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
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
- UK Politics
- News Videos
- Paris 2024 Olympics
- Rugby Union
- Sport Videos
- John Rentoul
- Mary Dejevsky
- Andrew Grice
- Sean O’Grady
- Photography
- Theatre & Dance
- Culture Videos
- Fitness & Wellbeing
- Food & Drink
- Health & Families
- Royal Family
- Electric Vehicles
- Car Insurance Deals
- Lifestyle Videos
- Hotel Reviews
- News & Advice
- Simon Calder
- Australia & New Zealand
- South America
- C. America & Caribbean
- Middle East
- Politics Explained
- News Analysis
- Today’s Edition
- Home & Garden
- Broadband deals
- Fashion & Beauty
- Travel & Outdoors
- Sports & Fitness
- Climate 100
- Sustainable Living
- Climate Videos
- Solar Panels
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
- Wine Offers
- Betting Sites
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.
Catherine Zeta-Jones surprises Michael Douglas on 80th birthday
Meet the walking sea fish with six legs amazing scientists
James Middleton shares how sister Kate helped him with depression
Taylor Swift’s ancestral link to Birmingham revealed by Joe Lycett
Editor’s picks.
Who will be the next Tory leader?
Introducing The Independent and Refuge’s Brick By Brick campaign
How Geri Halliwell’s Union Jack dress was the look of Cool Britannia
Jared Harris talks new film Reawakening and homage to Richard Harris
Discover the delights of an Australian city break
The story of Kate Moss’s sheer dress | That Dress
Paralympic Judo champions on how to win medals and remain disciplined
The Tony Blair interview with Geordie Greig
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
Justin Theroux on the legacy of The Leftovers
Willem Dafoe pitches his own legacy sequels
Alicia Vikander on starring opposite Jude Law
Leila Farzad talks Kaos, The Decameron and finding the audience
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
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
How to travel sustainably around Europe by train
The splendour along Lake Geneva as Montreux Jazz Festival plays
Go to where the wild things are with a safari holiday
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
Nicola Bulley’s partner shares vile messages trolls sent him
Child and dog rescued from flood as Hurricane Helene hits Florida
Watch: ISS orbits above Hurricane Helene as storm approaches Florida
Cars drive across Tampa bridge as Hurricane Helena waves crash on road
Trump bizarrely claims migrants have phone app direct to Harris
Hurricane Helene: Police order residents to evacuate homes in Florida
Watch: Giant new Milky Way map changes view of galaxy ‘forever’
Sixteen tonnes of cocaine found hidden in frozen fruit
Highs and lows of Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 career as exit confirmed
Kane swaps football for acting as he stars in The Office-style ad
Jermaine Jenas vows to ‘learn’ in message to fans after BBC scandal
Manchester City won’t ‘waste energy’ on Carabao Cup, says Guardiola
Brett Favre announces Parkinson’s diagnosis during Congress hearing
Watch: ‘Sinkhole’ opens up in middle of Wimbledon’s pitch amid floods
Tyson Fury’s X-rated ringside reaction to Anthony Joshua knockout
Anthony Joshua reveals future plans after being demolished by Dubois
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
Maggie Smith recalls most bizarre Harry Potter question she was asked
Maggie Smith makes Judi Dench acting complaint in resurfaced clip
Maggie Smith: Watch Harry Potter star’s most iconic Hogwarts scene
Cate Blanchett details hilariously dark parenting fail
Prince Harry screams as he takes on haunted maze with Jimmy Fallon
Strictly’s JB Gill responds to dance experience backlash
Stanley Tucci and Priyanka Chopra spotted filming Citadel in London
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
Banning homework: Taoiseach says schoolchildren get too much homework but doesn't call for ban
Varadkar said he'd have to speak to Minister for Education, Norma Foley, about the matter
- 15:07, 30 JAN 2023
- Updated 13:12, 20 JUL 2023
Stay on top of the latest issues at home and abroad by signing up to our FREE daily newsletter
We have more newsletters
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he will talk to Minister for Education, Norma Foley, on the issue of getting rid of homework.
