President Michael D Higgins says homework should be banned in Ireland
The country’s favourite leader believes that school activities should end at the school gate and students should be encouraged to engage in more creative pursuits
- 10:39, 21 JAN 2023
Never miss a beat from Dublin and beyond by signing up to our FREE newsletter
We have more newsletters
President Michael D Higgins has called for homework to be banned.
The country’s favourite leader has given hope to a new generation of students that the bane of their afterschool evenings could be scrapped. President Higgins argues that this would make time for young people to engage in more creative pursuits outside school hours.
The former Arts Minister believes that school activities should end at the school gate. He was speaking to RTE’s news2day current affairs and news programme for children on the occasion of the programme’s 20th birthday.
Read more: Children being 'corrupted' by drug dealing situation in Oliver Bond flats, Dail told
When asked what his opinion of homework President Higgins said: “I think myself, really that the time at home, and the time in the school is an educational experience and it should get finished at the school and people should be able to use their time for other creative things.”
To mark the show’s two decades on air, students from St Kevin’s National School, Littleton, County Tipperary put questions from RTÉ news2day viewers to President Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin. In a wide-ranging interview, the children asked the President questions like, what was your favourite sport when you were in school?
When you were nine years old what did you want to be? And when did you decide you wanted to be President?
The students also asked the President about his dogs, his official trips abroad, his favourite subject in school, differences between now and when he was a child and his favourite book. The President also spoke to the children about his love of handball and the importance of friendship in their lives.
RTÉ news2day will broadcast some of the President’s interview as part of Friday afternoon’s birthday celebrations at 4.20pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ News channel and the full interview will be available later on Friday evening on the RTÉ Player. In a message to the children of Ireland and the viewers of RTÉ news2day, President Michael D. Higgins gave this advice: “To stay curious about everything and I think it’s important to make sure you don’t miss the joy of sharing information.
“And I think an important thing is friendship and to make sure that there’s no one left without friendship and that people belong. And we will all do individual things... but I think friendships that you make will in fact always be great memories and that is so important. And also have the courage to stand your own ground and let other children be allowed the space of standing their ground too because none of us are the same.
“We’re all unique but at the same time we have a lot going for us.” President Higgins also encouraged the children of Ireland to speak the Irish language.
He encouraged them to speak Irish in a fun way and to feel free to use whatever bits of the language that they have.
Phone analysis expert says 'nothing to suggest' Jonathan Dowdall in park on alleged 'confession' date
Dermot Bannon says latest season of Room To Improve 'nearly killed him'
RTE Late Late Show viewers hail 'fantastic' Nell Mescal on singing debut
Temperatures soar across Dublin despite forecast of dreary weather
Gardai appeal for help in locating missing Dublin pensioner
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
- President Higgins
- Most Recent
- Data tracker
Students and parents plead case for homework ban
School children and parents pleaded with the Minister for Education Norma Foley to step in and introduce a homework ban.
In letters to the minister, kids wrote about how they were being forced to give up hobbies because they were given so much work to do after school.
The correspondence followed comments by President Michael D Higgins in January that a ban on homework should be considered.
In one letter, a school child wrote about how seven hours of school each day was “plenty of education” and that more work on top was unnecessary.
“I do not ask for homework to be completely banned but for it to be reduced to a certain limit. Otherwise, if there is a constant build-up of homework daily, it can cause stress and even a lack of exercise which will affect a person’s well-being.”
Another said they felt homework was a “waste of time” and that a ban should be introduced.
They wrote: “Kids should be doing more creative things with their time after school. Many kids have had to stop doing hobbies they have because of it.
“It is a burden to parents, kids, and teachers [and] so for the above reasons, I think you should BAN HOMEWORK!”
Homework annoys teachers
One hand-written letter, decorated with a Minnie Mouse bow, said homework was “annoying for teachers and pupils”.
“I play soccer and love writing stories, but because of homework, I have no time for doing these things. For teachers, it gives them more copies to correct and they have to go through the trouble of deciding what [homework] to give.”
A secondary school student said that if “sleeping isn’t for school” then “work isn’t for home”.
They explained how they did between one and two hours of homework every evening after school and sometimes more.
“When I would finish, there would be barely any time for me to relax before I had to go to bed to get enough sleep to get up in the morning,” said their letter.
“As I’m sure you’re aware, our president Michael D Higgins also thinks that homework should be banned so if you don’t want to listen to me, listen to our President.”
Another suggested there could at least be a compromise so that students would not be given homework for over the weekend.
“[This would relieve] students of mental stress,” they said.
Help parents
One young student said they were left with no time to help their parents, or to learn how to cook or do other activities around the house.
They said: “We all do activities like swimming, dance, and all other sports. It’s hard work and it’s stressful and it’s unfair.”
A single parent also wrote in to explain how one of their children was getting two hours of written homework every day.
They said: “We need time to teach them life skills such as sewing, cooking, how to work the washing machine, change their own bed sheets and personal care.
“These teachings are very hard for parents with zero [time] left in the evenings. There is no time for them to spend with siblings and parents because they are so tired.”
In responses, the Department of Education told the letter writers that homework policy was not within its powers.
In emails, they said: “The Department does not issue direct guidelines relating to homework being given in schools. It is a matter for each school, at local level, to arrive at its own homework policy.
“In keeping with good practice, the process of drafting a homework policy should involve consultation with teachers, parents, and students.
“However, the Department does acknowledge that homework can play an important part in helping pupils prepare for forthcoming class work and in reinforcing work already covered during class time.”
- Education ,
- Norma Foley ,
- President Michael D Higgins ,
- Minister for Education ,
- homework ban
Teenage boy refused bail in connection with 'frenzied' stabbing of priest at barracks
Murderer goes missing from custody in Belfast
Electric Picnic: HSE issues warning over 'high strength' MDMA
Three people arrested after drugs seizure in Cork
Message submitting... Thank you for waiting.
Want us to email you top stories each lunch time?
President Michael D Higgins says he doesn't think children should have homework
In a wide-ranging interview with Irish children, the president was asked for his thoughts on homework
- 15:35, 20 JAN 2023
- Updated 11:44, 20 APR 2023
Stay on top of the latest issues at home and abroad by signing up to our FREE daily newsletter
We have more newsletters
President Michael D Higgins has called for homework to be banned.
End of homework
Higgins has suggested that school activities should end at the school gates.
A smile is likely to have cross children and teenagers' faces after the president of Ireland suggested that homework should be scrapped.
Higgins argued that getting rid of homework would allow young people more time to engage in creative pursuits outside of school hours.
Speaking on RTÉ's news2day programme for the occasion of its 20th anniversary, children were able to put questions to Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin.
Higgins was asked about his opinion on homework.
The president replied: "I think myself, really that the time at home, and the time in the school is an educational experience and it should get finished at the school and people should be able to use their time for other creative things."
This isn't the first time a political leader has sought to curry favour with future voters.
In March 2022, when then-Taoiseach Micheál Martin was isolating in the US during his St Patrick's Day visit, told the children of Ireland that they could have the day off homework if they did a kind deed.
Other questions for President Higgins
Other questions that the children asked the president included:
- What was your favourite sport when you were in school?
- When you were nine years old what did you want to be?
- When did you decide you wanted to be president?
- What is your favourite book?
The president was asked about his dogs, his official trips abroad, his favourite subject in school, the difference between his childhood and nowadays.
Higgins told the children he loved handball and spoke about the importance of friendship in their lives.
He encouraged the children to speak the Irish language.
A message to the children of Ireland
In a message to the children of Ireland and the viewers of RTÉ news2day, President Michael D. Higgins gave this advice: "Stay curious about everything and I think it's important to make sure you don't miss the joy of sharing information.
"I think an important thing is friendship and to make sure that there’s no one left without friendship and that people belong.
"And we will all do individual things... but I think friendships that you make will in fact always be great memories and that is so important.
"And also have the courage to stand your own ground and let other children be allowed the space of standing their ground too because none of us are the same.
"We're all unique but at the same time we have a lot going for us."
