Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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94. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she intends to proceed with Senior Cycle reform as planned or, in light of significant concerns, if she will consult with teacher representatives and school communities and revise this plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3822/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the process of developing a new Senior Cycle began in 2016 and there is now an ambitious programme of work for a redeveloped Senior Cycle of education has been progressing, including work relating to the Leaving Certificate Established (LCE), the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA), Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP), Senior Cycle Level 1 and 2 and Transition Year (TY) programmes.

Significant progress has already been achieved across the redevelopment programme including publication of a new Transition Year Programme Statement and toolkit, publication of nine new subject specifications, and extended access for all LCA students to LCE Mathematics and LCE Modern Foreign Languages.

Working towards realising the Redevelopment Programme's vision of Equity and Excellence for All, Senior Cycle Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes certified by the State Examinations Commission have, for the first time, been made available for students with delayed development across a number of areas including learning, communication, language and adaptive skills.

The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government commits to continuing the programme of reform of Senior Cycle to ensure that students benefit from up-to-date curricula, more diverse skills development and assessments, and reduced stress levels.

I know we must prioritise supporting teachers and staff in our schools as we move through the implementation stages of the programme. Oide has already delivered professional learning directly relevant to Senior Cycle Redevlopment to well over 20,000 school leaders and teachers this school year. Those numbers are climbing steadily week on week and will continue in the years ahead as each tranche and element of the programme is implemented.

The subject and development work is also continuing within the NCCA and further engagement is planned and necessary in that regard. I expect to see draft specifications for Tranche 2 subjects and modules go to consultation this Spring. Consultation of the Background Papers for Tranche 3 is also live currently.

Sample examination papers in the Tranche 1 subjects will be published in April of this year by the State Examinations Commission which will provide further certainty to teachers and to schools as they prepare to introduce the new and revised subject specifications.

I know there has been ongoing discussion and engagement with education partners and let me assure you that this consultation will continue. My Department has put in place supports where they are needed and will continue to examine what additional supports might be needed. Consultation with all education partners, including teacher representatives and school communities, occurs on a regular basis to ensure the redevelopment of Senior Cycle is responsive and will meet the needs of our students.

There is momentum in the programme and we must harness that momentum for the good of our students and I believe we can be ambitious by working together. In line with the announcement of September 2023, it is planned that teaching of nine tranche 1 specifications will commence for incoming fifth years in September 2025.