Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022
108. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education the status of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment advisory report on senior cycle reform; when she will publish the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4621/22]
View answer125. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the status of the senior cycle review including the planned implementation of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4673/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 125 together.
As the Deputy is aware, between 2016 and 2020 the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) undertook an extensive review of senior cycle programmes and vocational pathways. The NCCA’s Advisory Report on the Senior Cycle has been submitted to my Department for consideration.
The Advisory Report maps out, in broad terms, an ambitious programme of work, which would enable the development and construction of the components that would make up a Framework for Senior Cycle and will involve further ongoing stakeholder engagement and consultation.
I am aware of the desire in the education community and more generally that the NCCA Advisory Report be published but we must first complete our consideration of the Report. I am currently focusing on what the implementation of the Report would involve and what we can do to best ensure the further evolution of Senior Cycle. My officials and I have been considering the Report carefully, with a view to delivering a Senior Cycle programme that meets the needs of the students of today and the future, and the Report will be published once those considerations are complete.
