TRIBUTES have been paid to the outgoing Minister for Education, Ruairà Quinn, who announced his resignation last week.Minister Quinn said he would resign from Cabinet in the upcoming reshuffle.
Mr Quinn has also announced his intention to retire from politics at the next general election.
Deputy Joan Burton, the new leader of the Labour Party and Minister for Social Protection, said Minster Quinn reflected the best of Labour values.
“I want to thank Ruairà Quinn for his service both to the Labour Party and to public life during his political career,
? Minister Burton said.
“As a councillor, Senator, TD, minister, and as leader of the Labour Party, Ruairi’s commitment to making Ireland a better country for its citizens was unshakeable.
“As Finance Minister in the 1990s, he charted the course to economic prosperity with remarkable skill and steadiness.
“As Education Minister in the current Government, his contribution has been immense, ranging from the investment programme he has overseen to deliver new and refurbished schools for communities, to his commitment to ensuring our education system is a fully inclusive one, that reflects the diversity of our society.
?
Minster Burton added:
“Throughout his career, Ruairà has reflected the very best values of the Labour Party, and his legacy will be lasting.
Senator Ivana Bacik paid tribute to what she described as the great reforming work and tremendous legacy of Minister Quinn.
“Minister Quinn has carried out vitally important and far-reaching reforms within the Department of Education during his three years as minister,
? the Senator said.
“He has taken long overdue steps to bring about greater pluralism and diversity in the patronage of primary schools.
“As Labour Seanad Leader, I would like to pay particular personal tribute to him, as he has been very generous of his time as Minister in Seanad debates and has often introduced pioneering legislation in the Seanad rather than the Dáil.
?
Deputy John Lyons (Lab) said Minister Quinn made an immense contribution to reforming Ireland.
“I want to echo the statements made by my Labour colleagues and thank Ruairà Quinn for his contribution to Irish political life,
? Deputy Lyons said.
“For over 40 years, Ruairà Quinn has worked hard to change Ireland for the better and make his own particular mark when serving as a minister in a variety of Government departments.
“Over the last three years as Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairà has used this proactive, reforming approach to modernise our entire system of education and training and bring it into the 21st century.
“Many more children are now going to school in proper classrooms and in new schools rather than drafty prefabs.
“Parents have greater choice on what ethos their children are educated in and will have a greater say in the future.
?
Deputy Lyons added:
“Ruairà visited my former primary school, St Joseph’s NS, in Ballymun in December last year and told the students they were a special generation, and one who would use technology to learn old things in new and exciting ways.
“I think that remark shows exactly the approach Ruairà has taken as minister, and that his reforming agenda will leave a lasting benefit to our society.
?