John Sweeney responded : “It is an appalling indictment of this government’s mismanagement and a shameful legacy to bequeath our children. Does the cabinet secretary have any idea how to arrest this slide?”

thecourier Thursday, December 19, 2019 1:16:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “We must stand together to resist this unacceptable material”

amren Wednesday, December 18, 2019 10:39:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "We must stand together to resist this unacceptable material"

bbc Wednesday, December 18, 2019 12:33:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “Catering staff in West Lothian play a very important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of children and young people at school and nursery, and are going the extra mile in serving thousands of Christmas dinners during the festive period. Whilst school Christmas dinner is a special day in the calendar for schools and pupils, it’s just as important to recognise the hugely impressive logistical operation that goes into producing school meals for children and young people year-round. I’d like to extend my thanks and warm wishes to all catering staff for their continued commitment to providing balanced and nutritious food and drink in schools across the country”

TheScotsman Tuesday, December 17, 2019 4:25:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "We must stand together to resist this unacceptable material"

bbc Tuesday, December 17, 2019 2:20:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "We participate in the PISA exercise and we intend to continue to participate in that survey. The problem with sample surveys, like the Scottish Survey on Literacy and Numeracy, is that when there's an issue to be confronted - as there was in 2015 - the sample survey does not tell us where the problems lies, it tells us generically there's an issue, but not where the problem lies, and I'm interested in solving where the problems lie. "

TheScotsman Tuesday, December 10, 2019 10:10:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "When looking at the data in more detail it shows that in each of the reading, writing, listening and talking and numeracy at P1, P4 and P7 the results on most indicators show an improvement. S3 results show a similar picture at both third level and fourth level. "

TheScotsman Tuesday, December 10, 2019 10:10:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney added : “Rather the roots run deeper into how political systems protect self-interest and vested interests and employ public servants to resist compromises even where they are in the long-term benefit of their population,”

irishtimes Sunday, December 8, 2019 6:06:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "The Gaelic language is a vital part of Scotland's cultural identity and we want to ensure those who wish to learn and use the language are given every opportunity to do so. "

TheScotsman Wednesday, December 4, 2019 4:27:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "The Gaelic language is a vital part of Scotland's cultural identity and we want to ensure those who wish to learn and use the language are given every opportunity to do so. "

independent-ie Wednesday, December 4, 2019 4:01:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Investment Programme ) : “High-quality, fit-for-purpose learning environments can make a real difference to the lives of pupils, teachers and parents, and to the communities they serve. The passion and enthusiasm displayed by the pupils whose own vision for a school for the future I have seen today is wonderful. My congratulations go to the winners and all those who presented their ideas. Pupils’ needs and wishes are at the centre of our approach as we take forward our £1 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme, the next phase of investment in schools and campuses”

foreignaffairs-nz Monday, December 2, 2019 5:58:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Boris Johnson ) : “As we go into the last couple of weeks of the election there’s every opportunity for us to continue to build that momentum. I’m very optimistic we’ll be able to do that in seats like West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine where our teams are working so hard and where it’s so clear to voters that if they don’t want to wake up to the nightmare on December 13 of having a Boris Johnson government that they vote SNP to stop that happening”

eveningexpress Saturday, November 30, 2019 2:20:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “If you have extra money available at the end of the month, you can pay down your mortgage, which will reduce your interest payments over the life of the mortgage,”

news-yahoo Wednesday, November 27, 2019 10:43:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “I never thought in my lifetime I would see two hurricanes going the wrong way across Atlantic and approaching Ireland as we’ve had in the last 18 months,”

irishtimes Wednesday, November 20, 2019 7:00:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “The 100 Restrooms Project is really about our community meeting our own basic human needs,”

startribune Thursday, October 17, 2019 10:21:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “While we deride their behaviour, we must learn the lessons of the victories of Trump and Johnson,”

chesterfirst Tuesday, October 15, 2019 9:05:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “When the history books come to be written, I believe these days will be seen as the moment Scotland took control of its own path,”

chesterfirst Tuesday, October 15, 2019 9:05:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney asserted : “Europe is ready to welcome Scotland as an equal member in our own right”

newstatesman Monday, October 14, 2019 7:25:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “While we deride their behaviour, we must learn the lessons of the victories of Trump and Johnson,”

belfasttelegraph Monday, October 14, 2019 7:22:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “When the history books come to be written, I believe these days will be seen as the moment Scotland took control of its own path,”

belfasttelegraph Monday, October 14, 2019 7:22:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney responded : “Didn’t think I could have more respect for you than than I did before, but I do now. Take care”

heraldscotland Friday, October 11, 2019 8:22:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "seriously threaten the safety of marine users"

heraldscotland Tuesday, October 8, 2019 10:29:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "There is no doubt a no-deal outcome would have profound consequences for jobs, investment and living standards across Scotland and the rest of the UK,"

