Election 2024: Education — It's not good enough to leave 10% of our young people behind

Jess Casey says Ireland's education system works for those who can access the education they need, but many are left behind

Children's Ombudsman Niall Muldoon blowing out candles at last month's 20th anniversary children’s party in Mayfield on the northside of Cork. It was the culmination of a series of workshops where the children of St Patrick's GNS, St Patrick's BNS, St Brendan's GNS, St Mark's BNS, and St Killian's learnt more about the rights of children in Ireland. Picture: Clare Keogh

For most students, the Irish education system works. It works for those who suit the system as it stands, and it works for those who can access the education they need reasonably close to home.

It works for those who get to and from school Monday to Friday without much thought or worry, and it works for those who see sitting their Leaving Cert as a given. It works so well for many, we often run the risk of taking it for granted.