Simon Lewis
@simonlewis.ie
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12/12 As I'm sure Father Paddy would agree, religions and beliefs should be about bringing people together so we can learn from each other. If he believes that those of us who have secular values are in direct contrast to those with christian values, it simply proves my point.
November 23, 2025 at 8:50 AM
12/12 As I'm sure Father Paddy would agree, religions and beliefs should be about bringing people together so we can learn from each other. If he believes that those of us who have secular values are in direct contrast to those with christian values, it simply proves my point.
11/12 As I've said, 99% of schools do the same thing and we are so fixated on separating children along the 1% instead of trying to remove the barriers that the 1% creates. It serves no one when schools are in competition with each other.
November 23, 2025 at 8:50 AM
11/12 As I've said, 99% of schools do the same thing and we are so fixated on separating children along the 1% instead of trying to remove the barriers that the 1% creates. It serves no one when schools are in competition with each other.
10/12 Rather than all the vested interests trying to promote their brand under the illusion of school choice, we really need to consider a different question. Why aren't we looking for a system where all children are included, all day?
November 23, 2025 at 8:50 AM
10/12 Rather than all the vested interests trying to promote their brand under the illusion of school choice, we really need to consider a different question. Why aren't we looking for a system where all children are included, all day?
9/12 For example, children sitting at the backs of classrooms and churches, teachers having to pretend to be a particular faith to get a job, parents pressurised to baptise their child so as not to be stigmatised, etc. etc.
November 23, 2025 at 8:50 AM
9/12 For example, children sitting at the backs of classrooms and churches, teachers having to pretend to be a particular faith to get a job, parents pressurised to baptise their child so as not to be stigmatised, etc. etc.
8/12 The reality is that the gap between what happens in denominational schools and multidenominational schools has narrowed so much that it is only noticeable when discriminatory practices occur, ones no one is comfortable with.
November 23, 2025 at 8:50 AM
8/12 The reality is that the gap between what happens in denominational schools and multidenominational schools has narrowed so much that it is only noticeable when discriminatory practices occur, ones no one is comfortable with.
7/12 Again, I find it interesting that he claims that multidenominational schools would deny parents' Christian Values. He never defines Christian Values. A quick google will tell you that Christian values are 99% universal to all values.
November 23, 2025 at 8:50 AM
7/12 Again, I find it interesting that he claims that multidenominational schools would deny parents' Christian Values. He never defines Christian Values. A quick google will tell you that Christian values are 99% universal to all values.
6/12 His use of the word sectarian is also misleading. If all schools are multidenominational, then the system is hardly sectarian, because no school is divided along religious lines.
I'm also baffled by his stance, in which he's not alone, regarding Christian Values.
I'm also baffled by his stance, in which he's not alone, regarding Christian Values.
November 23, 2025 at 8:50 AM
6/12 His use of the word sectarian is also misleading. If all schools are multidenominational, then the system is hardly sectarian, because no school is divided along religious lines.
I'm also baffled by his stance, in which he's not alone, regarding Christian Values.
I'm also baffled by his stance, in which he's not alone, regarding Christian Values.
5/12 For example, this line is misleading. Multidenominational schools are not secular or atheist for that matter. Considering his profile, I struggle to believe that he doesn't know this already.
November 23, 2025 at 8:50 AM
5/12 For example, this line is misleading. Multidenominational schools are not secular or atheist for that matter. Considering his profile, I struggle to believe that he doesn't know this already.
4/12 Anyway, Father Paddy's article this week is a full-on drive to convince parents to "vote" for denominational schools. There are some sentences in it that are, at best, unchristian in their claims:
www.laoistoday.ie/2025/11/23/...
www.laoistoday.ie/2025/11/23/...
Fr Paddy: An important survey from the Department of Education - Laois Today
The Department of Education and Youth has launched a survey to assess demand for different types of primary schools.
www.laoistoday.ie
November 23, 2025 at 8:50 AM
4/12 Anyway, Father Paddy's article this week is a full-on drive to convince parents to "vote" for denominational schools. There are some sentences in it that are, at best, unchristian in their claims:
www.laoistoday.ie/2025/11/23/...
www.laoistoday.ie/2025/11/23/...
3/12 It's been sold as giving more choice to parents but that's not what is happening. By increasing the number of types of schools, we are increasing segregation. Why would a Muslim choose a Church of Ireland school is a Muslim school existed, for example?