heraldscotland Tuesday, October 8, 2019 10:29:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney warned : “If the UK Government does not correct its current, disastrous course, the UK is at significant risk of crashing out of the EU at the end of this month, and Scotland will be dragged unwillingly with it”

irishexaminer Tuesday, October 8, 2019 8:12:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney added : “If all other factors remain constant, an increase of 5% in prices could push an additional 130,000 people into poverty in a no-deal EU exit”

irishexaminer Tuesday, October 8, 2019 8:12:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “seriously threaten the safety of marine users”

irishexaminer Tuesday, October 8, 2019 8:12:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “There is no doubt a no-deal outcome would have profound consequences for jobs, investment and living standards across Scotland and the rest of the UK,”

irishexaminer Tuesday, October 8, 2019 8:12:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “seriously threaten the safety of marine users”

dailyecho Tuesday, October 8, 2019 7:32:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “There is no doubt a no-deal outcome would have profound consequences for jobs, investment and living standards across Scotland and the rest of the UK,”

dailyecho Tuesday, October 8, 2019 7:32:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “seriously threaten the safety of marine users”

wandsworthguardian Tuesday, October 8, 2019 7:15:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “There is no doubt a no-deal outcome would have profound consequences for jobs, investment and living standards across Scotland and the rest of the UK,”

wandsworthguardian Tuesday, October 8, 2019 7:15:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “seriously threaten the safety of marine users”

belfasttelegraph Tuesday, October 8, 2019 7:10:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “There is no doubt a no-deal outcome would have profound consequences for jobs, investment and living standards across Scotland and the rest of the UK,”

belfasttelegraph Tuesday, October 8, 2019 7:10:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Marine Scotland ) : "In the event of increased traffic flows between Northern Ireland and Scotland, we are looking to repurpose the disused port at Stranraer to hold up to 300 HGVs to help deal with any potential disruption"

bbc Tuesday, October 8, 2019 6:58:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney warned : "there is no amount of preparation that could ever make us 'ready', in any real sense, for the needless and significant impact of a no-deal outcome"

bbc Tuesday, October 8, 2019 6:58:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “seriously threaten the safety of marine users”

chesterfirst Tuesday, October 8, 2019 6:38:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “There is no doubt a no-deal outcome would have profound consequences for jobs, investment and living standards across Scotland and the rest of the UK,”

chesterfirst Tuesday, October 8, 2019 6:38:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney wrote ( about Tommy Robinson ) : “I'm sorry our BBC Panorama on Tommy Robinson wasn't broadcast,”

independent-UK Thursday, October 3, 2019 1:02:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney replied : “If you think I’m finished you’ve got another thing coming and I can give you that for free,”

independent-UK Thursday, October 3, 2019 1:02:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “We started Maths Week Scotland in 2017 to give everyone the chance to engage with maths in a creative and engaging way. The enthusiasm, commitment and passion of teachers, learners and maths champions has helped Maths Week Scotland grow every year since. It is fantastic to see events for people of all ages and all backgrounds to come together and appreciate the maths all around us”

foreignaffairs-nz Monday, September 30, 2019 4:06:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said : ”We were told by our local TD about these three monthly external visits which have since been confirmed when I contacted the Irish Prison Service. And our lives are sadly being tormented all over again by the way they are dealing with us”

thejournal Thursday, September 26, 2019 1:04:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said : "It's really important we remember that the policy intention at all times was to put in place measures that would support and enhance the wellbeing of young people and children in our society. I will not apologise for trying to find the best way to try and do that. "

TheScotsman Thursday, September 19, 2019 7:09:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "In this way, we will support our children and young people so that they can thrive and rise to the challenges and opportunities that life brings"

bbc Thursday, September 19, 2019 6:21:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney added : "I believe that today we have taken an important step forward in providing families and practitioners with certainty about how information-sharing can support well-being in a transparent way which respects the rights of everyone"

bbc Thursday, September 19, 2019 5:34:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney says : “What you’re seeing now is smarter underwriting and smarter lenders,”

news-yahoo Thursday, September 12, 2019 11:08:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "This survey shows that parents are ready to benefit from the Scottish government's £2bn investment in the expansion of early learning and childcare, with the increase in flexibility and choice that this will bring, including options like year-round provision. "We want Scotland to be the best place in the world to grow up and that means that every child, regardless of their circumstances, should be given the opportunity to realise their full potential so it is great to see parents are satisfied with their early learning and childcare"

bbc Tuesday, September 10, 2019 6:03:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney added : "Of course it did set out the government's ambition for Scotland to be an independent country, it shouldn't really be a surprise to anybody. I don't see why the government should in any way be prevented from aspiring to deliver independence, because we believe that will deliver the best outcome for Scotland; and when I look at the fiasco of Westminster I would suggest that the people of Scotland will be coming to the same judgement. "

