Ministers McEntee and Moynihan launch Department of Education and Youth’s Statement of Strategy 2025 – 2028
- Published on: 23 October 2025
- Last updated on: 23 October 2025
Minister of Education and Youth Helen McEntee TD and Minster of State for Special Education and Social Inclusion Michael Moynihan TD have today announced the publication of Inclusive Education for All, the Department of Education and Youth’s new Statement of Strategy, covering the period 2025 – 2028.
Minister McEntee said:
“As Minister for Education and Youth, I am delighted to publish this Statement of Strategy 2025 – 2028 for the Department of Education and Youth.”
“This strategy sets out our goals and our priorities for the next three years and reaffirms our commitment to creating a world-class education system which breaks down barriers and ensures every child can achieve their full potential.”
“Our focus over the next three years will be on the key areas of supporting children and young people with special educational needs, tackling educational disadvantage and providing additional resources to schools.
“Ireland continues to be recognised internationally for the quality and strength of its education but we also know there is more to do ensure every learner, regardless of background or ability, is supported. This strategy is another important step forward and part of a longer journey towards a fairer, more inclusive system that truly leaves no child behind. ”
“Our plan will place a focus on fostering inclusion for all children and young people in our schools and youth services and ensuring that children and young people are valued and involved in shaping their education and development experiences.”
Minster Moynihan said:
“As Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, I am very pleased to announce the publication of the Statement of Strategy for the Department of Education and Youth 2025 – 2028.”
“This strategy outlines the continued commitment to ensuring access to inclusive and high-quality education for all children and young people including those with additional needs. I am determined to make meaningful progress in enhancing supports for them.
“As Minister with responsibility for school transport, I have also ensured the strategy reflects its important role in making sure children and young people can get to their nearest suitable school in a safe and reliable way. We will continue to embed equity, and inclusion in the School Transport Schemes, so children and young people, whatever their ability or location, have an equal opportunity to learn and thrive.”
The new strategy statement is available at Department of Education and Youth Statement of Strategy
Government Departments are required to prepare a new strategy statement upon the appointment of a new Minister.
Notes for Editors
Informed by the Programme for Government: Securing Ireland’s Future, key Government priorities, policy frameworks and other significant issues, along with extensive consultation with our stakeholders including children and young people, the Statement of Strategy sets out the Department’s strategic vision for the period 2025 – 2028. The Statement of Strategy sets out five goals and 41 strategic objectives necessary to achieve the goals:
- Goal One: Deliver a learning experience for students to highest international standards (12 objectives)
- Goal Two: Break down barriers for groups at risk of exclusion (6 objectives)
- Goal Three: Equip learners of all ages and abilities to participate and succeed in a changing world (6 objectives)
- Goal Four: Support Ireland to be a leader across a broad range of fields (7 objectives)
- Goal Five: Support students and all those who work in the education sector (10 objectives)
These goals are in in line with the Programme for Government education pillars and focus on the Department’s strategic priorities ensuring that, in conjunction with our partners, the Department is responsive and innovative in the delivery of education and youth services to meet the needs of all children and young people.
A wide-ranging consultation process took place to inform this Strategy. It included focus groups with children, young people, parents, teachers, school leaders, special needs assistants (SNAs), and other school staff. These focus groups took place in several locations across the country and they provided valuable input to both the broader consultation process and to the strategy. The broader consultation process also included consultations with key stakeholders, other government departments, and internal staff.