The minister said that introducing the programme this autumn is in the “best interest of students” and will “help reduce the pressure” they face.
“Over the past number of weeks, there have been intensive and constructive engagements with the post-primary teacher unions regarding senior cycle redevelopment,” Ms McEntee said in a statement.
“I am happy to confirm that these talks have now concluded, with a package of supports offered to support the implementation of senior cycle redevelopment from September.”
Ms McEntee said that it is “now a matter for” the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) and Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) to “consider this package as part of their own processes”.
The Minister also thanked two unions for “engaging in these talks, for their commitment” and “their valuable contributions to these discussions”.
“Their input has been instrumental in shaping our shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
“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.
“Not only will these supports help teachers and schools to implement senior cycle redevelopment, they will ultimately ensure that students across the country reap the benefits of a revised senior cycle,” she said.
The review of senior cycle started in 2016 and led to the announcement of the redevelopment programme in March 2022.
In late 2024, both post-primary unions called for a pause to certain aspects of the programme.
In particular, they asked for a pause in the introduction of seven of the nine new and revised subject s in Tranche 1 in schools for students starting the fifth year in September 2025, which had been approved by the former Minister.
The Department engaged with unions in response to these calls, while both ASTI and TUI made a submission to the Department in writing in March setting out their views.
After considering the unions’ request for a pause, Minister McEntee wrote to the unions in early April to confirm that the implementation of the programme would continue with the introduction of Tranche 1 in September as previously announced.
She said that a further delay to the timelines would not be in the best interests of students.
However, the Department and unions continued to meet frequently to discuss these supports and the proposal was developed as to how the implementation of the redevelopment programme will be further supported.
If accepted by the unions, it will form the basis of a national collective agreement between the Department and teacher unions.
“This agreement provides a number of important supports to teachers, students and schools to ensure the successful implementation of senior cycle redevelopment,” Ms McEntee said.
“I look forward to continuing close collaboration with the ASTI and TUI, indeed with all representative bodies, as we work together to strengthen and support senior cycle redevelopment,” she added.
Meanwhile, the students from the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) have backed a decision about the Leaving Cert reform.
The representative body for second-level school students welcomed the decision to continue with the introduction of senior cycle redevelopment, despite calls for a “one-year pause”.
The ISSU president, Jack McGinn, said: “We are redeveloping our senior cycle because we need to deliver a better system for students, that is what these redevelopments will achieve – we cannot afford to wait another year.”
“I welcome the announcement of specific posts of responsibilities to support schools in implementing the reforms, and the increase and extension of grant funding for the science subjects – ensuring that students will have equal access to resources.
“The ISSU encourages stakeholders to support the implementation of support measures. It is imperative that we deliver clarity for students on the ground, to enable them to reach their full potential,” he added.
Tranche 1 of the redeveloped subjects, launching this September, will include eight subjects, such as Ancient Greek, Arabic, Biology, Chemistry, Latin, Physics, and Business Studies.
Remaining redeveloped subjects will launch gradually in the following tranches.
Main provisions of the package include confirmation of the revision of arrangements for teachers securing permanent contracts and the development of a right to disconnect policy applicable to schools.
It also encompasses subject-specific supports focused on the subjects in Tranche 1, 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.
#Leaving #Cert #senior #cycle #start #September