TheScotsman Wednesday, September 4, 2019 7:37:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "I am pleased that over 200 people have applied for an advance payment. We continue to do everything possible to help survivors and their families apply to the scheme by ensuring a simple application process. "This is part of a number of commitments to provide recognition of the harm done. That is why we will shortly consult on the detail of a statutory financial redress scheme so that legislation can be passed before the end of this parliamentary term in March 2021. "This is an important part of acknowledging what happened in the past to children in care in Scotland"

bbc Thursday, August 29, 2019 1:09:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "It gives me great pleasure to open the first school in Scotland to be developed through a community ownership model. "

TheScotsman Tuesday, August 27, 2019 9:18:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

yorkpress Monday, August 26, 2019 3:29:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

belfasttelegraph Monday, August 26, 2019 2:48:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

worcesternews Monday, August 26, 2019 2:30:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

irishexaminer Monday, August 26, 2019 2:09:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

belfasttelegraph Monday, August 26, 2019 1:47:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : "Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time"

standard Monday, August 26, 2019 1:13:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

heraldscotland Monday, August 26, 2019 12:32:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

belfasttelegraph Monday, August 26, 2019 12:24:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

newsandstar Monday, August 26, 2019 12:07:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

wandsworthguardian Monday, August 26, 2019 11:39:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : "Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time"

standard Monday, August 26, 2019 11:22:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

worcesternews Monday, August 26, 2019 11:19:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

chesterfirst Monday, August 26, 2019 10:57:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney wrote : “The Scottish Government recognises the contribution that the Asia Scotland Trust is making to preserving the shared heritage between Scotland and Kolkata. Sharing of such expertise between India and Scotland – whether in the fields of heritage or climate change – an only serve to benefit both of our countries”

TheScotsman Friday, July 12, 2019 8:18:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said : “Met Éireann is saying we’ll get temperatures up to 27C on Thursday but we won’t get, one suspects, the kind of prolonged, very hot temperatures that our near neighbours are getting,”

beat102103 Tuesday, June 25, 2019 8:05:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “Met Éireann is saying we’ll get temperatures up to 27C on Thursday but we won’t get, one suspects, the kind of prolonged, very hot temperatures that our near neighbours are getting,” “Maybe that’s no harm because we know that even with temperatures in the high 20s, we notice a mortality peak, even here in Ireland on a smaller scale”

beat102103 Tuesday, June 25, 2019 8:05:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “Met Éireann are saying we’ll get temperatures up to 27C on Thursday but we won’t get, one suspects, the kind of prolonged, very hot temperatures that our near neighbours are getting,” “Maybe that’s no harm because we know that even with temperatures in the high 20s, we notice a mortality peak, even here in Ireland on a smaller scale”

beat102103 Tuesday, June 25, 2019 8:05:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "More young Scots are studying, training or working within nine months of leaving school than ever before. "Importantly, that also includes more young Scots from the most deprived communities, with the gap closing significantly over the last decade"

bbc Tuesday, June 18, 2019 2:05:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "I am pleased that more than 70 payments have now been approved under the Advance Payment Scheme, which recognises the harm done to children who were abused while in care"

heraldscotland Monday, June 17, 2019 1:00:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney added : "We continue to do everything possible to help survivors and their families though our simple application process and, where appropriate, we point them to sources of care records. READ MORE: First man in Scotland convicted under new domestic abuse legislation "

heraldscotland Monday, June 17, 2019 1:00:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “The review will determine whether additional evidence or action is required in order to provide reassurance to the community”

wandsworthguardian Thursday, June 13, 2019 2:58:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “The review will determine whether additional evidence or action is required in order to provide reassurance to the community”

worcesternews Thursday, June 13, 2019 1:53:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “The review will determine whether additional evidence or action is required in order to provide reassurance to the community”

belfasttelegraph Thursday, June 13, 2019 1:10:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “We’ve always had really strong standards within Scottish education and school meals regulations. But advice changes from year to year and we enlisted the help of an expert panel to look at all the issues that we need to update the regulations around”

TheScotsman Thursday, June 13, 2019 9:11:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney added : “The meals have got to provide a nutritious experience for all pupils. I’m increasingly struck by my wider work in education that young people need good nutrition to learn. Schools have got to work on the creation of balanced menus that give young people the nutrition they require. The regulations as a whole convey what our expectations are relating to the content of school meals”

TheScotsman Thursday, June 13, 2019 9:11:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said : “Our school food and drink regulations are now over a decade old,”

itv Thursday, June 13, 2019 2:33:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney argued : “the Government has to take forward its agenda in a sustainable way”

chesterfirst Thursday, June 6, 2019 7:44:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney argued : “the Government has to take forward its agenda in a sustainable way”

wandsworthguardian Thursday, June 6, 2019 6:42:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney argued : “the Government has to take forward its agenda in a sustainable way”

belfasttelegraph Thursday, June 6, 2019 5:20:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "I quite understand that there will be young people who are unable to make all the choices that they would want to make. "

TheScotsman Wednesday, May 29, 2019 8:53:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "There's a difference in choice between what you can choose from and how much you can actually choose?"