To keep up to date with all the latest Irish environment and international climate news sign up to our bi-weekly newsletter
READ NEXT - The environmental wins and losses of 2022
READ NEXT - The top political stories in Ireland in 2022
- Michael D Higgins
- Most Recent
- UK Politics
- News Videos
- Paris 2024 Olympics
- Rugby Union
- Sport Videos
- John Rentoul
- Mary Dejevsky
- Andrew Grice
- Sean O’Grady
- Photography
- Theatre & Dance
- Culture Videos
- Fitness & Wellbeing
- Food & Drink
- Health & Families
- Royal Family
- Electric Vehicles
- Car Insurance Deals
- Lifestyle Videos
- UK Hotel Reviews
- News & Advice
- Simon Calder
- Australia & New Zealand
- South America
- C. America & Caribbean
- Middle East
- Politics Explained
- News Analysis
- Today’s Edition
- Home & Garden
- Broadband deals
- Fashion & Beauty
- Travel & Outdoors
- Sports & Fitness
- Climate 100
- Sustainable Living
- Climate Videos
- Solar Panels
Behind The Headlines
On the ground, decomplicated.
- You Ask The Questions
Binge Watch
Travel smart.
- Watch on your TV
- Crosswords & Puzzles
- Most Commented
- Newsletters
- Ask Me Anything
- Virtual Events
- Wine Offers
Thank you for registering
Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in
Independent TV
Showing now | lifestyle.
Mary-Kate Findon | Saturday 21 January 2023 16:06 GMT
Irish president suggests schools should avoid setting children homework
Ireland's president has suggested that schools should avoid assigning children homework, leaving school at the gates.
Michael D Higgins shared his beliefs on the matter during a sit down with students that was broadcast on RTE.
"People should be able to use their time for other creative things," he told the children during his visit to Tipperary.
The 81-year-old also offered words of wisdom for the young people, urging them to "stay curious about everything."
Click here to sign up for our newsletters.
Ed Sheeran dishes up pies to fans at Ipswich Town match
Jonathan Bailey reveals how he picked out perfect prosthetic genitals
White-bellied pangolin pup born at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Business minister releases inner Swiftie in ticket tout warning
Editor’s picks.
Olympic climbers Erin McNeice and Shauna Coxsey share tips on strength
Team GB’s table tennis Olympians on how to get quicker
How did social media fuel the Southport rioters?
How to train like an Olympian: TeamGB’s Adam Burgess on decisions
Exploring the wilds of the Atlantic Islands
Lemoncello perform ‘Old Friend’ in Music Box session
How to spend your summer in Scotland
Simon Calder looks back on 30 years of travel with The Independent
Searching for the ‘Whitby Woman’
On the campaign trail with Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg
Life at 50C: Delhi’s streets struggling to cope with heatwave
Indian farmers use election to make voices heard against Narendra Modi
Baltimore will rebuild, but at what cost? | On The Ground
New Yorkers turn to self-defence classes as punching attacks continue
This 26-year-old could be Biden’s secret weapon | On The Ground
The NHS nurse fighting to be heard | On The Ground
What would a President Trump 2.0 look like?
When will the Cost of Living Crisis end?
How airlines greenwash the skies
Is it time to panic over AI? | Behind The Headlines
My personal struggle amid the global fight for abortion rights
Non-doms, ghost-doms and tax loopholes of the elite
The fight for LGBT+ rights in Poland
The war in Ukraine | Behind The Headlines
What is tactical voting - and why could it be a powerful tool?
Are ultra-processed foods bad for you?
Why are UK councils going bankrupt?
What causes the winter flu and how does it differ from other types?
How does the Iowa Caucus pick the next US president? | Decomplicated
Everything you need to know about the bedbug invasion | Decomplicated
What is Raac and why is it causing an issue in schools?
How does El Niño affect our weather? | Decomplicated
Viggo Mortensen on the role that got away
Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt pick their go-to karaoke songs
Actor Kevin Durand on how he found his inner ape
Go to Bat with Melanie Lynskey: My film that deserves more love
Oscars 2024: Who will win Best Actor and Actress?
Oscars 2024: Who will win Best Picture and Best Director?
Big Brother’s Jordan and Henry on life after the house
Baftas 2024: Best British film nominees you need to watch
Lemoncello perform ‘Sunflower’ in Music Box session
Boston trio Tiny Habits perform ‘Wishes’ for Music Box session
Boston trio Tiny Habits perform ‘Mudroom’ in Music Box session
The Mysterines perform ‘The Last Dance’ for Music Box
Rock band The Mysterines perform single ‘Stray’ for Music Box
Gareth Dunlop performs ‘Church’ in acoustic live set
Irish pop artist Gareth Dunlop performs Go Down Swinging for Music Box
The splendour along Lake Geneva as Montreux Jazz Festival plays
Go to where the wild things are with a safari holiday
How to master the art of the last minute holiday
How to island hop around the Caribbean like a pro
Here’s why Greece is still a firm family summer holiday favourite
Find your perfect seasonal city break
100 firefighters tackle blaze in roof of London’s Somerset House
Mother of girl who died after Costa appeals for allergen training
Beijing launches drone food delivery service on Great Wall Of China
Paralympian on way to training saves driver from truck fire
Fight breaks out in Turkish parliament over jailed opposition MP
Harris outlines plans for first federal ban on food ‘price gouging’
Blackpool man sentenced for violent disorder in riots
Animal sanctuary rescues lion with ‘psychological issues’ from Ukraine
Ed Sheeran attends first Ipswich Town game as investor
Olympic athletes let fans hold gold medals at homecoming
Arne Slot confident in Liverpool squad despite lack of transfers
Olympian watched opening ceremony at home before winning two medals
Meet the former Barcelona star promoting his content on OnlyFans
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui responds to Danny Dyer’s message
Earps becomes first female footballer to get Madame Tussauds waxwork
Surfers ride powerful 13ft waves amid weather warning
Floodwaters rage across Yelville as residents evacuated from homes
Greece shuts down Acropolis as temperatures hit almost 40 degrees
Eerie tornado sirens ring through downtown Chicago
Googlebox stars stuck in Jamaica as Hurricane Beryl makes landfall
Damaged boats sink in port after Hurricane Beryl lashes Barbados
Northern California wildfire forces thousands to evacuate
Cars swept away in New Mexico flash floods after wildfires
Ekin-Su: Going from one reality show to another has left me damaged
Taylor Swift shares the stage with Ed Sheeran at Eras tour in London
Kim Kardashian reveals her children try to set her up on dates
Celebrity Race Across The World: Jeff storms off from Freddie
Miranda Hart reveals she has been battling secret illness
Gen Z brings back retro item — but doesn’t know how to use it
Molly Mae Hague believed Tommy Fury relationship would last forever
First time Molly-Mae and Tommy meet resurfaces after split
Saudi Cup: ‘A true display of horsemanship’, says Prince Bandar
Princess Nourah praises young fashion designers on show at Saudi Cup
Andrew Strauss says Saudi is an eye opener
Saudi Arabia is ‘pushing limits’ of fashion creativity
Saudi Cup could become ‘the best race in the world’
Horseracing chiefs praise Saudi Cup
Saudi will become a ‘worldwide, year-long’ horseracing destination
Arabian horses ‘big part’ of global racing culture, says Damien Oliver
Galaxy the ripple effect.
Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE on the imposter syndrome epidemic
Finance coach Ellie Austin-Williams on the psychology of money
Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE on how to tackle imposter syndrome
Simple ways to boost your money situation with Ellie Austin-Williams
E.on next power switch.
Episode One - Cooking
Episode Two - Entertainment
Episode Three - Body Care
Episode Four - Lighting
Big in america.
Can Willsow’s children’s books pique the interest of the US market?
Will the founders of Spice Kitchen be able to find US retailers?
Co-founders of See.Sense bring their cycle safe tech to New York City
Collctiv fintech founder Amy Whitell tries to crack the US tech market
The maritime tech guru taking high-speed ferries across the Atlantic
Saudi green initiative.
Saudi government doesn’t ‘pay lip service’ on climate action
SGI ‘seems like a nest of harmony’, journalist says
SGI ambitions are ‘extremely high’, says Saudi climate envoy
Saudi Green Initiative aims to ‘not just preserve, but create’
Expert explains how ‘blended finance’ can help achieve net zero
SGI can be a ‘catalyst’ for Saudi Arabia, head of SABB says
Kaust professor ‘inspired’ by Saudi efforts to save coral reefs
Watch in full: Day two of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum
Gérard Mestrallet on the challenges of bringing infrastructure to the region of AlUla
Sir George Iacobescu, chairman of the Canary Wharf Group on the investment into the historic region of AlUla
Oliver Ripley of sustainable hotel group Habitas talks about how AlUla challenged his preconceptions of Saudi Arabia
Thomas Kaplan of wild cat conservation charity Panthera on the mission to save the Arabian Leopard
How AlUla’s sustainability plan will stand the test of time - webinar
Discover AlUla: The Journey Through Time
AlUla Oasis View Trail
Stargazing Experience
President Michael D Higgins calls for school homework to be scrapped
President Michael D Higgins stopped by St Kevin's National School in Tipperary where the pupils interviewed him about his dogs, his time in school and his view on homework
- 15:01, 21 JAN 2023
Get the latest showbiz news and gossip every day by signing up to our FREE newsletter
We have more newsletters
President of Ireland Michael D Higgins has said he supports the scrapping of homework.