Varadkar on homework
While Varadkar didn't say he supported call to ban homework for schoolchildren, he did tell Newstalk that he felt some children get "too much" homework.
Asked about the homework debate today, Varadkar said he'd have to speak to Foley about it.
"We haven't had a chance to discuss it," he said.
Varadkar added that he "definitely" think kids have "too much homework".
"You could have a long day in class, get home in the early evening and then face three hours of homework.
"I remember that when I was a kid, staying up very late to do homework.
"I think there's definitely a place for homework but we need to make sure that there isn't too much of it."
The debate was sparked by President Michael D Higgins saying he was in favour of getting rid of homework.
Support for banning homework
Speaking on RTÉ last week, Higgins argued that getting rid of homework would allow young people more time to engage in creative pursuits outside of school hours.
The president was asked for his thoughts on homework and responded that he wasn't in favour of it.
"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."
When Varadkar was asked if he minded Higgins making a public comment on homework, the Taoiseach responded that the president's comments are "always welcome".
School policy on homework
Minister for Education, Norma Foley, has said she won't debate the homework ban issue with President Michael D Higgins.
A little over a week ago, Higgins told the nation's children that he was against schoolwork continuing beyond the school gates, in an address broadcast on RTÉ's news2day.
Foley said it was up to schools to decide on their homework policy.
She told The Irish Mirror that she wasn't going to get into it with the president.
"It would not be appropriate for a government minister to engage in public debate with the office of the president," she said.
"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."
In a recent poll, it was revealed that Irish Mirror readers were overwhelmingly in favour of banning homework, with 98 per cent of readers voting in favour of a ban.
In a landslide decision, 57,440 readers voted yes, while just 1,211 voted no.
Benefits of homework
Minister Foley recently said that her department doesn't "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's 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."
Foley told her government colleague that the Department of Education has not commissioned research on the matter.
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
- In the News
- Leo Varadkar
- Michael D Higgins
- Norma Foley
- Most Recent
Find out more about fertility, baby names & all things parenting...
Michael d higgins calls for no homework policy in ireland.
- // January 27, 2023
As a kid or a parent, everyone can recall the joy of a no homework Friday – the freedom, the brain space, and the endless possibilities the evening brought. Now, the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins wants every day to be a no homework Friday.
As a parent, you may have regular battles with your children about completing their homework, and having been there, and done that yourself, sometimes you can actually relate to the feeling of dread when a pile of work is on the agenda for the evening in each and every subject.
People Of Ireland googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("RC_Mobile_MPU_TOP"); }); Great News For Children & Teenagers All Schools Will Be Giving No Homework Michael D Higgins Was Interviewed About Homework and He Said: Homework Should Not Be Given Children Should Have More Time At Home For Their Activities. #Ireland #BANNED #Homework pic.twitter.com/5zkMldad3e — 🇮🇪𝔼𝕍𝔸ℕ🇮🇪 (@EvanTheIrishMan) January 22, 2023 googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("RC_Mobile_Interscroller"); });
RELATED: Classes, activities, homework and more – Is your child over-scheduled?
Your child (or once upon a time, yourself) may advocate for no homework and label it as “unfair” and the truth is – they may be right according to the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins!
The beloved Irish President and former Minister for Arts Michael D Higgins has stated that he believes homework should be scrapped in favour of more artistic, innovative, and passionate pursuits. He explains that time at home and time at school should be separated.
In a radio appearance for RTE ’s news2day current affairs and news programme for children, the President was quizzed by children about his feelings on homework, and advocating for children and a no homework policy Michael D says, “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”.
RELATED: Do you struggle with your child’s homework?
He also offered some sage (and very sweet) advice to the children of Ireland, sharing the importance of curiosity and friendship, “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”.
