When there are cuts to Special Educational Services and Additional Needs Services, mainstream teachers are required to do far more with less support and less resources for children with a significant range of abilities. This affects the provision of education to all children. This affects all the children of Ireland. We can and need to do better. Schools have had enough cuts and need to be sufficiently resourced.

Why is the man credited with the first colonial voyage to the present day Americas, and the subsequent genocide of the Indigenous people celebrated in this city and on this island?  It is time that this monument is removed and replaced with a piece of art that reflects a meaningful historic connection that the people of Galway have with the Americas.  This statue sits on public land in the centre of the city, and so it must represent a part of our story or cultural heritage. The statue seemingly commemorates a voyage that Columbus may have taken to Galway in 1477, though the evidence of when (and if) this trip took place is limited.  The sculpture was commissioned by Columbus's hometown of Genoa in 1992 to commemorate the 500 years since Columbus set sail across the Atlantic, initiating the genocidal conquest of the Americas and the attempted erasure of ancient cultures that were at home there for thousands of years when Columbus seemingly 'discovered' it.  Furthermore, Galway stands with the Indigenous people of the Americas, as we stand with the people of Palestine who are today experiencing the same settler colonial ethnic cleansing by Israel and supported by their Western allies.  It is time that this sculpture which sits on public land is removed and replaced with something that has historic meaning for the people of Galway.

Our children are expected to concentrate and reach their full potential learning in freezing cold conditions, in prefabs that are not fit for purpose! They are missing out on other basic facilities other schools have such as a school hall and a canteen! The school has to turn down opportunities of extracurricular activities, such as drama and sports because they don’t have the facilities to accommodate it! They have to walk 15 minutes to a nearby hall to do PE, and if the weather is bad they have to cancel! This simply is not good enough and there is no excuse for it to be going on for 24 years!!! Despite the amazing work done by teachers in Gaelcholáiste Reachrann, there is only so much they can do in these deplorable conditions. It’s a wonder they can get anyone to work in the school at all! These conditions are having a huge negative impact on both teachers and students and something needs to be done about it urgently!

It is imperative that appropriate measures be put in place to support Teachers and  SNAs who have been assaulted in the classroom. Anyone who suffers an assault in the workplace their sole focus should be on their recovery. I believe these amendments are crucial for the wellbeing of our educators and to ensure a safe and supportive working environment. 

Dublin faces a critical shortage of accessible green spaces, particularly during winter and after heavy rain, making it harder than ever for children to enjoy safe outdoor facilities. Delaying this project would set a discouraging precedent for similar initiatives across the city, stalling momentum and dampening hopes for the many other clubs—and countless boys and girls—who need these community spaces. Please sign the petition to support the creation of an enhanced space at Kenilworth that will make a real difference for children across Dublin!

Everyone should sign becasue everyone should be able to express themselves through jewellery. I've wanted my ears pierced for so long, but haven't been able to get them done for this exact reason.

Period poverty occurs when someone can't afford or access suitable period products. A 2018 survey of 1,100 girls aged 12-19 living in Ireland found that approximately 50% of girls surveyed occasionally experienced period poverty, with 10% using unsuitable products as a result of cost barriers (Plan International). The evidence suggests that young students are particularly vulnerable to period poverty, shame, and stigma. The government must support the provision of free period products in second-level institutions to remove barriers to participation and well-being, while also helping to break down the stigma surrounding menstruation. In 2021, the Free Provision of Period Products Bill was proposed, yet, in October 2024, it still remains in Seanad Éireann. In 2022, the HSE National Social Inclusion Office instigated the Period Dignity Project that aimed to reduce period stigma, increase education and distribute free period products to social inclusion target groups. The project was largely successful in reducing stigma and providing products to those in need. The success of this initiative can serve as a model for implementing free period products in Irish secondary schools. We call to expedite this process and to make funding available for the provision of period products in bathrooms in all second-level institutions across Ireland. We urge you to support this vital initiative by signing our petition, recognizing that access to period products is as essential as soap and toilet paper in our schools.

Students and young people are the future of this island. They will be our doctors and teachers and nurses, however with the failings of this government many are leaving here as they see no hope for a future or they are dropping out of courses as they are unable to afford to be a student. 

The future of higher education in Ireland depends on the commitments made today. We call on all political leaders to act decisively and support these essential priorities. Each student matters each staff member counts, and each vote is crucial for the future of higher education in Ireland.

Holy Family is a vital cornerstone of the community, playing a central role in the lives of local families.  The current conditions jeopardise both the children's health and ability to learn. Without urgent attention, these issues will only worsen, further compromising the wellbeing of the pupils and staff. 

The evidence regarding the detrimental impact of unregulated access to the internet and social media on our children and young people is overwhelming. It is an evolving youth mental health crisis which is a societal challenge and requires leadership and political will to address. In the words of Prof. Matthew Sadlier (Chair of the Irish Medical Organisation Consultants Committee) at the Gen Free launch in Greystones on Sept 17th, “The radical changes in behaviour of children that we have seen since the introduction of immersive digital technology is having an overwhelming harmful effect”. Legislation is urgently needed and our campaign is now giving a clear call to action. Let’s make our voices heard and protect children online. The time is now Page 65 on the recently issued 2025 Programme for Government "Investing in our Future" has outlined commitments regarding Online Safety. We call on the government to action these commitments as a matter of priority and urgency. We must hold our government and elected representatives to account on this.  #GenFree #FreetobeKids Campaign coverage: https://www.rte.ie/news/2024/0918/1470524-online-safety-children-campaign/   People and Organisations supporting this campaign; • Irish Medical Organisation, (IMO) • Dr. Richard Hogan, Family Psychotherapist, • Dr. Catherine Conlon, Senior Medical Officer, HSE, • Prof. Mary Aiken, Professor of Cyberpsychology, • Dr. Brigid Teevan, Doctor in Childhood Studies, • Dr. Joanna Fortune, Psychotherapist & Clinical Author, • Dr. Colman Noctor, Child & Adolescent Psychoanalytical Psychotherapist • Dr. David Coleman, Clinical Psychologist & Author, • CyberSafeKids, • Temple Carrig Secondary School, • It Takes a Village, • Barnardos, Rahoo, • Noone Cyber Services, • Counselling Forward. • A Path Appears.

I think I can safely say that I speak for every single Irish Rugby Fan with this petition.  This is Irish Rugby's 150th Anniversary, a landmark season that needs to be a stand out one and recognized globally.  This can't be done with the generic, collarless, socceresque jersey that was released last week.  This can't only be done with the traditional, iconic white collared Green & Gold Jersey that was announced today.  Forget the talk of limited edition, we don't want this as a souvenir jersey with no game time played in it, all true Irish Rugby fans urge the IRFU, Canterbury & Elverys Sports to reconsider their decision while there's still time and make this absolutely stunning design as Irish Rugby's home Jersey for the 2024/2025 season.  Do your part by signing this position but also do that little bit more and point blank refuse to buy the forgettable, round neck, turquoise jersey that was released last week.  Thanks for taking the time to read  Philip O'Reilly