He addressed students of St Kevin's National School, Littleton, Co Tipperary, this week in an episode of RTE's news2day programme.
The President said that schoolwork should be completed in school time so children can use time after school to pursue more creative activities.
Read more: Ireland weather: Met Eireann pin point the end of the cold snap as temperatures skyrocket next week
“People should be able to use their time for other creative things,” he said.
"I think as much as possible that [homework] should happen in the school and I think it’s more relaxed than it used to be.”
He said that not all lessons are learned from books, but that the responsible use of phones is something that he hopes the younger generation will be acutely aware of.
The children of Ireland "have a great value of friendships" and this makes it even more tragic when there is an "abuse of phones for bullying", the President said.
The pupils were also curious about some of the other residents of Aras an Uachtaran - dogs Brod and Misneach.
"He's probably a very famous dog now," said President Higgins of Brod. "He will be 11 in February, which is a very good age for a Bernese Mountain dog and Bród is wonderful.
"He came here at six weeks old, so he's lived all of his life at the Áras..
As for Misneach, he said: "He came during Covid and because I couldn't collect him because of the ban on inter-county travel, he didn't come to me until he was five months old.
"He also didn't have a good journey here, so he's actually shy. He's a beautiful dog."
Get the latest RSVP headlines straight to your inbox for free by signing up to our newsletter
Social welfare Ireland: Major warning issued as payment dates change ahead of Bank Holiday
Louth nurse opens up about father's passing 10 days after cancer diagnosis
Stefanie Preissner felt enormous guilt after 5 devastating miscarriages in two years
Una Healy leaves fans 'mind blown' after capturing optical illusion photograph
Amy Huberman moved after young fan sends her sweet letter
- Most Recent
We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
- Temperature Check
- The Stardust Inquests
- Inside The Newsroom
- Climate Crisis
- International
'Why I believe homework should be banned', by one primary school student
As the discussion around state exams through the Covid-19 shutdown continues, a separate debate about the very need for homework itself rumbles on. Over the years, many have argued that homework for students in busy modern-day family structures is no longer workable.
This year, the Green Party sought to open a discussion about the banning of homework in future. Here, primary school pupil Misha McEnaney, a fifth class student from Dublin, outlines why he believes homework is more of a hindrance than a help.
IRISH CHILDREN SPEND around 274.5 hours on homework in a year. Is it a waste of time? Generally speaking, homework does not improve academic performance among children, although it may improve academic skills among older students especially lower-achieving kids. Homework also creates stress among students who could be doing other things.
I think it is a waste of time. Here’s why I think so.
Many students think homework is extremely boring and hard so it increases our stress levels. You might fight with your family or friends and that gives the impression you are angry and irritated when often it’s just because your homework is increasing your stress.
Also, a study by scholar Denise Pope at Stanford shows that out of 4,300 students at high-performance schools, 60% stated that their homework was their primary source of stress.
Movement is more important
I believe that homework eliminates time when you could be exercising, playing sports, carrying out hobbies, reading etc. So when your friends are playing outside or something exciting or important is happening you can’t go out because you’re stuck inside doing your homework.
Homework messes up your sleep cycles and it causes you to be more tired. After school when you’re tired from working you still have to do your homework, so you don’t deliver your full concentration and that makes your performance not as acceptable as it should be. This can cause your grade to go down and so that defeats the whole point of education to become better and smarter.
A study from teenink.com shows that students perform best in school when they receive 10–12 hours of sleep each night, while only 15% of teenagers in America reported themselves sleeping eight hours or more on school nights, according to the national sleep foundation of America. Sleep disruption is very bad for our health.
Teacher trust
If you’re completely booked up for the day doing sports or other activities you have no time to do your homework. Your teachers start to trust you less and less and this develops a bad view of you when it’s not entirely your fault.
It’s also repetitive so you’re doing the same work at school and there’s no effectiveness, it’s not going in. So all that homework becomes a waste because you have already completed it at school. You can also easily get distracted.
Homework takes away revision time for tests and that can affect the test scores. That develops a bad reputation for the student and for the school. The parents then assume that the teaching at the school is bad and they might move school. So the kid might lose friends and over time the school becomes less liked and popular.
All because there is too much homework.
Bad for the mood
If you don’t sleep enough it can cause mood swings which can affect students’ performance and relationships. To think we can stop all of this by just banning homework makes me wonder why schools still give out homework at all.
People who believe that homework should not be banned have reasonable points and arguments. They believe that doing homework at home can be better for the students and they would receive higher results.
They also think the parents of the students will have an idea of what type of work they are doing in the classroom, at what scale the student is doing their work and how the student is doing that work. There is absolutely no reason why parents shouldn’t know what the student’s work is like.
Some people believe that homework boosts interaction between a student and his or her teacher. Homework might develop their presentation skills. They believe that homework is “a remedy against weaknesses”. These can all be done at school. They believe it teaches the students responsibility because they have to make sure that they do their work and not lose it or destroy it.
They think the students learn much more new information as well as in school. So people think it teaches the students important life skills. They also think it keeps the students busy and entertained. I would argue that these should all be the responsibility of parents, not school.
A shift in the debate
The Green Party in Ireland has promised to explore the banning of homework for primary school children. They also vow to review primary and secondary schools curriculum “to meet the needs of the 21st century”. Catherine Martin, deputy leader of the Green Party, said that “the phasing out of homework is something that definitely should be explored”.
“This isn’t new, this has been on our policy for the past several years. And I think we really need to have a conversation on how best to develop the creative juices of our children, or really change how we do homework, homework could be, ‘go home and draw a picture of something that means a lot to you’,” she said.
“They’re so young, especially up to the age of seven or eight, it’s a conversation that we need to have”.
She used the example of Loreto Primary School in Rathfarnham, Dublin, which is currently trialling a “no-homework” programme for all classes except sixth. Ms Martin said that they had found the pilot scheme “amazing” and children were spending a lot more time with their families as a result.
Mental health considerations
Psychotherapist Mary McHugh believes that we are reducing children’s natural “curious, imaginative and creative” tendencies by “pressuring them to conform”.
“Our children from the age of three, are being trained to sit still and from five upwards, it’s expected that this is the norm.” McHugh also says that “stress is showing up at an alarming scale and we’re still applying more pressure academically younger and younger”.
Let’s look at Finland. In Finland, there is no homework in all schools. Finland agrees that there should be no homework because it increases stress, it wastes time etc. Finnish students regularly top the charts on global education metric systems.
Some 93% of Finnish students graduate from secondary school compared to 75% in the USA and 78% in Canada. About two in every three students in Finland go to college which is the highest rate in Europe. The students’ test scores dominate everyone else. These are the scores for the PISA test (Program for International Student Assessment) 2006. There are other reasons why Finland’s education system is so good but no homework is definitely an important one.
Homework increases stress levels among students. It replaces time for hobbies and sports. It messes up your sleep. It can’t always be done and that causes trouble. It’s repetitive. You can develop health problems from lack of sleep.
It takes away time for studying and also when you don’t get enough sleep you can get mood swings and that can affect performance and relationships. There are reasonable arguments for why people who believe that homework shouldn’t be banned are wrong.
We have seen that the Green Party also thinks that homework should be banned and that some schools have already trialled it. We have looked at Finland banning homework and we have seen the impact it has made compared to other countries. This is why I think homework should be banned, not just in my school but in all schools.
Misha McEnaney is a fifth class student at St Mary’s College, Rathmines, Dublin.
Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
600px wide <iframe width="600" height="460" frameborder="0" style="border:0px;" src="https://www.thejournal.ie/https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/homework-5086000-May2020/?embedpost=5086000&width=600&height=460" ></iframe>
400px wide <iframe width="600" height="460" frameborder="0" style="border:0px;" src="https://www.thejournal.ie/https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/homework-5086000-May2020/?embedpost=5086000&width=400&height=460" ></iframe>
300px wide <iframe width="600" height="460" frameborder="0" style="border:0px;" src="https://www.thejournal.ie/https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/homework-5086000-May2020/?embedpost=5086000&width=300&height=460" ></iframe>
Create an email alert based on the current article
- 2022 City Budget
- 2022 Municipal Election
- Arts & Music
- Entertainment
- Food & Drink
- Peel Region
- Real Estate
- Things To Do
- Restaurants
- Polls (New)
- Sign in / Join
- Bramptonist Team
Ontario Cabinet Shuffle: Brampton MPPs Retain Their Positions
Celebrate Portuguese Culture at the Lusofonia Festival!
Brampton Arts Organization (BOA) Launches ‘Community Connects’ Workshop Series This Weekend
Brampton Reflects on the Legacy of Hockey Legend Ron Ellis
Restaurant Review: Copper Branch
Restaurant Review: Pos Bueno Mexican Restaurant and Bar
Restaurant Review: Onyxx Sports Bar and Grill
Restaurant Review: Honest Restaurant
Restaurant Review: Green Bites Dumpling & Tea Bar
Ireland’s President Higgins calls for an end to homework, encourages creativity and meaningful friendships instead
Pushes for education beyond the classroom, emphasizes language learning and self-expression ..
January 24, 2023 – Ireland’s President Michael Higgins is calling for an end to homework.
When pressed on his views during an interview with RTE’s news2day – a current affairs and news program for children, Higgins said: “ I think myself, really that the time at home, and the time in the school is an educational experience and it should get finished at the school and people should be able to use their time for other creative things. ”
He also added “ I think it’s important to make sure you don’t miss the joy of sharing information. And I think an important thing is friendship and to make sure that there’s no one left without friendship and that people belong. And we will all do individual things… but I think friendships that you make will in fact always be great memories and that is so important. And also have the courage to stand your own ground and let other children be allowed the space of standing their ground too because none of us are the same. We’re all unique but at the same time we have a lot going for us .”
Furthermore, Higgins encouraged the children of Ireland to speak the Irish language.
While the role of president in Ireland is mainly a ceremonial one, it does have some sway over how the government operates.
Even though it remains unclear if Higgins has begun any official paperwork to ban homework, which would irony be homework for him, his sentiment resonated with his many fans.
Homework banned in Ireland? Are my student dreams coming true? According to IrishMirror, President Michael D Higgins has called for homework to be banned as he thinks students can engage in more creative pursuits outside school hours. pic.twitter.com/MLfXlAzAhN — Nare (@Nare33242443) January 24, 2023
President Higgins calls for homework to be banned. It’s such a pity the *head of state* has no actual power on matters. This is such a smart and wise idea. The usual brigade will be out against this, but its the right thing to do for young people https://t.co/Qub7fJnTAA — Dylan (@dylancongolf) January 20, 2023
RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR
Lullaboo Hosts Fun-filled Events for SickKids Fundraiser with hopes of raising over $1 million dollars!
“A Transformative time,” Algoma University to Build Student Residence in Brampton
Prevent Strokes: Expert Insights and Tips from Dr. Douen at Osler Health System
Sheridan College Named Adobe Creative Campus
Meet Your Potential Furry Friends at Brampton Animal Services Shelter
The Best And Worst Places To Take Your G2 And G Tests
25 Places That Will Give You Free Food on Your Birthday
Brampton’s First Youth Shelter is Finally Opening its Doors
Popular category.
- instagram 897
- Arts & Music 373
- Things To Do 368
- Politics 353
- Food & Drink 317
- Entertainment 211
- The New Bramptonist Team: The Voice of Brampton
- Privacy Policy
- Terms & Conditions
- Movies & TV
- Keep Discovering
- Fitness & Health
- Contact JOE
- User Generated Content
- Advertise With Us
- Terms & Conditions
- Privacy Statement
- Lovin Dublin
27th Jan 2023
No plans to abolish homework, says Minister Foley
Kat O'Connor
Do you think homework should be scrapped in Ireland?
Minister for Education Norma Foley has said she has no plans to abolish homework in Ireland.
The Minister commented on the issue after President Michael D. Higgins suggested recently that homework be scrapped so that children could pursue “other creative things”.
But Foley does not agree, stating that it is up to each individual school to set its own homework policy.
“It would not be appropriate for a Government Minister to engage in the public debate with the office of the President,” she told the Irish Mirror .
Foley added that schools can make their own homework policies and that it is not up to the Government to scrap homework.
“These policies are created in conjunction with senior management and staff, the boards of management, parents, and the pupils,” she explained.
“Schools are in of themselves places where creative pursuits are cultivated, nurtured and encouraged. “That creativity may also be reflected in homework.”
While appearing on RTÉ news2day to mark its 20th anniversary, the President of Ireland was asked by students from St Kevin’s National School in Littleton, Tipperary his thoughts on homework.
“I think myself, really that the time at home and the time in school is an educational experience,” he responded.
“It should get finished at the school.”
“People should be able to use their time for other creative things.”
In regard to homework, many parents feel it takes up too much of their children’s time during the evening.
However, others argue it helps kids make more progress in school and that it benefits their communication and reading skills.
Related links:
- One of the best war movies of recent years is finally available to watch at home
- Netflix has just added one of the best sci-fi movies of recent years
- One of the funnest movies of the ’90s is getting a TV reboot
- New Irish movie from the director of Sing Street premieres to great reviews
- Love Actually star reveals incredibly emotional behind-the-scenes story
- The Fabelmans is Spielberg’s best movie in 10 years
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
RELATED ARTICLES
Army chaplain stabbed at Galway barracks speaks out following attack
By Ryan Price
Terror motive explored as army chaplain stabbed outside Galway barracks
Army chaplain stabbed in ‘serious incident’ outside Galway barracks
An Garda Siochana
MORE FROM JOE
Father-of-two dies after fighting cats get caught in his bike’s wheels
Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry’s haunting final words revealed amid investigation into his death
Warning issued after drugs which are ‘causing fits’ discovered at Electric Picnic
By Stephen Porzio
Rapper BeatKing has died aged 39
By Zoe Hodges
Matthew Perry’s doctor sent awful eight-word text about late actor
Haunting final words of pilot before plane crashed killing 62 people
How Lord of the Rings helped create 2024’s most shocking movie cameo
People only just discovering story of Donegal village home to two different cults
One of 2024’s best action thriller hidden gems is finally streaming at home now
One of the best action movies of the 21st century is on TV tonight
Sponsored stories.
The Premier League: Follow all of the action in our live hub
JOE Quick Fire Quiz
The JOE quick-fire general knowledge quiz: Day 305
How one of 2024’s best sci-fi’s pulled off that shocking, franchise-altering ending
Viewers raving about feel-good hidden gem Irish comedy now streaming on Netflix
Game Of Thrones
Netflix has just added a very dark thriller movie with a Game of Thrones star
The President Of Ireland Wants To Get Rid Of Homework & Honestly, He's Onto Something
“The time in the school is an educational experience and it should get finished at the school.”
Do you know who doesn’t like homework? Kids — and certain presidents. In an impassioned plea to the people of his nation, President Michael D. Higgins has called for a ban on homework across Ireland. And if small children were given the right to vote tomorrow, I feel fairly certain I know whose name they would be supporting on the ballot.
Higgins, who is himself a former Arts Minister of Ireland and therefore, in my opinion, knows a little about the subject, spoke to Ireland’s news program for kids RTE’s news2day at St. Kevin’s School in Tipperary about a number of subjects. What he wanted to be when he was a kid himself. What was his favorite sport in school, which he said was handball. When did he decide he wanted to be president. And then, the mutual bane of their existence — homework.
“I think myself, really that the time at home, and the time in the school is an educational experience and it should get finished at the school and people should be able to use their time for other creative things,” Higgins told his interviewers, four children hanging on his every word.
While it remains unclear if Higgins has begun any official paperwork to ban homework, which would ironically be homework for him, his sentiment resonated with his many fans. Children and social media users alike in fact. One person tweeted their appreciation of the fact that Higgins was “running his nation like the little Hobbit he is.”
Another social media user wondered if Higgins was really a “forest sprite.”
This social media user found the idea inspiring , writing, “We need a national conversation on how to bring more play, creativity, imagination, movement and positive experiences into our children’s lives. Banning homework would be a great first step.”
