Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
207. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if digital literacy can be added to school curriculums to ensure responsible use of AI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10989/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraExisting curricula at all levels already provide multiple opportunities to develop digital skills and digital literacy. Ongoing curriculum reform across primary and post-primary education is further strengthening this provision to ensure young people are equipped to use digital technologies responsibly and to recognise misinformation, disinformation and AI-generated content.
At Primary level:
• The Primary Language Curriculum promotes digital literacy, supporting children to locate, evaluate and interpret information across text, visual and audio formats.
• The Primary Curriculum Framework identifies being a digital learner as one of seven key competencies, fostering curiosity, creativity and responsible technology use.
• The Primary Mathematics Curriculum encourages computational thinking, problem-solving and creative application of mathematical knowledge.
• The STEM Education Curriculum supports inquiry, design thinking and computational thinking.
• The Wellbeing Curriculum includes outcomes focused on Media and Digital Wellbeing, supporting safe and ethical use of technology and understanding media influence.
At Post-Primary level:
• The Framework for Junior Cycle embeds digital skills across all key skills and subjects, with a strong focus on responsible and ethical technology use.
• Short Courses in Digital Media Literacy and Coding explicitly develop students’ ability to analyse digital content, counter misinformation, and build computational thinking. Specifically in the updated Coding Short Course, students are tasked with learning: how to identify different AI models; about the potential advantages of using AI models, and; about the safe and ethical use of AI in coding.
• Junior Cycle English incorporates critical analysis of media texts and social media communication.
• Leaving Certificate Computer Science provides students with deep understanding of computing, algorithms, and the social impact of digital technologies.
• Across subjects such as History, English, SPHE and CSPE, students explore the role of digital media in society and learn to critically evaluate information.
Digital skills and literacy are also supported through:
Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024–2033:• Identifies digital literacy as a core learner skill and prioritises critical thinking, problem-solving and digital skills to help students recognise and respond to misinformation, disinformation and AI-generated content.
STEM Education Policy Statement 2017–2026:• Promotes curiosity, creativity, ethical awareness and problem-solving to prepare learners for an increasingly digital and AI-enabled world.
Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027:• Supports all learners in using digital technologies through curriculum-aligned practice and Oide-led teacher professional learning that builds students’ digital skills and understanding.