He elaborated by saying that he thinks we should include people and allow people to just be themselves, “We’re all unique but at the same time we have a lot going for us”. Naturally, he also encouraged everyone to continue speaking our native language!
Share your thoughts on this story or any other on our discussion boards .
Listen to our parenting podcast
Share this article
Find out more about
‘I need to do this!’ This budgeting hack is genius ahead of the Christmas food shop
Rory McIlroy leaves divorce drama behind him as he leans on wife Erica after golf disappointment
Family ‘broken’ after little girl, two, dies from same rare condition as brother
TV chef Louise Lennox on raising a neurodiverse child and how baking helps her kids’ self-esteem
‘We can’t wait for the adults any longer’ 14-year-old Cara Darmody is taking on the government for disability rights
Louise O’Reilly’s ‘heart could burst’ as she reveals gender of her miracle baby
Late Late Toy Show to introduce a new magical musical number for kids from every county
A Little Birdie Told Me S5 EP12: Chupi Sweetman on her hard road to welcoming her daughter
Join the forum, fertility >>, mums 2 be groups >>, pregnancy >>, ‘i wouldn’t have it any other way’ keith duffy reflects on becoming a dad at 20, first-time buyers join our free event packed with expert tips & advice (you’ll get to meet with mortgage advisors too).
How letting your kids dress themselves increases their confidence and self-esteem!
The top baby names in Ireland every year over the last three decades
Dunnes Stores’ €20 top is perfect fix for mornings you’re running late
Sign up now.
Family Breaks
Book Your Break
Follow @rollercoaster.ie on instagram, follow @rollercoaster.ie.
Calls for Junior Cycle textbook to be dropped over its depiction of an ‘Irish family’
Top tips to ease a child’s anxiety heading into school
With back-to-school just around the corner we’ve some ideas to solve one headache: the lunches!
For the ups & downs of pregnancy & parenting, babies & newborns, discussions, family life, news & entertainment, products & services.
Childcare Adverts
About RollerCoaster
Sampling & survey panel, terms & conditions, privacy policy, house rules, press council, news brands, promotion rules, brand safety, advertising t&cs, © 2024 all rights reserved rollercoaster.ie.
All Fertility
Preparing for Pregnancy
Fertility Treatment
Male Fertility
Birth Control
Fertility Discussions
All Pregnancy
Week 1 through 40
Health & Wellbeing
Labour & Birth
Hospital Bag
Pregnancy Products
Maternity Style
Products & Services
Baby Skin Solutions
Baby Name Generator
Baby Name Search
The First Year
Baby Products
Breastfeeding
Weaning & Feeding
School Children
Tweens & Teens
Creche & Childcare
Schools & Education
School Calendar
Activities & Events
Recipes & Nutrition
Health & Mental Health
Family Holidays & Travel
Adoption & Fostering
Just for Dad
No Stupid Questions
All Lifestyle
Entertainment
Beauty & Style
Competitions
Mums Mean Business
Mums Stories
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
Kamala Harris meets with Volodymyr Zelensky in US
Harris said calls for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia were "dangerous and unacceptable".
Wanted notice for man connected to exploding pagers in Lebanon
Norwegian news agency NTB wrote that the 39-year-old man had travelled to the United States last week but vanished after arriving there.
Finnish zoo returns giant pandas to China as they are 'too expensive'
The panda pair was China’s gift to mark the Nordic nation’s 100 years of independence in 2017, and they were supposed to be on loan until 2033.
Pope expels 10 people over 'sadistic' abuses in rare move
A bishop, priests and laypeople were expelled from troubled Catholic movement Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, or Sodalitium of Christian Life, in Peru.
Crime and Justice
Thursday 4:30pm
Putin lowers threshold of nuclear response in warning to West
The threat, outlined in a revision of Moscow's nuclear doctrine, was clearly aimed at discouraging the West from allowing Ukraine to strike Russia with longer-range weapons.
