Introduction
Education is essential for a well-balanced and meaningful life. Access to education gives people confidence and practical skills as well as an ability to think critically about the world around them. These are some of the reasons that education is a fundamental human right. It should be provided free of charge to all citizens at all levels: pre-school, primary, post-primary, third level, and adult education.
Putting this principle into practice has major implications for the way in which education is organised in Ireland. Historically, education has largely been left to voluntary organisations such as the Catholic Church, which continues to own and run 90 per cent of primary schools.
More recently, NGOs such as Educate Together and other charities have established themselves as patron bodies and are seeking to expand their networks of schools at both primary and post-primary level. Education should be funded and managed exclusively by the State rather than handed over to various patron bodies.
People Before Profit advocates the public ownership of all primary, secondary and third level educational institutions in the State.
Education should be about helping each individual to develop their full potential. An educated society is not just more productive – it is also more harmonious and critically aware.
There are many positive points about Irish education. There is a high level of participation in third level institutions and proficiency in reading is quite high.
However, there are also significant weaknesses. There are far lower numbers of adults who return to some form of education after their formal schooling ends. Rote learning and preparation for exams dominates rather than a focus on critical thinking.
More investment in schools and the hiring of more teachers is required if we are to meet our growing needs. Enrolment in primary education is set to be highest in 2018 and there will be a peak in secondary education in 2025