TheScotsman Wednesday, May 29, 2019 8:53:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “There’s a difference in choice between what you can choose from and how much you can actually choose?”

wandsworthguardian Wednesday, May 29, 2019 3:55:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “The doctor said it would be way too dangerous to play again,” “It’s still excruciating sometimes. It was really heartbreaking for me when I got the news”

heraldguide Thursday, May 23, 2019 7:16:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “Hitting the weight lifting room and getting stronger for game day, I really loved it,”

heraldguide Thursday, May 23, 2019 7:16:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “You can’t eat any bad foods. My family was surprised I was able to do it,”

heraldguide Thursday, May 23, 2019 7:16:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “I’ve always loved helping people in different ways at the gym, and it’s been rewarding and a way I’ve made a lot of new friends,” “I know pretty much everyone there … we all talk, update each other on our lives, and it’s kind of its own community”

heraldguide Thursday, May 23, 2019 7:16:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "This is very good news and I am pleased the Moore House Group have come forward to establish this much needed school"

bbc Friday, May 17, 2019 5:57:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “I am pleased that five payments have already been approved under the Advance Payment Scheme in such a short space of time, with a further 36 applications currently being considered”

wandsworthguardian Tuesday, May 14, 2019 4:21:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “I am pleased that five payments have already been approved under the Advance Payment Scheme in such a short space of time, with a further 36 applications currently being considered”

chesterfirst Tuesday, May 14, 2019 1:56:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "This was, and always will be, a murky story,"

bbc Tuesday, May 7, 2019 9:28:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “I hope it will provide some degree of recognition and acknowledgement for survivors who have waited the longest for acknowledgement and redress, and those who have a terminal illness”

thetimes Friday, April 26, 2019 2:12:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said : “I hope it will provide some degree of recognition and acknowledgement for survivors who have waited the longest for acknowledgement and redress, and those who have a terminal illness”

thesundaytimes Friday, April 26, 2019 2:10:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said : “The systems we now have in place to regulate different aspects of childcare and to safeguard children from systemic abuse are radically different than the regimes of yesteryear”

chesterfirst Thursday, April 25, 2019 7:07:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney added : “Recognising the impact that applying for and receiving an advance payment may have on survivors, we will also make applicants aware of organisations that offer emotional and other types of support”

chesterfirst Thursday, April 25, 2019 7:07:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “It takes some level of brass neck for Labour to blame the SNP for Tory austerity when they themselves campaigned to ensure that the Tories at Westminster will continue to set Scotland’s budget and be able to inflict austerity on our public services”

TheScotsman Monday, April 22, 2019 9:10:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said : "I would like to thank the P1 Practitioner Forum for their recommendations, which are grounded in the realities of teaching P1 and are informed by their own experiences and professional knowledge. "We will work to make immediate improvements where we can to enhance the experience of both learners and educators and ensure the assessments can continue to be delivered as part of everyday learning and teaching"

bbc Thursday, April 18, 2019 2:53:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "I would like to thank the forum for their recommendations, which are grounded in the realities of teaching P1 and are informed by their own experiences and professional knowledge. “We will work to make immediate improvements where we can to enhance the experience of both learners and educators and ensure the assessments can continue to be delivered as part of everyday learning and teaching. “Standardised assessments are an effective additional tool to support teacher professional judgement and identify next steps in a child’s learning"

heraldscotland Thursday, April 18, 2019 12:18:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "The gap between the most and least deprived communities for young people entering work, training or further study is half what it was in 2009/10, a higher proportion of students from our most deprived areas successfully completed substantial college courses last year and a record number of students from the most disadvantaged areas successfully gained a place at university last year. "These early results are encouraging but we know there is more to do to raise attainment which is why we remain committed to initiatives, like Education Maintenance Allowance, to remove barriers to education and give all our young people an equal chance to succeed"

bbc Tuesday, April 16, 2019 4:14:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney added ( about Iain Gray ) : "The Scottish Government will support a revised offer which takes industrial action on pay off the table and sets our shared agenda for the next two years”. Iain Gray, Scottish Labour 's education spokesman, welcomed the move, but said negotiatoins should never have reached this stage. He said: "

heraldscotland Wednesday, March 27, 2019 6:46:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "This report highlights that the poverty-related attainment gap is faced across the UK. "

heraldscotland Tuesday, March 26, 2019 11:05:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "It has no part in 21st century Scotland," "I'm not even sure it had a part in any part of Scottish society at any stage of our history. But in the 21st century let's get beyond it"

bbc Thursday, February 28, 2019 7:21:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney responded : “It is an appalling indictment of this government’s mismanagement and a shameful legacy to bequeath our children. Does the cabinet secretary have any idea how to arrest this slide?”