Thursday 12:47pm
Man smashes Ai Weiwei sculpture at exhibition opening in Italy
The show's curator described the incident as a "reckless and senseless act".
Wed, Sep 25
End-of-world delusions led Queensland man to kill mother
Titan hearing paints picture of reckless greed, explorer passion
Luxon defends move to cut $30m from te reo Māori teacher training
Author David Walliams pays special visit to Auckland schoolkids
Liam Lawson: Other Kiwi drivers to have competed in F1
Kiwi Mobile pledges an end to paying for ‘wasted’ mobile data
Sponsored by Kiwi Mobile
Five months into the school phone ban, here's how students are finding it
School board to pay more than $500k after student's death on caving trip
Murder charge laid after woman found in burnt-out car on Northland beach
Hundreds of jobs to go under proposal to close Timaru meatworks
Can people change their minds about conspiracy theories?
Tue, Feb 20
More from Entertainment
Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan finalise divorce
Both have long been in other relationships.
The Cure announce new album, release first new song in 16 years
The new album, Songs of A Lost World, is set to be released on November 1.
Dua Lipa leads names to appear at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction
Thursday 9:59pm
Lupita Nyong'o inspired by Siri to play humanoid in The Wild Robot
Thursday 1:40pm
Fake heiress Anna Sorokin eliminated from Dancing With the Stars
Thursday 12:37pm
Rapper Fatman Scoop died of heart disease, medical examiner says
Thursday 9:29am
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
- Movies & TV
- Keep Discovering
- Fitness & Health
- Contact JOE
- User Generated Content
- Advertise With Us
- Terms & Conditions
- Privacy Statement
- Lovin Dublin
- Gay Star News
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
Family of young girl stabbed in Parnell Square share new update after being released from hospital
By Joseph Loftus
Weather warning issued for seven counties over heavy rain and possible flooding
By Stephen Porzio
Iconic Dublin Samuel Beckett Bridge closes after big fire breaks out
An Garda Siochana
MORE FROM JOE
Downton Abbey
Maggie Smith dies aged 89
By Charlie Herbert
Several counties hit with weekend weather warning for heavy rain and possible flooding
Graham Norton
Graham Norton reveals he was stabbed and ‘left for dead’ in London street
By Sophie Collins
Matthew McConaughey
Matthew McConaughey realised Woody Harrelson might be his brother after his mum said one word to him
By Zoe Hodges
Madeleine McCann
Madeleine McCann suspect ‘admitted to kidnapping a child in Portugal’
By Kat O'Connor
Comedian Janey Godley says she is receiving end-of-life care
By Nina McLaughlin
Colin Farrell
‘I just love that we’re talking d**k’ – Colin Farrell on the importance of his ‘penguin p***s’
JOE Quick Fire Quiz
The JOE quick-fire general knowledge quiz: Day 340
The last of us
First trailer released for The Last of Us season 2
Sponsored stories.
An Post have released its first ever crypto stamp – here’s how you can claim it
Brilliantly dark thriller streaming on Netflix launched an unexpected franchise
The JOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 418
MasterChef contestant was kicked off show for serving judges fully feathered dead bird
Netflix has just added the ‘best action series ever’
Rhasidat Adeleke among huge line-up of guests for this week’s Late Late Show
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.
- Ovulation Calculator
- Diet and nutrition
- Fitness and Exercise
- Trouble Conceiving
- Miscarriage and baby loss
- The everymum Free Gift Bag
- Due date calculator
- Pregnancy week by week
- Health and well-being
- Pregnancy nutrition
- Maternity style
- Preparing for baby
- Caring for your newborn baby
- Your Newborn
- Development Week By Week
- Baby Health
- Toddlers (1-3 yrs)
- Pre-schoolers (3-5 yrs)
- School kids (5-12 yrs)
- Child Health
- Relationships
- Family Health
- Things to do
- Dental Health Expert
- Sleep expert
- Mental Health Expert
- Pregnancy & Birth Expert
- Breastfeeding expert
- Nutritional Expert
- Physiotherapist expert
- Baby Development expert
- Childcare expert
- Career experts
- Expert Guide to Family Finances
- Expert Guide To Safe Driving
- everymum the podcast
- Health & well-being
- What’s for dinner?