November 23, 2025 at 8:50 AM
3/12 It's been sold as giving more choice to parents but that's not what is happening. By increasing the number of types of schools, we are increasing segregation. Why would a Muslim choose a Church of Ireland school is a Muslim school existed, for example?
2/12 As most people know, there is a survey going around asking parents to vote on the types of schools they want for children. It seems to have put all the stakeholders into promotional overdrive mode. Bluntly, I find the survey offensive.
November 23, 2025 at 8:50 AM
2/12 As most people know, there is a survey going around asking parents to vote on the types of schools they want for children. It seems to have put all the stakeholders into promotional overdrive mode. Bluntly, I find the survey offensive.
17/
The education system needs a strong leader more than ever. Time will tell whether Hildegarde Naughton has the appetite for the hot seat. Right now, I am not convinced.
The education system needs a strong leader more than ever. Time will tell whether Hildegarde Naughton has the appetite for the hot seat. Right now, I am not convinced.
November 19, 2025 at 10:29 PM
17/
The education system needs a strong leader more than ever. Time will tell whether Hildegarde Naughton has the appetite for the hot seat. Right now, I am not convinced.
The education system needs a strong leader more than ever. Time will tell whether Hildegarde Naughton has the appetite for the hot seat. Right now, I am not convinced.
16/
McEntee could have carved out a legacy but instead will likely join the list of ministers people forget. McHugh, O’Keeffe, Woods, Coughlan. The blink and you miss them list.
McEntee could have carved out a legacy but instead will likely join the list of ministers people forget. McHugh, O’Keeffe, Woods, Coughlan. The blink and you miss them list.
November 19, 2025 at 10:29 PM
16/
McEntee could have carved out a legacy but instead will likely join the list of ministers people forget. McHugh, O’Keeffe, Woods, Coughlan. The blink and you miss them list.
McEntee could have carved out a legacy but instead will likely join the list of ministers people forget. McHugh, O’Keeffe, Woods, Coughlan. The blink and you miss them list.
15/
Quinn tried to tackle patronage. Bruton tried to fix admissions. Foley will be remembered, though not fondly. Hanafin expanded DEIS and created the path for CNS schools.
Quinn tried to tackle patronage. Bruton tried to fix admissions. Foley will be remembered, though not fondly. Hanafin expanded DEIS and created the path for CNS schools.
November 19, 2025 at 10:29 PM
15/
Quinn tried to tackle patronage. Bruton tried to fix admissions. Foley will be remembered, though not fondly. Hanafin expanded DEIS and created the path for CNS schools.
Quinn tried to tackle patronage. Bruton tried to fix admissions. Foley will be remembered, though not fondly. Hanafin expanded DEIS and created the path for CNS schools.
14/
Education is one of the few ministries where brave decisions can turn a minister into a historical figure. Donogh O’Malley proved that. Most others avoid the risk.
Education is one of the few ministries where brave decisions can turn a minister into a historical figure. Donogh O’Malley proved that. Most others avoid the risk.
November 19, 2025 at 10:29 PM
14/
Education is one of the few ministries where brave decisions can turn a minister into a historical figure. Donogh O’Malley proved that. Most others avoid the risk.
Education is one of the few ministries where brave decisions can turn a minister into a historical figure. Donogh O’Malley proved that. Most others avoid the risk.
13/
I want to be optimistic, but this appointment does not fill me with excitement. There is little evidence she has been itching for this role and she has not been close to a classroom in nearly twenty years.
I want to be optimistic, but this appointment does not fill me with excitement. There is little evidence she has been itching for this role and she has not been close to a classroom in nearly twenty years.
November 19, 2025 at 10:29 PM
13/
I want to be optimistic, but this appointment does not fill me with excitement. There is little evidence she has been itching for this role and she has not been close to a classroom in nearly twenty years.
I want to be optimistic, but this appointment does not fill me with excitement. There is little evidence she has been itching for this role and she has not been close to a classroom in nearly twenty years.
12/
Her early commitments are limited. More special education places, yes. But nothing yet about the right places or the supports children need once they are through the door.
Her early commitments are limited. More special education places, yes. But nothing yet about the right places or the supports children need once they are through the door.
November 19, 2025 at 10:29 PM
12/
Her early commitments are limited. More special education places, yes. But nothing yet about the right places or the supports children need once they are through the door.
