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  4. 13-17 years old
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Education

13

– 17

years

old

What does this mean?

How is this right protected in Ireland?

Mary’s story

Does every child in Ireland enjoy this right?

What does this mean?

It’s your right to go to school and get a good quality education for free. The UNCRC says so in Article 23, 28 and 29. 

How is this right protected in Ireland?

There are lots of laws in Ireland that protect you right to education. Under Article 42 of the Irish Constitution, children have access to free primary and secondary education.

Under the Education Welfare Act 2000, it’s your right to leave State education at 16 years of age, or after you have finished three years at secondary school.
Under the Education for Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004, it’s your right to stay in a mainstream school, where possible, if you have a special educational need.

Mary’s story

Hi, I’m Mary, I’m thirteen and I’m a Traveller. I just started secondary school and it’s really weird, they’ve taken me out of regular class to do extra English lessons even though I don’t think I need them. I talk a bit different but I know how to read and write. They never even checked if it was okay with my Mam. The other girls in school already think I’m strange and now I feel even more excluded.

Does every child in Ireland enjoy this right?

While every child in Ireland has the right to education, not every child gets that right.
Education in Ireland is mostly free, but there are still costs that make it harder for some children to go to school. Every year, Barnardos highlights the “hidden” cost of education, like uniforms, schoolbooks, digital devices, school tours and extra fees that schools asks parents to pay.  
Children with disabilities often can’t find a school place near them that will support their needs. Homeless children or children in poverty can find it hard to go to or stay in school. Young Travellers also face barriers in education.

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7-12 years old

13-17 years old