- Sweet Treats
- Special Occasions
- Special diets
- Weekly Family Meal Plans
- Competitions
Michael D. Higgins Wants Homework In Primary School To Be Banned
Do you agree with him?
In Finland, children in primary schools across the country don't start school until they are seven years old – and they have no homework. And guess what? Finish students still come out with some of the best results in the world.
As an OECD think tank recently wrote on the matter: "One of the most striking facts about Finnish schools is that their students have fewer hours of instruction than students in any other OECD country."
It continued: "But when it comes to the international Pisa tests, Finland is in sixth place and the UK is 23rd in reading; and Finland is 12th and the UK is 26th in maths."
Finland is now hoping to share what works in its schools with other countries.
However, here in Ireland, homework is still a thing – and the bane of so many children – and parents' – lives.
But the debate has definitively started, and last week, even Michael D. Higgins seemed to weigh in, when he was interviewed by children, and revealed that he reckons school activities should be left at the school gate.
President Higgins argues that banning homework would make time for young people to engage in more creative pursuits outside school hours.
The former Arts Minister was speaking to RTE’s news2day current affairs and news programme for children on the occasion of the programme’s 20th birthday.
'Children Should Be Able To Use Their Time For Other Creative Things”
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 in 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.
A Message To The Children Of Ireland
In a message to the children of Ireland, 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."
You might also like
Doctor Shares The 3 Things That She Avoids When It Comes To Her Child
Don’t Make This Mistake When Leaving Kids At Creche Or School, Expert Warns
Little Girl Injured In Dublin Stabbing Hoping To Be Home Full Time For Christmas
Inspirational Teen Activist Says The Goverment Is ‘An International Disgrace’ Over Disability Services
Parents Outraged Over Teacher’s School Birthday Suggestion
‘It’s About Men’ Irish Schools To Introduce Gender Violence Prevention Training
- About everymum
- Get In Touch
- Everymum Free Gift Bag
- Media resources
- Privacy Policy
- Terms and Conditions
- Cookie Policy
- House Rules
- NPPA Competition Privacy Notice
Tools and resources
- Free everymum gift bag
- Ovulation calculator
- Expert advice
- Pregnancy diary
- Your nurture magazine
- Entertainment
- Terms & Conditions
- Privacy Statement
- Advertise With Us
- User Generated Content
- Contact Her
- Lovin Dublin
- Gay Star News
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 says she has no plans to abolish homework in Ireland.
She has spoken out about the issue after President Michael D. Higgins said it is time for homework to be scrapped because it is outdated.
But the Minister for Education does not agree.
Many parents and teachers agree that it is time for the outdated practice to be scrapped. However, the Education Minster said 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.
“Currently schools are free to have their own policy on homework.
Minister Foley said schools can make their own homework policies, but 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.
“Schools are in of themselves places where creative pursuits are cultivated, nurtured and encouraged.
“That creativity may also be reflected in homework.”
The President of Ireland told Newsday that children should spend their time doing other activities.
“I think myself, really that the time at home and the time in school is an educational experience.
He continued, “It should get finished at the school.”
This will then give children more time for other activities after school. Pupils could also have more time to socialise.
“People should be able to use their time for other creative things.”
Many parents feel it takes up too much of our children’s time during the evening, but others feel it helps them make more progress in school. Others also believe it benefits their communication and reading skills.
What do you think? Is it time for homework to be scrapped?
