Richmond welcomes new Politics and Society subject

Fine Gael Senator Dublin Rathdown Senator, Neale Richmond, has welcomed the promised roll out of the ‘Politics and Society’ Syllabus to all Leaving Cert students, saying it will help engage our young people in society and inform them about how democracy works.

“I am delighted that the Minister has shown his commitment to the continued development of the Politics and Society syllabus as a Leaving Certificate subject in today’s Action Plan for Education. This will prepare our senior cycle students to be educated and active citizens.

“We need our young people to be truly engaged with the wider society and to be informed as to how our democracy works.

“I was delighted to join with students this morning in Stepaside Educate Together Secondary school to talk with them about the democratic process ahead of their student council elections.

“While the ‘Politics and Society’ syllabus is being taught to just 41 schools in the present academic term, the commitment by the Minister to roll it out to every school by 2018 gives a timeline that is achievable.

“Minister Bruton’s approach of timelines, measurable targets and indicators was proven to be successful during his time as Minister for Jobs, where the Action Plan for Jobs oversaw the creation of to the creation of 190,000 jobs and a reduction in unemployment from 15.1% at its height, down to the current rate of 8.3%. His methodical aggressive reforms in Education set us on the course to provide the best education and training in Europe in the next decade.

“Fine Gael is ensuring that we protect our economy and use our economic progress to improve people’s lives. Investment in education is a massive component of this, ensuring equality of opportunity and a brighter future for all our young people.”