Higgins ended his interview with a message to children about the importance of fostering their friendships and telling them to “stay curious about everything and I think it’s important to make sure you don’t miss the joy of sharing information. And I think an important thing is friendship and to make sure that there’s no one left without friendship and that people belong. And we will all do individual things... but I think friendships that you make will in fact always be great memories and that is so important.”
I think he’s on to something.
- Entertainment
- Terms & Conditions
- Privacy Statement
- Advertise With Us
- User Generated Content
- Contact Her
- Lovin Dublin
27th Jan 2023
No plans to abolish homework, says Minister Foley
Kat O'Connor
Do you think homework should be scrapped in Ireland?
Minister for Education Norma Foley says she has no plans to abolish homework in Ireland.
She has spoken out about the issue after President Michael D. Higgins said it is time for homework to be scrapped because it is outdated.
But the Minister for Education does not agree.
Many parents and teachers agree that it is time for the outdated practice to be scrapped. However, the Education Minster said it is up to each individual school to set its own homework policy.
“It would not be appropriate for a Government Minister to engage in the public debate with the office of the President.
“Currently schools are free to have their own policy on homework.
Minister Foley said schools can make their own homework policies, but it is not up to the Government to scrap homework.
“These policies are created in conjunction with senior management and staff, the boards of management, parents, and the pupils.
“Schools are in of themselves places where creative pursuits are cultivated, nurtured and encouraged.
“That creativity may also be reflected in homework.”
The President of Ireland told Newsday that children should spend their time doing other activities.
“I think myself, really that the time at home and the time in school is an educational experience.
He continued, “It should get finished at the school.”
This will then give children more time for other activities after school. Pupils could also have more time to socialise.
“People should be able to use their time for other creative things.”
Many parents feel it takes up too much of our children’s time during the evening, but others feel it helps them make more progress in school. Others also believe it benefits their communication and reading skills.
What do you think? Is it time for homework to be scrapped?
Related links:
- Baby found unattended in pram in Dublin, Gardaí reveal
- Toddler tragically dies in Wicklow following choking accident
- Man claims to have found infant remains near Bessborough site in the 90s
RELATED ARTICLES
We need to realise that women’s sport is strong, valuable… and worth celebrating
By Gillian Fitzpatrick
Penneys fooled us ALL with this paper bag folding trick
By Niamh Maher
COMMENT Tuam’s tiny victims had no voice then – which is why we must shout for them now
Like chilli? Well, Nando’s is SERIOUSLY upping its hot sauce game
Galway is getting a penguinarium! (*the entire country books tickets to Galway)
Varadkar slams schools for giving children “too much” homework
By Kat O'Connor
Taoiseach Micheál Martin announces ‘no homework day’ for kids in Ireland
By Sarah McKenna Barry
Almost 40% of Leaving Cert students have chosen not to sit the Irish exam this year
By Trine Jensen-Burke
MORE FROM HER
Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry’s haunting final words have been revealed amid investigation into his death
Matthew Perry’s doctor sent awful eight-word text about late actor
By Zoe Hodges
Number of arrests made in connection with Matthew Perry’s death
molly mae hauge
Molly-Mae Hague announces she has split from Tommy Fury
By Ryan Price
Ireland’s ‘oldest person’ dies aged 109
By Simon Kelly
Mamma Mia 3 officially in the works
By Charlie Herbert
People only just discovering story of Donegal village home to two different cults
Molly-Mae Hague said her and Tommy Fury’s sex life was ‘non-existent’
Irish movie
Viewers raving about feel-good hidden gem Irish comedy now streaming on Netflix
By Stephen Porzio
WIN a VIP experience at the Titanic Belfast plus a luxurious stay at the Titanic Hotel Belfast
The most popular first dance song has been revealed
It Ends With Us
Will there be a sequel to It Ends With Us? What we know
Joey Essex reports his stalker to police after receiving ‘threatening’ messages
perception drift
What is the perception drift and what causes it?
Jack Lowden
Jack Lowden opens up on marriage to Saoirse Ronan
President of Ireland calls for homework to be banned
President of Ireland Michael D Higgins. (Source: Getty)
The President of Ireland has made his thoughts known about homework, saying it should be left at the gate and children should be able to use their leisure time for "creative things".
Speaking to RTE’s news2day - a current affairs and news programme for children, Michael D Higgins answered questions on a wide range of topics, the Irish Mirror reports .
When pressed on his views about homework Higgins said: “I think myself, really that the time at home, and the time in the school is an educational experience and it should get finished at the school and people should be able to use their time for other creative things.”
Higgins, a former arts minister, told children “to stay curious about everything and I think it’s important to make sure you don’t miss the joy of sharing information.
“And I think an important thing is friendship and to make sure that there’s no one left without friendship and that people belong. And we will all do individual things... but I think friendships that you make will in fact always be great memories and that is so important.
“And also have the courage to stand your own ground and let other children be allowed the space of standing their ground too because none of us are the same.
“We’re all unique but at the same time we have a lot going for us.”
Higgins also encouraged the children of Ireland to speak the Irish language.
While the role of president in Ireland is mainly a ceremonial one, it does have some sway over how the government operates.
More Stories
Inside a Russian town seized by Ukraine forces
Ukrainian forces have overrun one Russian settlement after another in the surprise operation that Kyiv hopes will change the dynamic of the conflict.
Sir Wayne 'Buck' Shelford on 'heartbreaking' Gallipoli fires
Crews are working to "limit the damage to the sacred sites and monuments around Anzac Cove".
Wildfires reach Canterbury Cemetery at Gallipoli
Images of the site showed soot-blackened gravestones in a scorched garden looking out over the Aegean Sea.
Brawl erupts in Turkish parliament, blood drawn
Physical tussles are not uncommon among Türkiye's lawmakers.
US-Russian national jailed for 12 years in Russia over $86 donation
Ksenia Khavana was convicted of treason sentenced to 12 years in prison on charges stemming from a donation of about $86 to a charity aiding Ukraine.
Friday 9:20pm
Sweden reports first case outside Africa of more infectious mpox
The World Health Organisation yesterday declared outbreaks in eastern Congo to be a global emergency.
Friday 8:08am
'Pray for me' - Health NZ Commissioner says as he faces resistance
Some foreign nurses contacting charities for support
'Severe' weather warning: Snow on roads, possible surface flooding
Recap: All Blacks extend Eden Park unbeaten streak with dominant display over Argentina
Auckland Lotto ticket wins $1m, Powerball rolls over to $6m
Sudden fee rise will turn cruise ships off NZ, sector says
NZ's food system in 'disarray', scientist says
All Blacks turn on the style to blow past Argentina
Woman, 2 children among 10 killed in Israeli strike in southern Lebanon
More from Entertainment
Taylor Swift surprises Eras Tour crowd with special guest
Ed Sheeran surprised fans by joining Swift on stage at Wembley Arena in London, with the pair singing a mix of two songs they had made together.
Friday 11:57am
Prince Harry and Meghan land in Colombia to combat cyberbullying
The pair will take part in several events promoting mental health for young people and how to combat cyberbullying, the office of Colombia's vice president said.
Friday 9:32am
Five people charged in investigation into Matthew Perry's death
Friday 5:30am
Spain investigating Katy Perry over unauthorised music video
Thu, Aug 15
The Notebook star Gena Rowlands dies aged 94
The kidnapping of Chloe Ayling – the shocking events behind new BBC drama
POLL — Should homework be banned?
Tell us what you think.
Do I have homework tonight?
That’s the question on many kids’ minds when the school bell rings at the end of the day.
This week, the topic of homework made headlines in Ireland when President Michael D. Higgins was interviewed by students on the national public broadcaster, RTE.
When asked his thoughts on homework, Higgins replied: “It should get finished at the school and people should be able to use their time for other creative things.”
Soon after, some media outlets in Ireland published headlines saying that Higgins called for a ban on homework.
Although a ban isn’t coming anytime soon, it got us thinking:
- How much homework do you have?
- Would you want homework to be banned?
- What about the benefits of homework?
Sound off, telling us how you feel about homework.
Have more questions? Want to tell us how we're doing? Use the “send us feedback” link below. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
TOP IMAGE CREDIT: Mark Humphrey/The Associated Press
Was this story worth reading?
More stories you might like.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar admits schoolchildren can get too much homework but stops short of supporting calls for ban
"I think there's definitely a place for homework but we need to make sure that there isn't too much of it."
- 12:15, 30 JAN 2023
Want the latest political news and analysis delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up to our FREE newsletter
We have more newsletters
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has stopped short of supporting calls for a ban on homework for schoolchildren but admits some children get “too much.”
