This chapter provides a thematic and chronological overview of national reforms and policy developments since 2022. 

The web pages that follow group reforms in the following broad thematic areas: 

• Early childhood education and care 

• General school education 

• Vocational education and training 

• Higher education 

• Adult education and training. 

Inside each thematic area, reforms are organised chronologically. The most recent reforms are described first

Ongoing Reforms and Policy Developments

Overall National Education Strategy and Key Objectives

Education is central to our nation’s economic, cultural, scientific and social ambitions. Education supports the development of a strong growing economy while sustaining a fair and compassionate society. The Programme for Government states that “Education is the key to giving every child an equal opportunity in life. No child should be left behind in economic recovery and we should use our strengthening economy to become a leader in the provision of world-class education and skills.”

An excellent and innovative education and training system is pivotal to personal fulfilment, the building of a fair society and a successful nation. It is central to sustaining economic success and in converting economic success into building a strong community.

Our central vision is that, through adopting a whole-of-system approach, the Irish education and training system should become the best in Europe. Being the lead in Europe means an ambition to be the best at:

• Delivering a learning experience to highest international standards;

• Harnessing education to break down barriers for groups at risk of exclusion and setting the benchmark for social inclusion;

• Equipping learners of all ages and capacities to participate and succeed in a changing world;

• Leading in innovation and a broad range of endeavours; scientific, cultural, enterprise and public service;

• Fostering strong relationships between enterprise and education and building strong bridges with the wider community.

Overview of the Education Reform Process and Drivers

The main policy approaches and drivers of reform are:

• National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030;
• National Skills Strategy 2025;
• Strategy for Foreign Languages 2017-2026;
• The EU2020 Strategy and Indicators.
• First 5, the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies Young Children and their Families, 2019-2028
• Partnership for the Public Good: A New Funding Model for Early Learning and Care and School-age Childcare
• Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, 2022-2028
• National Action Plan for Childminding (2021-2028)

1. Enable the provision of high-quality education and improve the learning experience to meet the needs of all children and young people, in schools and early learning and care settings.
2. Ensure equity of opportunity in education and that all children and young people are supported to fulfil their potential.
3. Together with partners, provide strategic leadership and support for the delivery of the right systems and infrastructure for the sector.
4. Organisational Excellence and Innovation

These goals are derived from the Department's Statement of Strategy 2023-2025 and aim to guide the Department's work programme for that period. The Annual Statement of Priorities serves as a roadmap for delivering strategic and operational priorities, helping to manage the pace and sequence of change towards longer-term strategic goals.

The document also emphasises the Department's commitment to continued development and improvement in the education sector, focusing on key areas such as supporting children's learning, addressing educational disadvantage, migrant inclusion, supporting children with special educational needs, combating climate change, and supporting the active participation of children and young people in the system.

The publication of Forbairt on an annual basis, within a broader strategic framework, enables the Department to respond in an agile way to the demands of the challenging and complex environment while maintaining a strategic focus for sustainable reform.

Our key focus for 2024 includes:

• Improving education quality and implementing curriculum reforms;
• Enhancing digital strategy implementation in schools;
• Strengthening special education and inclusion efforts;
• Developing school infrastructure and climate action initiatives;
• Promoting teacher professional development and supply;
• Addressing educational disadvantage and supporting diversity;
• Implementing wellbeing and anti-bullying measures;
• Advancing Irish language and foreign language education;
• Enhancing student participation and voice in education;
• Improving data integration and evidence-based policy-making;
• Preparing for EU Presidency in education matters;
• Enhancing organisational excellence and customer service.