When I read the article — ‘Legislation to ban anti-abortion protests outside facilities to come into force’ (Irish Examiner, online, July 12) — my cynicism in relation to this current Government reached a level I hardly thought possible.

Taoiseach brushes off the threat, saying the electorate does not want an election amid the cost-of-living crisis and war in Europe

People Before Profit has indicated it is likely to table the motion if Sinn Féin does not to press ahead with it

A decision on whether to put forward the Private Members Bill must be made by midday tomorrow and would be debated next week in the last week's sitting of the Dàil.

Mr McHugh said the Government's Defective Concrete Block bill was punitive

You know what needs to be done, Taoiseach. Decide to commence the act in full, and do it now

"We haven’t got around to taking them in yet," said Fine Gael senator Regina Doherty. "What is keeping us?"

Fine Gael TD Joe McHugh said his presence within the party is contingent on a successful conclusion of the issue

Almost one year after Leo Varadkar apologised on behalf of the State to victims of sexual abuse in day schools, survivor and campaigner Louise O'Keeffe has said that the government has failed to take action.

Although the fallout from cabinet and junior ministerial appointments is still ongoing, attention has now turned to the appointment of committee chairpersons.

Fianna Fáil's Cork North-West TD Michael Moynihan has accused Taoiseach Micheál Martin of "disrespecting both him and his community" after being overlooked for a junior ministry.

What is it about politicians these days in that they don’t want a promotion?

Fianna Fáil TD Jim O'Callaghan has turned down a junior ministry.

Fine Gael Kerry TD Brendan Griffin, the former junior tourism minister, has lost out on being returned to office under the new coalition.

Former Education Minister Joe McHugh turned down a junior ministry in the new government.

The new Government is set to name its junior ministers today — with geography high on the criteria.

Around Leinster House on Saturday, there were three groups - those who got the call, those who didn't although they hoped they might, and those who entered the day with no expectation of a call at all.

All students should be back in the classroom five days a week when the new school year begins, the education minister has insisted.

There will be a "massive" cost when it comes to reopening schools fully, the Minister for Education has warned.

The written version of the Leaving Certificate exam will be held in November at the earliest, the Education Minister has said.

The full return to school for thousands of children and young people hinges on whether or not it will be safe to relax, or remove, social distancing in classrooms, according to the official advice compiled by the Department of Education.

While further details on the Government’s plans have been welcomed, concerns still remain over the viability of summer programmes for children with special educational needs.

Primary school students will only return to school for one day a week if two metre social distancing guidelines remain in place.

It is understood that the programme for 10,000 children, which seeks to include those with Down syndrome, is highly reliant on volunteers coming forward and there is a concern not enough have signalled a willingness to do so.

Summer tuition looks set to be offered to more children this year in recognition of the impact the extended school closure has had on the families of children with special needs.

Plans to provide summer tuition to thousands of students who need additional support are expected to get the green light in the coming days.

The Department of Education intends to “maximize” students' return to classrooms at the end of August, the Minister for Education has said.

An “open the gates” approach to third-level entry was considered as an alternative to this summer’s Leaving Cert.

Ireland can learn from other countries, but our underfunded, overcrowded system will face challenges, writes Jess Casey

School budgets are to come under significant pressure in the coming months as the Department of Education confirmed no additional funding has been approved to tackle the high cost of combatting the Covid-19 fallout.

The government has been accused of sending further mixed messages after the Taoiseach said schools would reopen in August.

Students at Dublin City University have been offered flexible accommodation for the upcoming academic year as it is “highly unlikely” they will be on campus for full weeks.

Last night on RTÉ Prime Time, Minister Joe McHugh said he would not accept a 'half return' to schools in September.

Almost 60,000 Leaving Cert students have registered, but the Department of Education says it is conscious of some students being unable to sign-up.

Parents were thrown into further confusion yesterday after the Minister for Education said students would not be returning to school in September as normal.

The Minister said it was his mission to ensure as many students as possible return to school in September.

Munster's newest technological university will play a key role in driving the recovery of the region post-Covid, while improving access to education.

University of Limerick (UL) students who left their accommodation on foot of the Government’s decision to close campuses should be refunded, the university’s governing authority has recommended.

State Solicitor’s Office to act for teachers if required

Union demands for clarity over the proposed indemnity scheme for teachers have been met and they are satisfied, Education Minister Joe McHugh has said.

Thousands of teachers will now begin grading Leaving Cert students as the country’s largest second-level teaching union advises its members to begin working on the process.

Plans for this year’s Leaving Cert have been thrown into disarray after the country’s largest second-level teaching union told members not to begin marking students as it believes the legal protection currently being offered to teachers is “unacceptable”.

The country’s largest second-level teaching union has advised its members not to begin marking Leaving Cert students as it believes the legal protection currently being offered to teachers is unacceptable.

Students who try to influence their calculated grade for the Leaving Cert will be reported to the Department of Education.