Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to thank the committee for inviting me to attend. As we meet here I am deeply conscious, as I know the committee members are, of the recent terrible tragedy in Donegal. Words cannot describe the immensity of the loss that has been felt, and will continue to be felt, by the community of Creeslough and by all those who have lost a family member or a loved one. These are incredibly difficult days for those affected and they remain in our thoughts and in our hearts. As the Minister for Education, I would like to offer my sympathy to all the families who have lost a loved one and the school communities who are mourning the loss of a much loved pupil.

I would also like to acknowledge the role which every school in the area has played in supporting their students, families and staff through this event, which none of them could ever have envisaged. Schools are central to their communities and I know that each one of these schools has shown remarkable strength, compassion and support for their school communities. I thank them for all they have done, all they are doing and all they will do in the days, months and, indeed, years ahead. I know that the Chair and committee members will join with me in sending solidarity and support.

The committee has indicated that it would like to discuss a range of issues in today's session, each of which I will briefly address. In regard to the senior cycle redevelopment, the committee will be aware that at the end of March, I announced an ambitious programme for the reimagined senior cycle which has the best interests of students at its core. In the education system, we must always serve the interests of the students. In respect of the senior cycle, it is evident that while the present system has many advantages, there is a clear need for change. At the most basic level, the current leaving certificate does not recognise, develop or, indeed, celebrate the very diverse talents that our students have.

As the committee is undoubtedly aware, a very significant body of work was undertaken over the course of four years by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in conjunction with bodies such as the OECD and the education stakeholders. This has very much informed the programme of reform which is now under way. I want to thank the committee for its valuable and wide-ranging report in respect of the senior cycle which, indeed, aligns with the work that has commenced in the Department.

I want to acknowledge the excellent work of the Cork Life Centre and the dedication of the director and his team in providing a vital pathway for young people who have encountered difficulties completing mainstream education. I visited the centre in June and had the privilege of meeting with staff, students and parents. I saw all of their invaluable work first hand.

The review of out-of-school education provision has now moved to a working group, chaired by former City of Dublin ETB CEO, Jacinta Stewart. This working group will work with stakeholders to develop a sustainable pathway for the alternative education sector, one which reflects the value and importance of the sector. The level of funding currently provided to Cork Life Centre will continue until such time as the recommendations of the report are implemented.

The committee has also flagged the issue of bullying in schools. I agree that further work is needed in the area of bullying prevention and this is why I have established a steering committee to review the 2013 action plan on bullying. The review is taking account of the significant developments and relevant research since the current action plan was published in 2013. I have been advised that the steering committee aims to have its work completed by the end of November and I look forward to receiving its recommendations.

Regarding teacher supply, a number of important actions have been taken including more than 3,400 primary and post-primary newly qualified teachers this year and the expansion of the primary substitution teacher supply panels. One hundred and seventy teachers are expected to graduate from upskilling programmes in Spanish, maths and physics this year. It is expected that more than 300 teachers will graduate in 2023 and third and fourth year students can now register with the Teaching Council of Ireland. Job sharing and career break arrangements have been relaxed for the current school year and the Department is in ongoing engagement with school management bodies on possible further measures.

The Department has undertaken numerous initiatives to make teaching attainable to those from diverse backgrounds. In particular, the Teaching Transforms campaign is promoting the teaching profession using radio, video and social media and is supported by a dedicated web page. The campaign highlights the importance of diversity in the classroom and it has featured student teachers from backgrounds that are traditionally under-represented in teaching.

In respect of school libraries, the €20 million grant funding provided earlier this year gives access to more and better reading opportunities for children and young adults across all school-going ages and reading abilities. In order to assist schools in spending their grant funding, the Department has collaborated with the public library service to provide specific, tailored support measures and resources. The development of a new literacy, numeracy and digital strategy is under way. This seeks to further enhance the literacy and numeracy skills of our learners. The development is underpinned by extensive research and consultation. The consultation will include engagement with relevant stakeholders, including Libraries Ireland, the Library Association of Ireland and JCSP libraries. The new strategy will be published in early 2023.

As I said at the outset, significant work is being done right across the Department and the school sector generally. At budget time, I was proud to have secured ground-breaking investments in our education system, furthering the work of recent years in reducing class sizes, reducing costs for families, tackling disadvantage and supporting the achievement of all our students. The introduction of a new scheme to provide free books for all students in primary school has been a priority of mine since taking office and signifies a new chapter in Irish primary education.

This permanent initiative, benefiting more than 540,000 students, will greatly reduce the burden on families and reflects the importance the Government places on education for all children. For the third consecutive year, I have lowered the staffing schedule for schools, bringing it to an historic low of 23:1 in primary schools. Since 2021, we have also invested in an enhanced summer programme. I am delighted to have secured a further €20 million in funding to maintain the availability of this programme for all our schools. It has been enormously valuable to students and continues to grow in popularity and in impact. The Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, and I are intent on ensuring that it is further developed. The progress we are making for all students and right across the sector will continue into 2023 and beyond.