Her early commitments are limited. More special education places, yes. But nothing yet about the right places or the supports children need once they are through the door.
11/
Naughton now inherits all of those knots. Patronage, school meals, schoolbooks, special education places, building delays, admissions, teacher supply. None of it straightforward.
Naughton now inherits all of those knots. Patronage, school meals, schoolbooks, special education places, building delays, admissions, teacher supply. None of it straightforward.
November 19, 2025 at 10:29 PM
11/
Naughton now inherits all of those knots. Patronage, school meals, schoolbooks, special education places, building delays, admissions, teacher supply. None of it straightforward.
Naughton now inherits all of those knots. Patronage, school meals, schoolbooks, special education places, building delays, admissions, teacher supply. None of it straightforward.
10/
Some said she was more interested in presentation than substance but nine months is not long enough to clean up twenty years of knots. I suspect she might have achieved something had she stayed.
Some said she was more interested in presentation than substance but nine months is not long enough to clean up twenty years of knots. I suspect she might have achieved something had she stayed.
November 19, 2025 at 10:29 PM
10/
Some said she was more interested in presentation than substance but nine months is not long enough to clean up twenty years of knots. I suspect she might have achieved something had she stayed.
Some said she was more interested in presentation than substance but nine months is not long enough to clean up twenty years of knots. I suspect she might have achieved something had she stayed.
9/
She launched a new Statement of Strategy and a National Convention on Education. She even delivered the long promised ethos survey. Whether it will matter is another question.
She launched a new Statement of Strategy and a National Convention on Education. She even delivered the long promised ethos survey. Whether it will matter is another question.
November 19, 2025 at 10:29 PM
9/
She launched a new Statement of Strategy and a National Convention on Education. She even delivered the long promised ethos survey. Whether it will matter is another question.
She launched a new Statement of Strategy and a National Convention on Education. She even delivered the long promised ethos survey. Whether it will matter is another question.
8/
To McEntee’s credit, she quietly shut down the phone talk. The nine million euro for pouches conveniently vanished and she tried to take a wider look at the system instead.
To McEntee’s credit, she quietly shut down the phone talk. The nine million euro for pouches conveniently vanished and she tried to take a wider look at the system instead.
November 19, 2025 at 10:29 PM
8/
To McEntee’s credit, she quietly shut down the phone talk. The nine million euro for pouches conveniently vanished and she tried to take a wider look at the system instead.
To McEntee’s credit, she quietly shut down the phone talk. The nine million euro for pouches conveniently vanished and she tried to take a wider look at the system instead.
7/
The school meals scheme created confusion and waste. The bus expansion created chaos because there was no plan for staffing. And the smartphone pouch idea was one of the strangest distractions we have seen in years.
The school meals scheme created confusion and waste. The bus expansion created chaos because there was no plan for staffing. And the smartphone pouch idea was one of the strangest distractions we have seen in years.
November 19, 2025 at 10:29 PM
7/
The school meals scheme created confusion and waste. The bus expansion created chaos because there was no plan for staffing. And the smartphone pouch idea was one of the strangest distractions we have seen in years.
The school meals scheme created confusion and waste. The bus expansion created chaos because there was no plan for staffing. And the smartphone pouch idea was one of the strangest distractions we have seen in years.
6/
Norma Foley centred her tenure on free schoolbooks, free meals and free buses. All headline friendly. None of them addressed the real issues affecting children. In many ways, she dragged us backwards.
Norma Foley centred her tenure on free schoolbooks, free meals and free buses. All headline friendly. None of them addressed the real issues affecting children. In many ways, she dragged us backwards.
November 19, 2025 at 10:29 PM
6/
Norma Foley centred her tenure on free schoolbooks, free meals and free buses. All headline friendly. None of them addressed the real issues affecting children. In many ways, she dragged us backwards.
Norma Foley centred her tenure on free schoolbooks, free meals and free buses. All headline friendly. None of them addressed the real issues affecting children. In many ways, she dragged us backwards.
5/
McEntee also had nine months. She inherited chaos and a department that had drifted from being an education service to being a gifting service.
McEntee also had nine months. She inherited chaos and a department that had drifted from being an education service to being a gifting service.
November 19, 2025 at 10:29 PM
5/
McEntee also had nine months. She inherited chaos and a department that had drifted from being an education service to being a gifting service.
McEntee also had nine months. She inherited chaos and a department that had drifted from being an education service to being a gifting service.