio are now making a return for the first time in 25 years,” Mr Gannon said.

“What is the international community waiting for before there is action? Our own government have offered strong words of condemnation of Israel – but, what have they actually done?

“Our trading relationship with Israel remains virtually unchanged, we have retained diplomatic relations with the State of Israel and no travel sanctions to Ireland have been imposed on those committing this genocide. This level of craven inaction is not just inexplicable, it is disgusting,” he added.

There are now more than 750,000 Israeli settlers living in over 140 illegal settlements on occupied Palestinian territory in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. There are a further 191 illegal settler outposts with 23 of those established in 2023 alone.

Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel

Stay up to date with all the latest news

Latest Politics

Latest  | 'less waffle, more delivery’ – stormont leaders challenged over programme for government.

Labour think-in: General election ‘imminent’, Alan Kelly to run again and Ivana Bacik wants to build on seven seats

Over €1m spent by Department of Foreign Affairs on high-end cars for Irish diplomatic work overseas

Budget 2025: Taoiseach promises to tackle children’s ‘holiday hunger’

Seachtain: An Ghaeilge ar líne: Na mílte ag foghlaim le ‘Irish with Mollie’

Explainer: When is Budget 2025? And everything else you need to know

Eddie Punch to run as Independent Ireland candidate for Clare in general election

As Russian attacks continue, Taoiseach tells Ukrainian residents that Putin has misjudged Europe’s solidarity with Kyiv

Leinster House’s €336k bike shed is ‘complete waste of public money’, says Finance Minister Jack Chambers

John Downing: Sinn Féin bets the house on plan to get into power – but does the public buy it?

Top Stories

Woman ‘raped by 72 men after husband drugged her’ tells trial she was sacrificed on ‘altar of vice’

A three-course dinner for €29.50 – what one hotel menu says about the joy, challenges and cost of eating out in Ireland

‘A great friend of Ireland’ – Emmanuel Macron names Michel Barnier as French prime minister

Stay Well: How can I lower my cholesterol without medication?

Latest news more, dalymount heartbreak, england frustrated and gazza benched – history of three lions’ visits to dublin in competitive games, uk competition watchdog launches investigation into oasis tickets sale, ‘i wouldn’t be writing him off yet’ – roy keane calls for casemiro position change to help save man united career, energy efficient huf haus-inspired contemporary waterford home can be yours for €1.195m, bbc removes ‘true story’ description from tv drama dopesick on iplayer, casemiro named in manchester united’s europa league squad despite galatasaray link, owners of daft.ie consider possible sale, fish shop owner was worried someone would break in after banksy artwork appeared, man brings high court challenge for allegedly failing to provide gardaí with phone password, wicked trailer shows friendship of ariana grande and cynthia erivo’s characters.

• Latest News
• Local ePapers
• Environment
• Journalists
• Budget 2023
• Personal Finance
• Small Business
• Commercial Property
• In The Workplace
• The Left Wing
• The Throw In
• Women's Sport
• Horse Racing
• Other Sports
• Health & Wellbeing
• Home & Garden
• Food & Drink
• Sex & Relationships
• Theatre & Arts
• Competitions
• Reader Travel Awards
• Travel News
• Staycations
• The Indo Daily
• The Big Tech Show
• Real Health Podcast
• Our Journalism
• Corporate and Social Responsibility
• Subscription Bundles
• Subscriber Rewards
• Subscription Puzzles
• Newsletters
• CarsIreland.ie
• Switcher.ie
• Reach Delpac
• Terms & conditions
• Privacy statement
• Cookie Policy
• Group Websites
• Advertise with Us
• Subscription Rewards

Israeli companies banned from winning State defence contracts - Tánaiste

Restrictions put on israeli defence suppliers winning future defence forces contracts in response to israel’s illegal occupation of the west bank.

Israeli companies will be restricted from winning any future State contracts to supply military equipment, such as drones, to the Defence Forces , in response to Israel’s illegal occupation of the West Bank.

Speaking on Thursday, Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin said he had issued a direction to officials that no Israeli companies were to be awarded defence or military contracts.

The decision to effectively blacklist Israeli defence contractors and suppliers from winning public contracts was made in the wake of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in a non-binding opinion, that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories were in breach of international law.

Mr Martin said Ireland had to take account of the ICJ ruling concerning the “illegal occupation” of Palestinian territories, such as the West Bank. “We cannot engage in activities that could further that illegal occupation,” he told RTÉ's News at One.

Gardaí to investigate whether sex abuse rings operated in schools

Woman attacked by dogs in Dún Laoghaire left with ‘serious’ injuries

Kitchen porter left jobless after fatal shooting at Blanchardstown steakhouse awarded €22,000

British police arrive in Dublin to watch out for football hooligans ahead of Republic of Ireland v England game

As a result a direction had been issued that would restrict Israeli companies from winning contracts to supply the Defence Forces with equipment in future. “We will not be procuring military equipment, or defence equipment, contracts,” Mr Martin said. “In our view, looking at the ICJ’s advisory opinion, that is one area where I have given clear instruction to my officials on,” he said.

One department source said while the Government could not prevent Israeli companies from bidding on publicly advertised State contracts, the decision would preclude them being successful in the competitions.

The Defence Forces currently uses a wide variety of Israeli-made military equipment, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), advanced targeting equipment, ground radar systems and communications systems.

It recently sought bidders for a contract to supply 14 drones to the Irish Army, which military sources previously suggested Israeli arms companies would be well placed to win.

Responding to queries last month, the Department of Defence said at that point there were no restrictions on Israeli companies bidding for the contract. Defence officials said that, despite Government criticism, “there has been no change of policy regarding Defence Forces use of Israeli-made military equipment”.

Ireland has paid more than €8.5 million to Israeli arms manufacturers in the last decade, including at least €4.5 million, excluding VAT, to Aeronautics Defence Industries, a military drone manufacturer owned by the Israeli government through its parent company, Rafael Advanced Defence Systems.

Mr Martin was speaking before a meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Brussels on Thursday, which discussed a proposal to sanction two Israeli government ministers, over comments they have made since the start of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. It is understood the proposals presented to ministers suggested sanctions be placed on Itamar Ben Gvir, Israeli minister of national security, and Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli minister for finance.

The proposal, which is supported by Ireland, is unlikely to receive the required unanimous support of the 27 member states, given some remain ardent supporters of Israel. Speaking before the meeting, the European Union’s foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said the proposed sanctions were in response to the Israeli politicians inciting hatred against Palestinians.

• Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
• Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
• Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis

Jack Power is acting Europe Correspondent of The Irish Times

Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher is Crime and Security Correspondent of The Irish Times

IN THIS SECTION

Calls for curriculum review after publisher pulls text on irish family ‘stereotype’, people moving to ireland from eu states a factor in housing strain - minister, if you want to know whether sinn féin’s housing policy will work, look at what it achieved in the north, moving to a nursing home ‘not an acceptable reason’ to cancel vhi, recently widowed woman (92) told, man allegedly beaten at dublin city squat says he ‘didn’t want to die’ in country he sought refuge in, if warnings about atlantic ocean circulation are correct, irish people could become climate migrants, latest stories, germany’s ‘prudent’ but unpopular olaf scholz grapples with immigration, asylum and arms for ukraine, new maori queen anointed in new zealand as king tuheitia is buried, spanish mayor accused of singing ‘paedophile’ song, psychiatric nurses to take industrial action after latest talks fail, glenveagh the standout performer on irish market in volatile day for european stocks.

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Information
• Cookie Settings
• Community Standards