thecourier Thursday, December 19, 2019 1:16:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “We must stand together to resist this unacceptable material”

amren Wednesday, December 18, 2019 10:39:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "We must stand together to resist this unacceptable material"

bbc Wednesday, December 18, 2019 12:33:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “Catering staff in West Lothian play a very important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of children and young people at school and nursery, and are going the extra mile in serving thousands of Christmas dinners during the festive period. Whilst school Christmas dinner is a special day in the calendar for schools and pupils, it’s just as important to recognise the hugely impressive logistical operation that goes into producing school meals for children and young people year-round. I’d like to extend my thanks and warm wishes to all catering staff for their continued commitment to providing balanced and nutritious food and drink in schools across the country”

TheScotsman Tuesday, December 17, 2019 4:25:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "We must stand together to resist this unacceptable material"

bbc Tuesday, December 17, 2019 2:20:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "We participate in the PISA exercise and we intend to continue to participate in that survey. The problem with sample surveys, like the Scottish Survey on Literacy and Numeracy, is that when there's an issue to be confronted - as there was in 2015 - the sample survey does not tell us where the problems lies, it tells us generically there's an issue, but not where the problem lies, and I'm interested in solving where the problems lie. "

TheScotsman Tuesday, December 10, 2019 10:10:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "When looking at the data in more detail it shows that in each of the reading, writing, listening and talking and numeracy at P1, P4 and P7 the results on most indicators show an improvement. S3 results show a similar picture at both third level and fourth level. "

TheScotsman Tuesday, December 10, 2019 10:10:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney added : “Rather the roots run deeper into how political systems protect self-interest and vested interests and employ public servants to resist compromises even where they are in the long-term benefit of their population,”

irishtimes Sunday, December 8, 2019 6:06:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "The Gaelic language is a vital part of Scotland's cultural identity and we want to ensure those who wish to learn and use the language are given every opportunity to do so. "

TheScotsman Wednesday, December 4, 2019 4:27:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "The Gaelic language is a vital part of Scotland's cultural identity and we want to ensure those who wish to learn and use the language are given every opportunity to do so. "

independent-ie Wednesday, December 4, 2019 4:01:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Investment Programme ) : “High-quality, fit-for-purpose learning environments can make a real difference to the lives of pupils, teachers and parents, and to the communities they serve. The passion and enthusiasm displayed by the pupils whose own vision for a school for the future I have seen today is wonderful. My congratulations go to the winners and all those who presented their ideas. Pupils’ needs and wishes are at the centre of our approach as we take forward our £1 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme, the next phase of investment in schools and campuses”

foreignaffairs-nz Monday, December 2, 2019 5:58:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Boris Johnson ) : “As we go into the last couple of weeks of the election there’s every opportunity for us to continue to build that momentum. I’m very optimistic we’ll be able to do that in seats like West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine where our teams are working so hard and where it’s so clear to voters that if they don’t want to wake up to the nightmare on December 13 of having a Boris Johnson government that they vote SNP to stop that happening”

eveningexpress Saturday, November 30, 2019 2:20:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “If you have extra money available at the end of the month, you can pay down your mortgage, which will reduce your interest payments over the life of the mortgage,”

news-yahoo Wednesday, November 27, 2019 10:43:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “I never thought in my lifetime I would see two hurricanes going the wrong way across Atlantic and approaching Ireland as we’ve had in the last 18 months,”

irishtimes Wednesday, November 20, 2019 7:00:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “The 100 Restrooms Project is really about our community meeting our own basic human needs,”

startribune Thursday, October 17, 2019 10:21:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “While we deride their behaviour, we must learn the lessons of the victories of Trump and Johnson,”

chesterfirst Tuesday, October 15, 2019 9:05:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “When the history books come to be written, I believe these days will be seen as the moment Scotland took control of its own path,”

chesterfirst Tuesday, October 15, 2019 9:05:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney asserted : “Europe is ready to welcome Scotland as an equal member in our own right”

newstatesman Monday, October 14, 2019 7:25:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “While we deride their behaviour, we must learn the lessons of the victories of Trump and Johnson,”

belfasttelegraph Monday, October 14, 2019 7:22:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “When the history books come to be written, I believe these days will be seen as the moment Scotland took control of its own path,”

belfasttelegraph Monday, October 14, 2019 7:22:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney responded : “Didn’t think I could have more respect for you than than I did before, but I do now. Take care”

heraldscotland Friday, October 11, 2019 8:22:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "seriously threaten the safety of marine users"

heraldscotland Tuesday, October 8, 2019 10:29:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "There is no doubt a no-deal outcome would have profound consequences for jobs, investment and living standards across Scotland and the rest of the UK,"

heraldscotland Tuesday, October 8, 2019 10:29:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney warned : “If the UK Government does not correct its current, disastrous course, the UK is at significant risk of crashing out of the EU at the end of this month, and Scotland will be dragged unwillingly with it”