Related links:
- Baby found unattended in pram in Dublin, Gardaí reveal
- Toddler tragically dies in Wicklow following choking accident
- Man claims to have found infant remains near Bessborough site in the 90s
RELATED ARTICLES
We need to realise that women’s sport is strong, valuable… and worth celebrating
By Gillian Fitzpatrick
Penneys fooled us ALL with this paper bag folding trick
By Niamh Maher
COMMENT Tuam’s tiny victims had no voice then – which is why we must shout for them now
Like chilli? Well, Nando’s is SERIOUSLY upping its hot sauce game
Galway is getting a penguinarium! (*the entire country books tickets to Galway)
Varadkar slams schools for giving children “too much” homework
By Kat O'Connor
Taoiseach Micheál Martin announces ‘no homework day’ for kids in Ireland
By Sarah McKenna Barry
Almost 40% of Leaving Cert students have chosen not to sit the Irish exam this year
By Trine Jensen-Burke
MORE FROM HER
New measures on XL bully dogs will roll out next week
maggie smith
Dame Maggie Smith dies aged 89
By Charlie Herbert
Your morning coffee fix may soon cost even more as prices surge to 10-year high
By Sophie Collins
Several counties hit with weekend weather warning for heavy rain and possible flooding
By Stephen Porzio
Greystones volunteers embarking on 3,500 km journey to deliver vital medical supplies to Ukraine
Family of young girl stabbed in Parnell Square share new update after being released from hospital
By Joseph Loftus
Relationships
How to recognise you’re in a toxic friendship – and what to do about it
‘I wish someone told me this before I started my laser hair removal journey’
Her Wedding
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
President Michael D Higgins (Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire) President Michal D Higgins has called for homework to be banned. The country's favourite leader has given hope to a new generation of ...
Schools should strive not to give pupils homework where possible, the president of Ireland has suggested.. In an utterance likely to be seized upon by children for years to come, in classrooms far ...
President of Ireland Michael D Higgins during the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2023 at the RDS, Dublin on 11 January 2022 ... The problem with homework - and no homework days;
The President of Ireland Michael D Higgins has called for homework to be banned. Higgins answered a variety of questions from schoolchildren in a segment of RTE's news2day - a current affairs ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
President of Ireland Michael D Higgins during the BT Young Scientist & Technology ... while just 1,211 voted no. Benefits of homework. Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond outside Leinster House on ...
Michael D Higgins calls for no homework policy in Ireland. By Grace Mckeever. // January 27, 2023. As a kid or a parent, everyone can recall the joy of a no homework Friday - the freedom, the brain space, and the endless possibilities the evening brought. Now, the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins wants every day to be a no homework Friday.
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 ...
President Michael D Higgins called for homework to be banned in Ireland , offering hope for a new generation of students looking to take back their time after the school bell tolls.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said there will be no homework for children on April 12th. ... MyHome.ie Opens in new window The Gloss Opens in new window Recruit Ireland Opens in new window Irish ...
The President said "time in school… should get finished in school." Mr Higgins weighed on the homework debate while speaking to pupils from St Kevin's National School, Littleton, Co ...
The former Ireland rugby star has no desire to join the recent crop of so-called 'celebrity candidates' running for office Gunmen at large as four left dead and dozens hurt in Alabama mass ...
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 ...
Jan. 23, 2023. 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 ...
Good news for the Children of Ireland as a no-homework day has been issued. Ciara O'Loughlin. Thu 19 Nov 2020 at 13:10. Some good news for the children of Ireland - a no homework day has been ...
However, here in Ireland, homework is still a thing - and the bane of so many children - and parents' - lives. But the debate has definitively started, and last week, even Michael D. Higgins seemed to weigh in, when he was interviewed by children, and revealed that he reckons school activities should be left at the school gate.
Minister for Education Norma Foley says she has no plans to abolish homework in Ireland. She has spoken out about the issue after President Michael D. Higgins said it is time for homework to be ...
[email protected]. In his most pressing interview to date, when questioned by 9 year old Dean Aherne about the abolition of homework, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin declared: "On Monday, April 12, there will be no homework, and that's for the whole country.". This is the first time ever such an event has taken place, or not ...