Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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161. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the changes to the criteria for teachers partaking in online summer courses in view of the fact that it will negatively impact those wishing to participate; and if she will set out the rationale for the proposed change. [6238/23]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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165. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will examine an issue (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6254/23]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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166. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider reviewing the recent significant changes in guidelines regarding EPV day summer courses, as the previous fully online and asynchronous courses are no longer allowed; her views on the fact that these changes in guidelines limit the categories of courses that can be run and risk locking many out of professional learning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6257/23]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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177. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a rationale for the changes to the EPV summer courses for primary teachers, particularly the abolition of asynchronous courses and the reduction of offline hours; if she consulted with educational stakeholders on this change; if she considered the caregiving commitments of teachers in this process; if she is committed to providing leadership to the education sector in terms of fostering a culture of continuous learning; and if she plans to reverse and or amend the decision to eradicate asynchronous courses in the interest of caregivers and accessibility. [6332/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 161, 165, 166 and 177 together.

The summer course programme for teachers contributes to the continuum of teachers’ professional learning, promotes innovation and excellence in teaching, learning and assessment, and is supportive of the goals set out as per the new national priorities. The principal objective of the summer course programme is to improve the learning experiences of teachers and to ensure that their learning has a lasting impact on pupils’ learning outcomes and experiences.

Following consideration of a review of the Summer Course Programme my Department intends to introduce some changes to the format of online summer courses. This is part of a process of improvement of CPD provision overall and to ensure that courses offered to primary teachers make a direct impact on the learning experiences and outcomes of pupils in schools.

I am aware that course providers, including the INTO, and teachers have expressed concerns regarding some of these changes. Following requests from a number of providers, my Department has met with them to discuss their concerns. These are being considered and my officials will engage further as required.