irishexaminer Tuesday, October 8, 2019 8:12:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney added : “If all other factors remain constant, an increase of 5% in prices could push an additional 130,000 people into poverty in a no-deal EU exit”

irishexaminer Tuesday, October 8, 2019 8:12:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “seriously threaten the safety of marine users”

irishexaminer Tuesday, October 8, 2019 8:12:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “There is no doubt a no-deal outcome would have profound consequences for jobs, investment and living standards across Scotland and the rest of the UK,”

irishexaminer Tuesday, October 8, 2019 8:12:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “seriously threaten the safety of marine users”

dailyecho Tuesday, October 8, 2019 7:32:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “There is no doubt a no-deal outcome would have profound consequences for jobs, investment and living standards across Scotland and the rest of the UK,”

dailyecho Tuesday, October 8, 2019 7:32:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “seriously threaten the safety of marine users”

wandsworthguardian Tuesday, October 8, 2019 7:15:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “There is no doubt a no-deal outcome would have profound consequences for jobs, investment and living standards across Scotland and the rest of the UK,”

wandsworthguardian Tuesday, October 8, 2019 7:15:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “seriously threaten the safety of marine users”

belfasttelegraph Tuesday, October 8, 2019 7:10:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “There is no doubt a no-deal outcome would have profound consequences for jobs, investment and living standards across Scotland and the rest of the UK,”

belfasttelegraph Tuesday, October 8, 2019 7:10:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Marine Scotland ) : "In the event of increased traffic flows between Northern Ireland and Scotland, we are looking to repurpose the disused port at Stranraer to hold up to 300 HGVs to help deal with any potential disruption"

bbc Tuesday, October 8, 2019 6:58:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney warned : "there is no amount of preparation that could ever make us 'ready', in any real sense, for the needless and significant impact of a no-deal outcome"

bbc Tuesday, October 8, 2019 6:58:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “seriously threaten the safety of marine users”

chesterfirst Tuesday, October 8, 2019 6:38:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “There is no doubt a no-deal outcome would have profound consequences for jobs, investment and living standards across Scotland and the rest of the UK,”

chesterfirst Tuesday, October 8, 2019 6:38:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney wrote ( about Tommy Robinson ) : “I'm sorry our BBC Panorama on Tommy Robinson wasn't broadcast,”

independent-UK Thursday, October 3, 2019 1:02:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney replied : “If you think I’m finished you’ve got another thing coming and I can give you that for free,”

independent-UK Thursday, October 3, 2019 1:02:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “We started Maths Week Scotland in 2017 to give everyone the chance to engage with maths in a creative and engaging way. The enthusiasm, commitment and passion of teachers, learners and maths champions has helped Maths Week Scotland grow every year since. It is fantastic to see events for people of all ages and all backgrounds to come together and appreciate the maths all around us”

foreignaffairs-nz Monday, September 30, 2019 4:06:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said : ”We were told by our local TD about these three monthly external visits which have since been confirmed when I contacted the Irish Prison Service. And our lives are sadly being tormented all over again by the way they are dealing with us”

thejournal Thursday, September 26, 2019 1:04:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said : "It's really important we remember that the policy intention at all times was to put in place measures that would support and enhance the wellbeing of young people and children in our society. I will not apologise for trying to find the best way to try and do that. "

TheScotsman Thursday, September 19, 2019 7:09:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "In this way, we will support our children and young people so that they can thrive and rise to the challenges and opportunities that life brings"

bbc Thursday, September 19, 2019 6:21:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney added : "I believe that today we have taken an important step forward in providing families and practitioners with certainty about how information-sharing can support well-being in a transparent way which respects the rights of everyone"

bbc Thursday, September 19, 2019 5:34:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney says : “What you’re seeing now is smarter underwriting and smarter lenders,”

news-yahoo Thursday, September 12, 2019 11:08:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "This survey shows that parents are ready to benefit from the Scottish government's £2bn investment in the expansion of early learning and childcare, with the increase in flexibility and choice that this will bring, including options like year-round provision. "We want Scotland to be the best place in the world to grow up and that means that every child, regardless of their circumstances, should be given the opportunity to realise their full potential so it is great to see parents are satisfied with their early learning and childcare"

bbc Tuesday, September 10, 2019 6:03:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney added : "Of course it did set out the government's ambition for Scotland to be an independent country, it shouldn't really be a surprise to anybody. I don't see why the government should in any way be prevented from aspiring to deliver independence, because we believe that will deliver the best outcome for Scotland; and when I look at the fiasco of Westminster I would suggest that the people of Scotland will be coming to the same judgement. "

