Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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34. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether she has met with organisations (details supplied) to discuss the concerns of teachers regarding the proposed Leaving Certificate Senior Cycle reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8315/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The approach to Senior Cycle Redevelopment has, from its outset, been about collaboration, about engaging with stakeholders and partners in education, and about recognising and amplifying the student voice. I am committed to continuing that collaborative ethos as we all work together to deliver the change that our students deserve.

Students and many other stakeholders and experts have consistently called for a revised and renewed senior cycle that meets the needs of our students. That is why it is fundamental to redevelopment that we engage with teachers and work together in our shared goal of delivering for students.

To that end, my officials meet regularly with both unions bilaterally to discuss Senior Cycle redevelopment, including on four occasions since December last.

These meetings provide the opportunity to discuss and respond to emerging concerns and challenges around the redevelopment programme.

Teachers’ unions are also represented on the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Partners’ Forum – a structure which brings together our partners in education to exchange information on the progress of redevelopment and on challenges in implementation.

Teachers’ Unions also have further involvement in the redevelopment process through their representatives on the Subject Development Groups convened by the NCCA to develop the revised specifications for Senior Cycle subjects. These are practicing teachers who contribute as part of these groups to bring forward the work of revising and updating each subject specification.

I can confirm that I met both Unions yesterday. My department and I will continue to engage with our teachers and with all stakeholders to ensure we deliver a redeveloped Senior Cycle that will significantly enrich the student experience and maintain the high-quality education system Ireland is well-known for.