His comments come just weeks after President Michael D Higgins called for homework to be banned.
The Fine Gael leader told Newstalk's Pat Kenny Show that he will now talk to Education Minister Norma Foley about the matter.
Read More : 'Nasty storm' with hurricane force winds to narrowly avoid Ireland this week
In an interview with RTÉ’s News2Day, President Higgins said that he believed time at home should be spent doing more creative activities.
“I think myself, really that the time at home, and the time in the school is an educational experience and it should get finished at the school and people should be able to use their time for other creative things," the former Arts Minister told schoolchildren in attendance.”
The Taoiseach has now weighed in on the homework debate, saying that he thinks children get too much homework.
Mr Varadkar said: “I guess I'd have to talk to Minister Foley about that. We haven't had a chance to discuss it.
“I think definitely kids can have too much homework.
“You could have a long day in class, get home in the early evening and then face, you know, three hours of homework.
“I remember that when I was a kid, staying up very late to do homework.
“I think there's definitely a place for homework but we need to make sure that there isn't too much of it.”
When asked if he minded President Higgins making public comments on homework, the Taoiseach noted that his contributions are “always welcome”.
In a recent survey, Irish Mirror readers were also overwhelmingly in favour of banning homework, with 98% of our readers in favour.
In a landslide decision, 57,440 readers voted yes, while just 1,211 voted no.
RTE Room to Improve viewers left Googling one 'amazing' feature to dry clothes
Family of missing Amy Fitzpatrick to protest as they step up fight for justice
Doctors issue plea as 'healthy dad' in 40s drops dead on morning jog
Everyone saying same thing following second Dancing With the Stars elimination
Mum of teen stab victim Josh Dunne speaks of devastation on anniversary of death
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
- Michael D Higgins
- Leo Varadkar
- Amy Fitzpatrick
- President Higgins
- Most Recent
Get the Reddit app
Céad míle fáilte! An all-island subreddit for discussion of Irish news, politics, culture, history and society.
Anyone know when homework ban will take effect?
I, like most of you heard the news that Michael D. Higgins wanted to ban homework but I was wondering if it had already come into affect over the weekend or is it yet to come?
By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .
Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app
You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.
Enter a 6-digit backup code
Create your username and password.
Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.
Reset your password
Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password
Check your inbox
An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account
Choose a Reddit account to continue
Money blog: Couples reveal how they split finances when one earns more than other
Welcome to the Money, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Read our weekend feature on relationship finances below and let us know how you and your partner divide money in the comments box. We'll be back with live updates on Monday.
Saturday 17 August 2024 12:43, UK
Essential reads
- Couples on how they split finances when one earns more than other
- What's gone wrong at Asda?
- The week in money
- Best of the Money blog - an archive of features
Tips and advice
- All discounts you get as student or young person
- Save up to half price on top attractions with this trick
- Fines for parents taking kids out of school increasing next month
- TV chef picks best cheap eats in London
- 'I cancelled swimming with plenty of notice - can they keep my money?'
Ask a question or make a comment
By Emily Mee , news reporter
Openly discussing how you split your finances with your partner feels pretty taboo - even among friends.
As a consequence, it can be difficult to know how to approach these conversations with our partner or what is largely considered fair - especially if there's a big imbalance salary-wise.
Research by Hargreaves Lansdown suggests in an average household with a couple, three-quarters of the income is earned by one person.
Even when there is a large disparity, some couples will want to pay the same amount on bills as they want to contribute equally.
But for others, one partner can feel resentful if they are spending all of their money on bills while the other has much more to spend and is living a different lifestyle as a result.
At what stage of the relationship can you talk about money?
"We've kind of formally agreed there is some point in a relationship you start talking about kids - there is no generally agreed time that we start talking about money," says Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown.
Some couples may never get around to mentioning it, leading to "lopsided finances".
Ms Coles says if you want to keep on top of finances with your partner, you could set a specific date in the year that you go through it all.
"If it's in the diary and it's not emotional and it's not personal then you can properly go through it," she says.
"It's not a question of 'you need to pull more weight'. It's purely just this is what we've agreed, this is the maths and this is how we need to do that."
While many people start talking about finances around Christmas, Ms Coles suggests this can be a "trying time" for couples so February might be a "less emotional time to sit down".
How do you have the conversation if you feel the current arrangement is unfair?
Relationship counsellor at Relate , Peter Saddington, says that setting out the balance as "unfair" shouldn't be your starting point.
You need to be honest about your position, he says, but your conversation should be negotiating as a couple what works for both of you.
Before you have to jump into the conversation, think about:
- Letting your partner know in advance rather than springing it on them;
- Making sure you and your partner haven't drunk alcohol before having the conversation, as this can make it easy for it to spiral;
- Having all the facts to hand, so you know exactly how much you are spending;
- Using 'I' statements rather than 'you'. For example, you could say to your partner: "I'm really worried about my finances and I would like to sit down and talk about how we manage it. Can we plan a time when we can sit down and do it?"
Mr Saddington says if your partner is not willing to help, you should look at the reasons or question if there are other things in the relationship that need sorting out.
If you're having repeated arguments about money, he says you might have opposite communication styles causing you to "keep headbutting".
Another reason could be there is a "big resentment" lurking in the background - and it may be that you need a third party such as a counsellor, therapist or mediator to help resolve it.
Mr Saddington says there needs to be a "safe space" to have these conversations, and that a third party can help untangle resentments from what is happening now.
He also suggests considering both of your attitudes to money, which he says can be formed by your early life and your family.
"If you grew up in a family where there wasn't any money, or it wasn't talked about, or it was pushed that you save instead of spend, and the other person had the opposite, you can see where those conversations go horribly wrong.
"Understanding what influences each of you when it comes to money is important to do before you have significant conversations about it."
What are the different ways you can split your finances?
There's no one-size-fits-all approach, but there are several ways you can do it - with Money blog readers getting in touch to let us know their approach...
1. Separate personal accounts - both pay the same amount into a joint account regardless of income
Paul Fuller, 40, earns approximately £40,000 a year while his wife earns about £70,000.
They each have separate accounts, including savings accounts, but they pay the same amount (£900) each a month into a joint account to pay for their bills.
Paul says this pays for the things they both benefit from or have a responsibility for, but when it comes to other spending his wife should be able to spend as she likes.
"It's not for me to turn around to my wife and expect her to justify why she thinks it's appropriate to spend £150 in a hairdresser. She works her backside off and she has a very stressful job," he says.
However, their arrangement is still flexible. Their mortgage is going up by £350 a month soon, so his wife has agreed to pay £200 of that.
And if his wife wants a takeaway but he can't afford to pay for it, she'll say it's on her.
"Where a lot of people go wrong is being unable to have those conversations," says Paul.
2. Separate personal accounts - whoever earns the most puts more into a joint account
This is a more formal arrangement than the hybrid approach Paul and his wife use, and many Money blog readers seem to do this in one form or another judging by our inbox.
There's no right or wrong way to do the maths - you could both put in the same percentage of your individual salaries, or come up with a figure you think is fair, or ensure you're both left with the same amount of spending money after each payday.
3. Everything is shared
Gordon Hurd and his wife Brenda live by their spreadsheet.
Brenda earns about £800 more a month as she is working full-time while Gordon is freelance. Previously Gordon had been the breadwinner - so it's a big turnaround.
They each have separate accounts with different banks, but they can both access the two accounts.
How much is left in each account - and their incomings and outgoings - is all detailed in the spreadsheet, which is managed weekly.
Whenever they need to buy something, they can see how much is left in each account and pay from either one.
Gordon says this means "everyone knows how much is available" and "each person's money belongs to the other".
"We have never in the last decade had a single disagreement about money and that is because of this strategy," he says.
Money blog reader Shredder79 got in touch to say he takes a similar approach.
"I earn £50k and my wife earns just under £150k. We have one joint bank account that our wages go into and all our outgoings come out of. Some friends can't get their head around that but it's normal for us."
Another reader, Curtis, also puts his wages into a joint account with his wife.
"After all, when you have a family (three kids) it shouldn't matter who earns more or less!" he says.
Reader Alec goes further and says he questions "the authenticity of any long-term relationship or the certainly of a marriage if a couple does not completely share a bank account for all earnings and all outgoings".
"As for earning significantly more than the other, so what? If you are one couple or long-term partnership you are one team and you simply communicate and share everything," he says.