TheScotsman Wednesday, September 4, 2019 7:37:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "I am pleased that over 200 people have applied for an advance payment. We continue to do everything possible to help survivors and their families apply to the scheme by ensuring a simple application process. "This is part of a number of commitments to provide recognition of the harm done. That is why we will shortly consult on the detail of a statutory financial redress scheme so that legislation can be passed before the end of this parliamentary term in March 2021. "This is an important part of acknowledging what happened in the past to children in care in Scotland"

bbc Thursday, August 29, 2019 1:09:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "It gives me great pleasure to open the first school in Scotland to be developed through a community ownership model. "

TheScotsman Tuesday, August 27, 2019 9:18:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

yorkpress Monday, August 26, 2019 3:29:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

belfasttelegraph Monday, August 26, 2019 2:48:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

worcesternews Monday, August 26, 2019 2:30:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

irishexaminer Monday, August 26, 2019 2:09:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

belfasttelegraph Monday, August 26, 2019 1:47:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : "Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time"

standard Monday, August 26, 2019 1:13:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

heraldscotland Monday, August 26, 2019 12:32:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

belfasttelegraph Monday, August 26, 2019 12:24:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

newsandstar Monday, August 26, 2019 12:07:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

wandsworthguardian Monday, August 26, 2019 11:39:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : "Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time"

standard Monday, August 26, 2019 11:22:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

worcesternews Monday, August 26, 2019 11:19:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said ( about Good Morning ) : “Terribly sorry with the news @WoodmillHigh. @scotgov has been in contact with @FifeCouncil and will discuss next steps. Good wishes to all in the school community at this tough time”

chesterfirst Monday, August 26, 2019 10:57:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney wrote : “The Scottish Government recognises the contribution that the Asia Scotland Trust is making to preserving the shared heritage between Scotland and Kolkata. Sharing of such expertise between India and Scotland – whether in the fields of heritage or climate change – an only serve to benefit both of our countries”

TheScotsman Friday, July 12, 2019 8:18:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said : “Met Éireann is saying we’ll get temperatures up to 27C on Thursday but we won’t get, one suspects, the kind of prolonged, very hot temperatures that our near neighbours are getting,”

beat102103 Tuesday, June 25, 2019 8:05:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “Met Éireann is saying we’ll get temperatures up to 27C on Thursday but we won’t get, one suspects, the kind of prolonged, very hot temperatures that our near neighbours are getting,” “Maybe that’s no harm because we know that even with temperatures in the high 20s, we notice a mortality peak, even here in Ireland on a smaller scale”

beat102103 Tuesday, June 25, 2019 8:05:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “Met Éireann are saying we’ll get temperatures up to 27C on Thursday but we won’t get, one suspects, the kind of prolonged, very hot temperatures that our near neighbours are getting,” “Maybe that’s no harm because we know that even with temperatures in the high 20s, we notice a mortality peak, even here in Ireland on a smaller scale”

beat102103 Tuesday, June 25, 2019 8:05:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "More young Scots are studying, training or working within nine months of leaving school than ever before. "Importantly, that also includes more young Scots from the most deprived communities, with the gap closing significantly over the last decade"

bbc Tuesday, June 18, 2019 2:05:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "I am pleased that more than 70 payments have now been approved under the Advance Payment Scheme, which recognises the harm done to children who were abused while in care"

heraldscotland Monday, June 17, 2019 1:00:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney added : "We continue to do everything possible to help survivors and their families though our simple application process and, where appropriate, we point them to sources of care records. READ MORE: First man in Scotland convicted under new domestic abuse legislation "

heraldscotland Monday, June 17, 2019 1:00:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “The review will determine whether additional evidence or action is required in order to provide reassurance to the community”

wandsworthguardian Thursday, June 13, 2019 2:58:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “The review will determine whether additional evidence or action is required in order to provide reassurance to the community”

worcesternews Thursday, June 13, 2019 1:53:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “The review will determine whether additional evidence or action is required in order to provide reassurance to the community”

belfasttelegraph Thursday, June 13, 2019 1:10:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “We’ve always had really strong standards within Scottish education and school meals regulations. But advice changes from year to year and we enlisted the help of an expert panel to look at all the issues that we need to update the regulations around”

TheScotsman Thursday, June 13, 2019 9:11:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney added : “The meals have got to provide a nutritious experience for all pupils. I’m increasingly struck by my wider work in education that young people need good nutrition to learn. Schools have got to work on the creation of balanced menus that give young people the nutrition they require. The regulations as a whole convey what our expectations are relating to the content of school meals”

TheScotsman Thursday, June 13, 2019 9:11:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said : “Our school food and drink regulations are now over a decade old,”

itv Thursday, June 13, 2019 2:33:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney argued : “the Government has to take forward its agenda in a sustainable way”

chesterfirst Thursday, June 6, 2019 7:44:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney argued : “the Government has to take forward its agenda in a sustainable way”

wandsworthguardian Thursday, June 6, 2019 6:42:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney argued : “the Government has to take forward its agenda in a sustainable way”

belfasttelegraph Thursday, June 6, 2019 5:20:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "I quite understand that there will be young people who are unable to make all the choices that they would want to make. "

TheScotsman Wednesday, May 29, 2019 8:53:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "There's a difference in choice between what you can choose from and how much you can actually choose?"

