Minister must heed Teacher warnings on Senior Cycle Reform – Darren O’Rourke TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Youth, Darren O’Rourke TD, has urged Minister Helen McEntee to listen to the serious concerns of teachers as reflected at their annual conferences this week.

Speaking from the ASTI convention in Killarney, Teachta O’Rourke said:

“As teacher unions gather this week to discuss critical issues in education, I am urging the Minister for Education to listen to their serious concerns about the proposed Senior Cycle reforms. Teachers are on the frontlines of our education system, and their warnings cannot be ignored.

“The current reform plans, pushed forward without meaningful engagement with educators, risk undermining the quality and fairness of our Leaving Certificate. Teachers have raised valid concerns about workload pressures, inadequate resources, and the potential for increased inequality under the proposed changes, including due to the impact of Artificial Intelligence.

“The Minister must pause this rushed process and engage in genuine consultation with all stakeholders, particularly the professionals who deliver education every day. Reforms must enhance, not hinder, the learning experience for students.

“Sinn Féin supports modernising education, but it must be done right – with proper planning, investment, and collaboration. The Minister’s approach risks alienating the very people tasked with implementing these changes.

“I stand with teachers in calling for a pause and re-engagement. The future of our young people is too important to get wrong.”