09-05-2025
TUI urges members to support Leaving Certificate reform
Talks over Leaving Certificate subject reforms between the teacher unions and the Department of Education have concluded, with a package of supports offered for implementation of Senior Cycle Redevelopment from September.
The Teachers Union of Ireland has said it will be recommending acceptance of the measures in a ballot of members.
The ASTI trade union is also expected to ballot members.
The measures include specific supports for the first tranche of subjects due to be introduced this September, including an increase in the amount of the current annual Physics and Chemistry grant and the extension of its scope to include Biology and Agricultural Science.
Working groups will also be established to support the implementation and monitoring of the new programme including in areas related to AI.
The Department says it has committed to "early rapid reviews" related to the implementation of revised subject specifications, including the operation of assessment arrangements.
"Proceeding with the introduction of new and revised subjects under Senior Cycle Redevelopment in September, is in the best interest of students. It will help to reduce the pressure faced by students, while recognising a broader range of skills and ensuring that students have the skills necessary to thrive and succeed in a rapidly changing world", Minister for Education Helen McEntee said.
TUI President David Watees said: "The Union believes that these proposals are the best that could be achieved through negotiation and that they have the potential to allay concerns expressed by teachers in terms of both workload and the resources required by schools and teachers to implement Senior Cycle redevelopment."
