Maria Pierce

Assistant Professor in Social Policy at the Department of Applied Social Studies, Maynooth University, Ireland. Views my own

[Maria Pierce @MariaFPierce]

Fantastic event organised by Living Well with Dementia in South Tipperary to mark their 10 years in operation and launch of @UCDSocialPWJ research on the service's implementation and sustainability into the future. 1/2 @dementia_office https://t.co/p6xRoib3IH

[UCD Geary Institute for Public Policy @ucdgearyinst]

✍️ Call for papers!

Do you research Irish policy-related issues? The online platform https://t.co/ydXEFK7BuY is now accepting submissions for publications between May-October 2026. Submit your research to our platform and increase its visibility in your field & community!

https://t.co/6NJOLHg1lc

#IrishPolicy #PolicyResearch #CallForPapers

[Science girl @sciencegirl]

Sweden is investing more than $110 million to bring printed textbooks back into classrooms.

After years of pushing digital learning, the Swedish government is reducing screen use in schools and renewing its focus on physical books. Over the past decade, many schools replaced textbooks with laptops and tablets, moving lessons, homework, grading, and parent communication almost entirely online.

During this period, student performance declined. Results from international assessments such as the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment showed drops in reading, math, and science, prompting officials to reconsider the role of screens in learning.

Research indicates that reading on digital displays can demand more mental effort than reading on paper, especially for younger students. Screens also introduce more distractions, and studies have linked heavy digital use to reduced comprehension and memory retention.

In response, Sweden allocated €60 million in 2023 to restore printed textbooks, with another €44 million planned through 2025. The aim is to ensure every student has a physical textbook for each subject.

Officials stress that technology isn’t being removed from schools, but repositioned as a support tool rather than the default. Printed books are now prioritized for core learning, particularly reading.

While Sweden remains highly tech-advanced, this policy shift reflects a growing global debate: whether more technology automatically leads to better education.

[John Moran, Mayor of Limerick @moranjohna1]

Thanks for all of the supportive messages since last week's concerning council meeting. I have captured my main thoughts in my latest blog post on last week's meeting. We all deserve better.

FROM OUR MAYOR'S DESK - https://t.co/ZzFV5GaOT5

[University Vacancies Ireland 🇮🇪 @UVacancies]

Lecturer/Assistant Professor (Social Policy), Specified Purpose, Department of Applied Social Studies, Maynooth University: Maynooth University - Academic - Social Sciences and Social Care https://t.co/vt4VPpkf9R #universityvacanciesireland

[Dementia Research Network Ireland @drnire]

📚DRNI were delighted to attend the launch of "Human Rights in Dementia Care: A Good Practice Guide" last week in @tcddublin.

🖊️Written by @ProfSuzCahill Fiona Kelly & Helen Rochford Brennan, this book outlines how to apply a human rights approach in dementia care.

[Maria Pierce @MariaFPierce]

@j_oconnor37 @philipnolan1 No, President's in law-making is to sign bills passed by both houses of the Oireachtas. The bill becomes an Act. The President after seeking advice from Council of State has the power refer bills to Supreme Court for judicial review to check for compliance with the Constitution

[Maria Pierce @MariaFPierce]

Do get in touch with @stingingfly if you wish to join its meet and greet session for writers with disabilities on Thursday 30 November. Details below

[The Stinging Fly @stingingfly]

We are currently devising a range of targeted supports for disabled writers. Our aim is to ensure our development programme is more widely accessible, and meets the needs of writers with disabilities.

You can join our initial meet and greet session on Thursday October 30th to share your experience as a writer.

If you’re interested in attending this first informal meeting, please get in touch with Declan Meade by Wednesday October 22nd.

If you have any access or support requirements for the meeting, do please let us know.

With thanks to Evelyne Cynk @CynkEvelyne, Emilie Conway, Róisín Power Hackett and Dr Maria Pierce @MariaFPierce who have offered us invaluable guidance and support in this initiative.

More info here:
https://t.co/Bl0Dz5XT51

Please spread the word.

[National Dementia Services @dementia_office]

Really interesting Webinar coming up on the Decision-Making options for Individuals, families and carers- @EngagingDemIrl @DCCNIRL link to register is in the thread.

[Evelyne Cynk @CynkEvelyne]

Giving this another retweet! Take a look at this amazing initiative of @stingingfly for writers with disabilities/disabled writers!

More info is in the post below ->

[The Stinging Fly @stingingfly]

We are currently devising a range of targeted supports for disabled writers. Our aim is to ensure our development programme is more widely accessible, and meets the needs of writers with disabilities.

You can join our initial meet and greet session on Thursday October 30th to share your experience as a writer.

If you’re interested in attending this first informal meeting, please get in touch with Declan Meade by Wednesday October 22nd.

If you have any access or support requirements for the meeting, do please let us know.

With thanks to Evelyne Cynk @CynkEvelyne, Emilie Conway, Róisín Power Hackett and Dr Maria Pierce @MariaFPierce who have offered us invaluable guidance and support in this initiative.

More info here:
https://t.co/Bl0Dz5XT51

Please spread the word.

[Maria Pierce @MariaFPierce]

Indeed you should be proud. Congratulations on the award.

[DementiaServices SJH @DSIDCDementia]

🌟We are an incredibly proud team to have been awarded the Best Digital Learning Initiative at the Learning & Development Institute Excellence in Learning Awards 2025🏆

[DementiaServices SJH @DSIDCDementia]

🌟We are an incredibly proud team to have been awarded the Best Digital Learning Initiative at the Learning & Development Institute Excellence in Learning Awards 2025🏆

[Tipp FM @TippFM]

Tipperary TD Alan Kelly says a number of recent comments from Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly are not acceptable
https://t.co/8wTyZNYbwL

[Ciarán Nugent @ciarannugent]

The employment rate for 65-74 years in Ireland is up significantly in the last five years, is 6th highest in the EU and twice the EU average

the over 75 rate is the second highest in Europe

[Central Statistics Office Ireland @CSOIreland]

We're recruiting Statisticians/Data Analysts.
Permanent positions in Cork and Dublin, apply now.

Application link below. ⬇️
Closing: 3pm, 18 September 2025

#CSOIreland #Ireland #Recruitment #JobFairy #StatisticalCareers #Statisticians #DataAnalysts #Data

[Michelle Norris @mcmnorris]

Are you involved in policy making, implementation or research on policy in Ireland? Would you like to spend time at UCD Geary Institute for Public Policy writing a reflection on a critical policy challenge? Applications expert residency programme are now open! Details below.

[University Vacancies Ireland 🇮🇪 @UVacancies]

Assistant Professor / Lecturer in Social Work (Temporary Contract) Department of Applied Social Studies / Maynooth University: Maynooth University - Professional / Managerial / Administrative - Education Studies (inc. TEFL),… https://t.co/KSSGuthND6 #universityvacanciesireland

[Galway Film Fleadh @GalwayFilm]

“It’s just fantastic to see this come to fruition”

Director Frank Shouldice in discussion with Molly Qualter following the screening of Once We Were Punks

[Department of Social Protection @welfare_ie]

My Future Fund, the new auto-enrolement retirement savings scheme is coming.

Find out more at https://t.co/dUlivhldIN