Education Minister addresses Cavan schools conference

Minister McEntee speaks at Slieve Russell gathering.

More supports for both pupils and teachers, and greater integration of services, tackling absenteeism, and dealing with challenging behaviours and bullying were just some of the topics addressed by Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee speaking in Cavan this morning.

New newly installed minister was addressing the Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools (ACCS) Annual Convention which is taking place at the Slieve Russell, Ballyconnell, the theme of which is 'Inspiring Connections: Building Pathways for School Success'.

“It chimes with my vision and ambition for the education system,” said Minister McEntee, addressing delegates.

The connections made with students, between school and home, between school and the community, and between these and youth services “all of these have an impact” on enriching the lives of young people, their families and their futures.

“I believe that success in education is not just about academic achievement, but about creating an environment where students feel supported, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Community and comprehensive schools have long held these strong values, and I know have been champions in ensuring that students have a safe, welcoming environment, where they can learn, thrive and grow.”

Tackling Educational Disadvantage

As minister she said she intend to implement a “major programme” of work to tackle educational disadvantage, with commitment to develop a new plan in 2025.

The Department allocates almost €180 million annually to provide additional supports to almost 1,200 schools and 260,000 children and young people in the DEIS programme. One in four students attends a DEIS school.

“I want to build on this success and expand to support students who are not attending DEIS schools,” she said, adding that the functions of youth work will be transferring shortly to her Department also.

“We can work together to put the young person at the heart of a continuum of service, recognising the strengths of school-based and community-based services, and working collaboratively to deliver a programme of supports for young people focused on helping them to develop and grow.”

Special Educational needs

In mainstream schools there are now over 3,330 special classes educating over 20,500 children and the minister thanked all school principals and leaders in our Community and Comprehensive schools who “work hard” with their mainstream, special education teaching and SNA staff to support these students.

The NCSE and the Department is working to support our post-primary schools to provide at least four special classes each over the coming years.

“I know that the admission process for these new post-primary special classes is a key consideration for school leaders and the NCSE and the Department will be issuing further guidance to schools on what is provided for in the admissions legislation in this area.”

Cineáltas

Minister McEntee said it was important that the “whole school community” works together to implement the new Bí Cineálta Procedures to Prevent and Address Bullying Behaviour for Primary and Post-Primary Schools proceedures, which take effect from the beginning of the 25/26 school year, and use a full range of online and in-person supports provided by my Department and by Oide.

“All of us in the education community, including school staff, boards of management, parents and students must continue to work in partnership to prevent and address bullying behaviour and spread Cineáltas so that all of our children and young people can feel a sense of belonging in our schools and reach their full potential.”

With regards to student behaviour the ACCS has engaged regularly with officials in the Department on student behaviour and, in particular, on behaviours of concern following the publication of Guidelines in December.

“It’s really important to emphasise that the Guidelines are part a suite of supports intended to support behaviour in schools including the NCSE Relate framework and updated guidelines from TESS,” said the minister.

Senior Cycle redevelopment

The minister said her approach to Senior Cycle Redevelopment is about “collaboration and engagement”.

“The world has changed and continues to change at a rapid pace. The digital and AI revolution has the capacity to lead the biggest change in our society and in our economy since the industrial revolution,” she said. “We have to ensure that our education system continues to equip our students and young people with the knowledge, skills and competencies they need to succeed in this rapidly changing world.”

Another step sought by the minister is to further expand the free schoolbooks scheme to all students in Senior Cycle years in the Free Education Scheme.

This is part of a funding package of over €170 million which will see, for the first time, all children and young people enrolled in primary, special and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme provided with schoolbooks and core classroom resources.

“This is a key inclusion measure and I thank you for your role in ensuring its success.”

School leadership and teacher supply

The work done across school communities by boards of management is “not always seen” said the minister, who said with the increasing complexity and demands faced by school leaders and boards in mind, the Department of Education is now “undertaking a longer-term strategic examination of school leadership and governance of the school system”.

As for teacher teacher supply she said the Government is fully committed to ensuring that every child has a positive school experience, with access to qualified and engaged teachers who are dedicated to supporting their learning.

There are now 78,000 qualified teachers employed in Ireland with over 35,000 in post-primary schools.

The number of allocated teaching posts, and the number of registered teachers has increased significantly in recent years. There has been a 20% increase in the number of student teachers graduating between 2018 and 2023 and a 30% rise in teachers registered with the Teaching Council since 2017.

“Despite these increases we need to do more to help schools that face recruitment difficulties,” she said. “I am determined to address teacher supply challenges and am considering various measures and ideas to support this goal.”

School infrastructure

Ireland is currently running at a record level of investment in school buildings.

The ACCS, the minister said, continues to play an “important role” in supporting planning for school provision, and this “collaborative engagement” is very much valued.

Over 60 projects have been delivered under the Energy Retrofit Pathfinder Programme, jointly funded with SEAI, and a further 15 projects are at various stages of delivery.

The Schools PV Programme, launched in November 2023, is assisting schools to reduce costs, and their carbon footprint, in line with the 2030 and 2050 Climate Action Plan targets.

“We have had more than 1,000 installations completed so far, with 2,000 schools approved to proceed to tender. I recently announced the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme for schools, which has a strong climate dimension. It also provides an important opportunity for post-primary schools to undertake refurbishment, and improvement works to their science laboratories.”

Student participation

Before concluding, the minister addressed how the ACCS and community and comprehensive schools have “been to the fore of creating connections” between schools and communities and encouraging the voice of students.

The department will be engaging with schools on the updating of the guidelines on Student Councils, and the minister said she looks forward to the re-introduction of the Charter Bill in the coming legislative programme, which will give additional voice to parents and students, as key members of the school community.

“As Minister, I am committed to supporting you in this mission. I look forward to working together to build stronger connections, enhance resources, and create new pathways that empower every student to reach their full potential.”