"Personally I couldn't imagine doing it any other way and I do instinctively wonder what issues or insecurities, whether it be in trust or something else, sit beneath the need to feel like you need to keep your finances separate from one another, especially if you are a married couple."
A reader going by the name lljdc agrees, saying: "I earn half of what my husband does because I work part-time. Neither of us has a solo account. We have one joint account and everything goes into this and we just spend it however we like. All bills come out of this too. Sometimes I spend more, sometimes he spends more."
4. Separate accounts - but the higher earner pays their partner an 'allowance'
If one partner is earning much more than the other, or one partner isn't earning for whatever reason, they could keep separate accounts and have the higher earner pay their partner an allowance.
This would see them transfer an agreed amount each week or month to their partner's account.
Let us know how you and your partner talk about and split finances in the comments box - we'll feature some of the best next week
By Jimmy Rice, Money blog editor
The centre-point of a significant week in the economy was inflation data, released first thing on Wednesday, that showed price rises accelerated in July to 2.2%.
Economists attributed part of the rise to energy prices - which have fallen this year, but at a much slower rate than they did last year.
As our business correspondent Paul Kelso pointed out, it felt like the kind of mild fluctuation we can probably expect month to month now that sky high price hikes are behind us, though analysts do expect inflation to tick up further through the remainder of the year...
Underneath the bonnet, service inflation, taking in restaurants and hotels, dropped from 5.7% to 5.2%.
This is important because a large part of this is wages - and they've been a concern for the Bank of England as they plot a route for interest rates.
On Tuesday we learned average weekly earnings had also fallen - from 5.7% to 5.4% in the latest statistics.
High wages can be inflationary (1/ people have more to spend, 2/ employers might raise prices to cover staff costs), so any easing will only aid the case for a less restrictive monetary policy. Or, to put it in words most people use, the case for interest rate cuts.
Markets think there'll be two more cuts this year - nothing has changed there.
Away from the economy, official data also illustrated the pain being felt by renters across the UK.
The ONS said:
- Average UK private rents increased by 8.6% in the 12 months to July 2024, unchanged from in the 12 months to June 2024;
- Average rents increased to £1,319 (8.6%) in England, £748 (7.9%) in Wales, and £965 (8.2%) in Scotland;
- In Northern Ireland, average rents increased by 10% in the 12 months to May 2024;
- In England, rents inflation was highest in London (9.7%) and lowest in the North East (6.1%).
Yesterday, we found the UK economy grew 0.6% over three months to the end of June.
That growth rate was the second highest among the G7 group of industrialised nations - only the United States performed better with 0.7%, though Japan and Germany have yet to released their latest data.
Interestingly, there was no growth at all in June, the Office for National Statistics said, as businesses delayed purchases until after the general election.
"In a range of industries across the economy, businesses stated that customers were delaying placing orders until the outcome of the election was known," the ONS said.
Finally, a shout for this analysis from business presenter Ian King examining what's gone wrong at Asda. It's been one of our most read articles this week and is well worth five minutes of your Friday commute or weekend...
We're signing out of regular updates now until Monday - but do check out our weekend read from 8am on Saturday. This week we're examining how couples who earn different amounts split their finances.
Each week we feature comments from Money blog readers on the story or stories that elicited most correspondence.
Our weekend probe into the myriad reasons for pub closures in the UK prompted hundreds of comments.
Landlords and campaigners, researchers and residents revealed to Sky News the "thousand cuts" killing Britain's boozers - and what it takes to survive the assault.
Here was your take on the subject...
I've been a publican for 19 years. This article is bang on! It's like you've overheard my conversations with my customers - COVID, cost of living, wages - the traditional British boozer going out of fashion. (My place: no food, no small children). Hey Jood
I own a small craft ale bar or micropub as some say. The current climate is sickening for the whole hospitality sector. This summer has been ridiculously quiet compared to previous ones. Micropubs were on the rise pre-COVID, but not now even we're struggling to survive… Lauren
I am an ex-landlord. It's ridiculous you can buy 10 cans for £10 or one pint for £5 now. It's not rocket science, it's a no-brainer: reverse the situation. Make supermarket beer more expensive than pub beer, then people will start to go out and mix again rather than getting drunk at home. Ivanlordpeers
Bought four pints of my regular drink at a supermarket for less than one pint in our local pub. It's becoming a luxury to go to a pub these days. Torquay David
Traditional pubs are being taken over by conglomerates who don't sell traditional beer, only very expensive lager, usually foreign, and other similar gassy drinks. How can they be called traditional pubs? Bronzestraw
The main reason for pubs closing is twofold! 1: The out-of-reach rents that the big groups charge landlords. 2: Landlords are told what stock they can hold and restrict where they can purchase it from. Strange, but most pubs belonged to the same groups! A pub-goer
Less pubs are managed now, pub companies are changing them to managed partnerships, putting the pressure onto inexperienced young ex-managers. Locals complain that their local pub has gone. but they don't use them enough. Can government regulate rents and beer prices for business owners? John Darkins
I was a brewery tenant in Scotland for many years and sequestrated because of the constant grabbing at my money by greedy brewers who wanted more and more. I made my pub very successful and was penalised by the brewery. James MacQuarrie
The only reason pubs are closing is locals only use them on Boxing Day, New Year's Eve, and one Sunday a year. Plus breweries don't need pubs, they sell enough through supermarkets! Use them or lose them. Peter Smith
The closing of pubs is a terrible shame. I still go to my local and have great memories of getting drunk in many in my hometown. They are important places in society. As someone once said: "No good story ever started with a salad." Kev K
It's the taxman killing pubs. £1 of every £3 sold. Utter disgrace. Stef
I go with my girlfriend, Prue, every day to my local. It's a shame what's happening to prices. It used to be full of people and joy but now it's a ghost town in the pub since prices are too high now. I wish we could turn back time and find out what went wrong. Niall Benson
Minimum wage is around £11 and the tax threshold is £12,600 per year. How can you possibly afford a night in a pub out when a pint costs between £3 and £8 a pint on those wages? Allan7777blue
Unfortunately, the very people who have kept these establishments going over the years (the working man) have been priced out, and they're paying the price. Dandexter
The pubs are too expensive for people to go out regularly as we once did a decade or so ago. People's priorities are on survival, not recreation. Until the living wage increases beyond an inflation that wages haven't risen above in years, then we will see shops, pubs, etc. close JD
Who wants to spend hard-earned money going into a pub that's nearly always empty. It takes away one of the main attractions - socialising. Michael
Monzo has been named the best bank in the UK for customer satisfaction, according to a major survey.
More than 17,000 personal current account customers rated their bank on the quality of its services and how likely they would be to recommend to friends or family.
Digital banks made up the top three, with Monzo coming out on top, followed by Starling Bank and then Chase.
Some 80% of Monzo customers said they would recommend the bank.
The digital banking app said topping the tables "time and time again" was not something it would "ever take for granted".
Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) was bottom of the ranking for another year.
The banks with the best services in branches were Nationwide, Lloyds Bank and Metro Bank.
Gail's bakery chain has come under fire for repurposing unsold pastries into croissants and selling them for almost £4 the next day.
The retailer lists the "twice baked" chocolate almond croissants as part of its "Waste Not" range, which means it is made using leftover croissants that are then "topped with almond frangipane and flaked almonds".
The scheme has been hit with criticism online, with many pointing out the £3.90 price tag is 95p more than the original croissant.
One X user said: "The audacity of bragging about it being part of their 'Waste Not' range like we should be grateful to them and proud of ourselves for contributing to reducing food waste when they could just sell it for less money – not one pound more than yesterday.
"Unsure whether to be impressed or horrified that someone has come up with a concept to capitalise on yellow sticker goods to make more profit."
It should be added, however, that the practice was not invented by Gail's - and almond croissants were originally created by French boulangeries to reuse day-old croissants and stop them going stale.
When factoring in the extra ingredients (almond frangipane and flaked almonds) and baking time, the bakery chain would likely defend the increased price by pointing to the additional costs incurred.
It comes as locals in a trendy London neighbourhood signed a petition against a Gail's bakery setting up shop in their area.
After (unconfirmed) rumours began circulating that the chain was looking to open a site in Walthamstow village, more than 600 have signed a petition opposing the plans.
The petition says the village "faces a threat to its uniqueness" should Gail's move into the area (see yesterday's 11.54am post for more).
Gail's has been contacted for comment.
British retailers saw a rise in sales last month after a boost from Euro 2024 and summer discounting, according to official figures.
