Minister McEntee welcomes new national Guidance on the use of AI in Schools
- Published on: 21 October 2025
- Last updated on: 21 October 2025
Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee TD, has today (21 October) welcomed the publication of the Guidance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Schools.
This new guidance is designed to support teachers and school leaders in their planning for the potential use of AI in teaching and learning, and to ensure that, where AI is deployed, it is used safely, ethically and appropriately.
Drawing on international best practice from UNESCO and the European Union (EU), it highlights relevant factors and suitable resources to inform schools and teachers in planning for the possible use of AI in teaching and learning. In addition, it supports good decision making around AI tools and practice where they are being used by teachers in their planning and preparation, as well as in some aspects of teaching and learning. There are examples of how AI can be used in schools in the guidance.
Minister McEntee said:
“I welcome the publication of the Guidance on AI for Schools. My department, with the support of Oide Technology in Education (TiE), is committed to supporting our school leaders and teachers in this evolving area to ensure all our students can reach their full potential.
“AI has emerged as one of the more transformative digital technologies, with the potential to transform how we engage with technology across all aspects of our lives. It is essential that our school communities have access to the information needed to support them in understanding the opportunities it offers, as well as the challenges associated with its use.
“Recent research by OECD on the Impact of Digital Technologies on Student Learning shows that digital technologies can support and enhance teaching and learning when used purposefully. The role of the teacher is more critical than ever, and we will continue to support teachers and school leaders in their continued professional development in the area of digital technologies in education and in particular, AI.
“Given AI is a rapidly growing and changing area, with research and evaluation on its potential benefits in education still in its early stages, this Guidance is intended to be a living document subject to ongoing updates. The Guidance on AI in Schools will be reviewed and updated regularly, taking into account national and international research and evaluation as well as feedback from education stakeholders.
"We will continue to engage with our school communities and education stakeholders as well as national and international colleagues to ensure our AI guidance and supports reflect the findings from research and evaluation on its impact on education. This guidance is one of a number of supports and resources in this area. I would recommend all teachers and schools leaders interested in the use of AI to visit the online Oide TiE AI Hub.”
Guidance on Artificial Intelligence in Schools is available to read here: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/digital-strategy-for-schools-to-2027/#guidance-on-artificial-intelligence-in-schools
Notes for Editors
Some Key Points on AI Resources
- AI in Schools Hub
https://www.oidetechnologyineducation.ie/artificial-intelligence-in-schools/
- AI for Schools – Online Course
AI for Schools - Oide Technology in Education
- Good Practice Videos of AI in Schools
- AI for Schools – Expert Video Series
https://www.oidetechnologyineducation.ie/ai-for-schools-video-series/
- AI & Online Safety – Webwise
https://www.webwise.ie/ai-hub/ai-in-education/
- Oide AI Framework and Infographic
Artificial Intelligence - 5 Considerations for Teacher Use
- AI Projects and Initiatives
https://www.oidetechnologyineducation.ie/projects-initiatives/
Referenced Research
- OECD Working Papers on the Impact of Digital Technologies on Students’ Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Leaving Certificate assessment
With regard to Leaving Certificate assessment, since the 2023 examinations the State Examinations Commission (SEC) has included an instruction in relation to material generated by artificial intelligence (AI) software in its documentation.
There is a requirement currently that any material generated by AI software be appropriately referenced. The arrangements for the acceptance and authentication of coursework for the state examinations are outlined in SEC Circulars S69/04, S68/08, S76/22, and S52/24, which contains specific instructions in relation to the use of AI software in coursework.
In respect of the new and revised Leaving Certificate subjects being introduced from September 2025, guidelines from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to support the completion of AACs were published in December 2024. These guidelines were developed in close cooperation with the SEC and teacher focus groups.
The publication of those (December 2024) Guidelines delivered on a commitment to provide assessment materials to teachers to support the implementation of the revised subject specifications and will also inform the further development of teacher professional learning by Oide, as relevant and appropriate.
The inclusion in the AAC Guidelines of a requirement for any material generated by AI software to be appropriately referenced is in line with the approach taken by the SEC in other subjects currently. A consolidated and updated Coursework Rules and Procedures document will shortly be published by the SEC governing the authentication processes applicable from the 2025/26 school year onwards.