Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2025
440. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the review of out-of-school education; the current status of the revision report; when it is expected to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66022/25]
View answerIn May 2022, my department announced the publication of a report on the Review of Out-of-School Education Provision. This review focused on the education provision for learners under 16 years of age who have encountered difficulties staying in mainstream education.
Arising from that review, a number of recommendations were made to inform future policy and provide a sustainable option within the education system to further serve this group of learners.
In October 2022, an implementation group was established to progress the recommendations contained in that report and to develop a standardised framework of support for young people at risk of disengaging from education.
In addition to officials from my department, membership of the group included the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), National Association of Principals & Deputy Principals (NAPD), Children’s Rights Alliance (CRA), Tusla Education Support Services (TESS), Jigsaw, Department of Further and Higher Education Research Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), the National Parents Council (NPC), Department of Justice and the Irish Second Level Students Union (ISSU). The group was chaired by Dr Jacinta Stewart.
The implementation group consulted widely with a range of stakeholders, agencies, and other interested parties including children and young people, parents, school leaders and practitioners from out-of-school education provision.
The implementation group has now completed its work and I expect to receive a copy of the report very shortly. In addition, my department is currently developing an implementation plan to ensure that all children and young people will be supported throughout their education and provided with an opportunity to achieve success and reach their full potential.
