Niamh Breathnach

2023 - 2 - 6

Post cover — Image courtesy of "The Irish Sun"

President Michael D Higgins leads tributes to late Niamh ... (The Irish Sun)

FORMER Education Minister Niamh Bhreathnach has been remembered for her 'extraordinary legacy' by President Micheal D Higgins, following her death age.

“Her vision for education was the central role of the child and ensuring an accessible and high quality education system to allow children to develop and reach their full potential. He added: "Niamh Bhreathnach’s deep commitment to serving the public was given evidence by her returning to Dún Laghaire Rathdown Council and her continued work as an activist in the decades following her term as Minister. In addition, the former Ecucation minister oversaw the the upgrading of Regional Technical Colleges to Institutes of Technology, and was described by Higgins as a "real advocate" of the Educate Together movement.

Niamh Bhreathnach, minister who abolished college fees, has died (The Irish Times)

Former TD for Dún Laoghaire was appointed minister for education on her first day in the Dáil in 1992.

Following her defeat in the 1997 election, Ms Bhreathnach continued to be active in local politics and represented Blackrock Ward in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. Ms Bhreathnach was elected the first woman chairperson of the Labour Party in 1990. Her time in the department was characterised by radical initiatives in education. The aim was to make meaningful changes in the educational experience of poorer families. “Her period as Minister for Education saw marked reductions in the pupil teacher ratio... Their family of five girls grew up in Blackrock and attended Carysfort National School and Sion Hill Secondary School.

President Michael D Higgins leads tributes as former Minister for ... (Irish Mirror)

President Michael D Higgins paid tribute, saying she had left “an extraordinary legacy of educational reform”

She was arguably ahead of her time when she was Minister for Education.” “Niamh was the first Labour politician to hold the post of Minister for Education, something which had historical significance in its own right. She was a pioneer for female politicians in this country. Thoughts and deepest sympathies with Tom, Cliodhna, Macdara, all her family, friends and wider community. She leaves a tremendous legacy, and we will all miss her so much. When I met her, I told her that.

Niamh Bhreathnach, education minister who abolished third level ... (Independent.ie)

Former Labour Party TD and Minister for Education, Niamh Bhreathnach who is responsible for abolishing third level education fees, has died at the age of ...

Niamh espoused a passion for politics and a desire to improve the lives of all those she represented. Fianna Fail TD Cormac Devlin said: “Saddened to learn of the death of former Minister and DLR Cathaoirleach Niamh Bhreathnach. “Influenced by her training as a teacher of those with special needs and drawing on her practical experience as a teacher in the Oliver Bond Complex in Dublin, Niamh emphasised a child-centred approach and her introduction of the ‘Breaking the Cycle’ programme led to targeted supports for urban and rural schools in disadvantaged areas.

Former education minister Niamh Bhreathnach dies (RTE.ie)

President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to former minister for education Niamh Bhreathnach, who has died aged 77.

He said she was "always courteous and kind" and was "thoroughly committed to public service". In a statement, he described her as "dedicated and committed to education, particularly in the area of reform". "She remained deeply interested in the education sector and broader public affairs up to recent weeks.

How did Niamh Bhreathnach die? Ireland Ex-Minister Is No More (The Republic Monitor)

Niamh Bhreathnach, the minister who abolished college tuition, has died. Let's look at how the former education minister died and Niamh Bhreathnach's cause of ...

Ms Bhreathnach was elected Labor Party chairman for the first time in 1990. On her first day in the Dáil in 1992, former Labor TD for Dn Laoghaire was appointed minister for education. On her first day in the Dáil, Ms Bhreathnach, a former Labor Party TD from Dn Laoghaire, was also named a senior minister.