DUBLIN, Oct. 21, 2025 — The Department of Education and Youth has released new Guidance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Schools, designed to help teachers and school leaders plan for the responsible use of AI in teaching and learning.
Purpose of the Guidance
The framework, developed with support from Oide Technology in Education (TiE), draws on UNESCO and European Union best practice. It provides schools with resources to:
- Support decision‑making around AI tools in lesson planning and classroom practice.
- Highlight opportunities and risks, ensuring AI is deployed ethically and appropriately.
- Offer examples of how AI can be integrated into teaching and learning.
Minister McEntee said the guidance would help schools “understand the opportunities [AI] offers, as well as the challenges associated with its use,” stressing that the role of the teacher remains central.
Research and Professional Development
The guidance references OECD research showing that digital technologies can enhance learning when used purposefully. Teachers will continue to receive professional development to adapt to AI, with the guidance described as a “living document” that will be updated regularly in line with new research and stakeholder feedback.
Assessment and Integrity
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has already introduced rules requiring that any AI‑generated material in coursework be appropriately referenced. Updated guidelines for the Leaving Certificate, effective from 2025, will reinforce these requirements, ensuring academic integrity while acknowledging AI’s growing role in education.
Next Steps
The Department confirmed that the guidance will be reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis. Schools are encouraged to access resources through the Oide AI Hub, which includes online courses, expert video series, and frameworks for safe practice.
Summary: Ireland’s new AI in Schools Guidance provides a structured framework for teachers and school leaders to adopt AI responsibly. It balances innovation with safeguards, strengthens rules around assessment integrity, and positions Ireland as an early mover in shaping how AI is integrated into education.
Source: Department of Education and Youth – Government of Ireland gov.ie.