High street retailers said sales of football shirts, electronics such as TVs, and alcoholic drinks were all stronger amid the Three Lions' journey to the final.
Total retail sales volumes rose by 0.5% in July, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. It was, however, slightly below predictions, with economists forecasting a 0.7% increase.
It followed a 0.9% slump in volumes in June as retail firms blamed uncertainty ahead of the general election and poor weather.
ONS director of economic statistics, Liz McKeown, said: "Retail sales grew in July led by increases in department stores and sports equipment shops, with both the Euros and discounting across many stores boosting sales.
"These increases were offset by a poor month for clothing and furniture shops, and falling fuel sales, despite prices at the pump falling."
The data showed that non-food stores saw a 1.4% rise, driven by a strong performance from department stores, where sales grew by 4% for the month as summer sales helped to stoke demand.
However, clothing and footwear shops saw a 0.6% dip, whilst homeware retailers also saw volumes fall 0.6%. Food stores, meanwhile, saw sales remain flat for the month.
There are fears that the £2-cap on single bus fares could be scrapped after the government declined to say whether the policy would continue past December.
Bus companies said it was vital the cost of using their services is kept low for young people to "enhance their access to education and jobs".
Alison Edwards, director of policy and external relations at industry body the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said: "Bus operators are working closely with the government so that together we can find a way to avoid a cliff edge return to commercial fares.
"Analysis has shown that supporting fares, which can be done in a range of different ways, is great value for money and can support many other government objectives.
"For example, keeping fares low for young people would enhance their access to education and jobs, while also encouraging them to develop sustainable travel habits to last a lifetime."
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said in a recent interview with the PA news agency that her officials were "looking at various options" in relation to the cap, including whether they could "target it better".
It's been a busy week on the economic front.
There was no major shift in the overall outlook - since Monday we've had it confirmed that the UK economy has lower inflation and more growth than the last two years, while wages have grown faster than the overall pace of price rises.
On the back of all that news the pound is at the highest rate since early this month against the dollar, worth $1.2882, and the highest since July when it comes to buying euro with one pound equal to €1.1733.
Signs of a recovery from the global market sell-off of Monday last week can be seen in the share prices of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Share prices have grown among the most valuable companies on the stock exchange, those that comprise the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 list of most valuable companies.
Today though, this benchmark UK index fell 0.19% but finishes the week higher than the start.
Also finishing the week higher than the start are the more UK-based companies of the FTSE 250 (the 101st to the 250th most valuable firms on the London Stock Exchange).
On Friday morning that index was up 0.08%.
With tensions in the Middle East and Eastern Europe high as Iran mulled a retaliatory strike on Israel and Ukraine made incursions into Russian territory, there had been concern about energy price spikes.
But the benchmark oil price has remained steady at $80.13 dollars for a barrel of Brent crude oil.
Gas prices have remained below the Monday high of 100 pence a therm (the measurement for heat) and now are 94.50 pence a therm.
A Cabinet Office minister has said it is "unfair" to suggest other public sector workers will be queuing up for a pay rise after the government's offer of a 15% increase for train drivers and junior doctors.
"I think that's an unfair characterisation as well," paymaster general Nick Thomas-Symonds told Times Radio.
"I think what is absolutely crucial here is we are a Government again that is sticking to the promises we made in opposition.
"We promised we would sit down and find solutions, and people expressed scepticism about that, but actually that is precisely what we have done in Government."
Last month, the government and the British Medical Association struck an improved pay deal for junior doctors in England worth 22% on average over two years.
Meanwhile, train drivers will vote on a new pay deal following talks between representatives of drivers' union ASLEF and the Department for Transport.
The new offer is for a 5% backdated pay rise for 2022/23, a 4.75% rise for 23/24, and 4.5% increase for 24/25.
The Dartford Crossing is the highest-earning toll road in the UK, new data shows.
The Kent to Essex route raked in £215.9m in the last year - 2,159 times more than the Whitney toll bridge in Hereford.
The crossing, which was supposed to stop charging customers in 2003, costs between £2 and £6 to use (depending on the vehicle you're driving) between 10am and 6pm every day.
Car finance company Moneybarn found it earned just over £209m in 2022.
It topped the chart of 13 toll roads in the country, making over £100m more than the second highest-earning road in 2023 - the M6 Toll in the West Midlands.
In third place was the Mersey Gateway Bridge between Halton and Cheshire, which made £48.9m.
You can see how the other toll roads fared below...
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
IMAGES
COMMENTS
President Michael D Higgins (Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire) President Michal D Higgins has called for homework to be banned. The country's favourite leader has given hope to a new generation of ...
President Michael D Higgins has called for homework to be banned. The country's favourite leader has given hope to a new generation of students that the bane of their afterschool evenings could ...
Schools should strive not to give pupils homework where possible, the president of Ireland has suggested.. In an utterance likely to be seized upon by children for years to come, in classrooms far ...
It comes days after President Higgins' call for homework to be banned at home and for all work to stay in the classroom. Irish Mirror readers were also overwhelmingly in favour of banning ...
Read More: President Higgins calls for homework to be banned in Ireland. We asked "Should homework be banned?", which was answered with a 98% majority, Yes. In a landslide decision, 57,440 readers ...
Ken Foxe. School children and parents pleaded with the Minister for Education Norma Foley to step in and introduce a homework ban. In letters to the minister, kids wrote about how they were being ...
President Michael D Higgins has called for homework to be banned.. End of homework . Higgins has suggested that school activities should end at the school gates.. A smile is likely to have cross ...
Simon Lewis, a primary school principal in Carlow, broadly agrees with President Higgins. But Chris Donnelly, a principal in Belfast, staunchly disagrees. In recent days, Mr Lewis and Mr Donnelly ...
Ireland's president has suggested that schools should avoid assigning children homework, leaving school at the gates. Michael D Higgins shared his beliefs on the matter during a sit down with ...
President of Ireland Michael D Higgins has said he supports the scrapping of homework. He addressed students of St Kevin's National School, Littleton, Co Tipperary, this week in an episode of RTE's news2day programme. The President said that schoolwork should be completed in school time so children can use time after school to pursue more ...
The Green Party in Ireland has promised to explore the banning of homework for primary school children. They also vow to review primary and secondary schools curriculum "to meet the needs of the ...
Pushes for education beyond the classroom, emphasizes language learning and self-expression.. January 24, 2023 - Ireland's President Michael Higgins is calling for an end to homework.. When pressed on his views during an interview with RTE's news2day - a current affairs and news program for children, Higgins said: "I think myself, really that the time at home, and the time in the ...
Minister for Education Norma Foley has said she has no plans to abolish homework in Ireland. The Minister commented on the issue after President Michael D. Higgins suggested recently that homework ...
Kids — and certain presidents. In an impassioned plea to the people of his nation, President Michael D. Higgins has called for a ban on homework across Ireland. And if small children were given ...
Last month, we asked our audience how they felt about homework. This was because Ireland's president, Michael D. Higgins, made comments in an interview about letting kids have time for "other ...
The President of Ireland told Newsday that children should spend their time doing other activities. "I think myself, really that the time at home and the time in school is an educational experience.
Homework is an important bridge between school and the home. It allows parents to be part of a child's educational journey and to contribute in a meaningful way. I come, not to bury homework ...
It comes days after President Michael D Higgins called for homework to be banned at home and for all work to stay in the classroom. Irish Mirror readers were also overwhelmingly in favour of ...
The President of Ireland has made his thoughts known about homework, saying it should be left at the gate and children should be able to use their leisure time for "creative things". Speaking to RTE's news2day - a current affairs and news programme for children, Michael D Higgins answered questions on a wide range of topics, the Irish Mirror ...
Soon after, some media outlets in Ireland published headlines saying that Higgins called for a ban on homework. Ireland's President Michael D. Higgins didn't call for aban on homework, but ...
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar admits schoolchildren can get too much homework but stops short of supporting calls for ban "I think there's definitely a place for homework but we need to make sure that ...
The President of Ireland has almost no power, unlike the Presidents of some other countries such as the United States. There is no proposal to ban homework in Ireland, and the likelihood of homework being banned before anyone that's currently in secondary school finishes school is as close to zero as you'll get. Nose4Achoo • 10 mo. ago.
The UK's CPI inflation rate was below France's (2.6%) and Germany's (2.6%) in the 12 months to July this year. It's also slightly lower than the latest figure from the Eurozone, which also stands ...