TheScotsman Wednesday, May 29, 2019 8:53:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “There’s a difference in choice between what you can choose from and how much you can actually choose?”

wandsworthguardian Wednesday, May 29, 2019 3:55:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “The doctor said it would be way too dangerous to play again,” “It’s still excruciating sometimes. It was really heartbreaking for me when I got the news”

heraldguide Thursday, May 23, 2019 7:16:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “Hitting the weight lifting room and getting stronger for game day, I really loved it,”

heraldguide Thursday, May 23, 2019 7:16:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “You can’t eat any bad foods. My family was surprised I was able to do it,”

heraldguide Thursday, May 23, 2019 7:16:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “I’ve always loved helping people in different ways at the gym, and it’s been rewarding and a way I’ve made a lot of new friends,” “I know pretty much everyone there … we all talk, update each other on our lives, and it’s kind of its own community”

heraldguide Thursday, May 23, 2019 7:16:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "This is very good news and I am pleased the Moore House Group have come forward to establish this much needed school"

bbc Friday, May 17, 2019 5:57:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “I am pleased that five payments have already been approved under the Advance Payment Scheme in such a short space of time, with a further 36 applications currently being considered”

wandsworthguardian Tuesday, May 14, 2019 4:21:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “I am pleased that five payments have already been approved under the Advance Payment Scheme in such a short space of time, with a further 36 applications currently being considered”

chesterfirst Tuesday, May 14, 2019 1:56:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "This was, and always will be, a murky story,"

bbc Tuesday, May 7, 2019 9:28:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “I hope it will provide some degree of recognition and acknowledgement for survivors who have waited the longest for acknowledgement and redress, and those who have a terminal illness”

thetimes Friday, April 26, 2019 2:12:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said : “I hope it will provide some degree of recognition and acknowledgement for survivors who have waited the longest for acknowledgement and redress, and those who have a terminal illness”

thesundaytimes Friday, April 26, 2019 2:10:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said : “The systems we now have in place to regulate different aspects of childcare and to safeguard children from systemic abuse are radically different than the regimes of yesteryear”

chesterfirst Thursday, April 25, 2019 7:07:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney added : “Recognising the impact that applying for and receiving an advance payment may have on survivors, we will also make applicants aware of organisations that offer emotional and other types of support”

chesterfirst Thursday, April 25, 2019 7:07:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : “It takes some level of brass neck for Labour to blame the SNP for Tory austerity when they themselves campaigned to ensure that the Tories at Westminster will continue to set Scotland’s budget and be able to inflict austerity on our public services”

TheScotsman Monday, April 22, 2019 9:10:00 AM EAT

John Sweeney said : "I would like to thank the P1 Practitioner Forum for their recommendations, which are grounded in the realities of teaching P1 and are informed by their own experiences and professional knowledge. "We will work to make immediate improvements where we can to enhance the experience of both learners and educators and ensure the assessments can continue to be delivered as part of everyday learning and teaching"

bbc Thursday, April 18, 2019 2:53:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "I would like to thank the forum for their recommendations, which are grounded in the realities of teaching P1 and are informed by their own experiences and professional knowledge. “We will work to make immediate improvements where we can to enhance the experience of both learners and educators and ensure the assessments can continue to be delivered as part of everyday learning and teaching. “Standardised assessments are an effective additional tool to support teacher professional judgement and identify next steps in a child’s learning"

heraldscotland Thursday, April 18, 2019 12:18:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "The gap between the most and least deprived communities for young people entering work, training or further study is half what it was in 2009/10, a higher proportion of students from our most deprived areas successfully completed substantial college courses last year and a record number of students from the most disadvantaged areas successfully gained a place at university last year. "These early results are encouraging but we know there is more to do to raise attainment which is why we remain committed to initiatives, like Education Maintenance Allowance, to remove barriers to education and give all our young people an equal chance to succeed"

bbc Tuesday, April 16, 2019 4:14:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney added ( about Iain Gray ) : "The Scottish Government will support a revised offer which takes industrial action on pay off the table and sets our shared agenda for the next two years”. Iain Gray, Scottish Labour 's education spokesman, welcomed the move, but said negotiatoins should never have reached this stage. He said: "

heraldscotland Wednesday, March 27, 2019 6:46:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "This report highlights that the poverty-related attainment gap is faced across the UK. "

heraldscotland Tuesday, March 26, 2019 11:05:00 PM EAT

John Sweeney said : "It has no part in 21st century Scotland," "I'm not even sure it had a part in any part of Scottish society at any stage of our history. But in the 21st century let's get beyond it"

bbc Thursday, February 28, 2019 7:21:00 PM EAT