Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education, Darren O’Rourke TD, says concerns aired by school leaders in relation to the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to pose a significant risk to the integrity of proposed Senior Cycle assessment methods, are another reason for Minister Helen McEntee to pause her plan for accelerated reforms.

Speaking during ‘Statements on AI’ in the Dáil this week, Teachta O’Rourke said;

“AI is an incredibly powerful technology, and while I welcome the appointment of a Minister of State with responsibility for it, the rapid pace of its development demands a whole-of-government approach. This technology has immense potential, but it also carries significant risks that must be carefully managed. We are only beginning to understand the full implications of AI, and it is clear that its evolution is far outpacing initial expectations.

“In the context of education, particularly the Leaving Certificate and Senior Cycle reform, the risks associated with AI cannot be ignored. I am deeply concerned that the Minister for Education is pushing ahead with accelerated Senior Cycle reforms, bypassing the original timeline in favor of an expedited approach. This haste is ill-advised, especially given the serious concerns raised by school leaders, teachers, and students across the country.

“School leaders have articulated real and pressing concerns about the impact of AI on the academic integrity of Senior Cycle Reform. They highlight that the State Examinations Commission requires adequate time to design, evaluate, and implement assessment methods that are fair, reliable, and aligned with the redeveloped curriculum. Crucially, these methods must fully account for the influence of AI, which is already reshaping how students engage with learning and assessment.

“Despite the Minister’s announcement of research into AI and its impact on additional assessment components (AAC) – a key part of the proposed reforms – this research is still not published. Yet, the Minister continues to push forward with the accelerated rollout of Senior Cycle redevelopment. School leaders warn that this strategy carries inherent dangers and could have a disastrous effect on students. These are significant concerns and they come from experienced educators who understand the stakes.

“Furthermore, school leaders highlight that the use of AI in written projects and assessments has not been adequately researched and, in fact, poses a significant risk to the integrity of proposed AAC methods. This is a red flag that cannot be ignored.

“While these challenges are not insurmountable, they require careful planning, preparation, and collaboration with all stakeholders. Rushing through reforms without addressing these issues is not the way forward.

“I am calling on the Minister for Education to pause the accelerated Senior Cycle reform and take the time necessary to address the profound implications of AI. School leaders, teacher trade unions, and educators are speaking loudly and clearly. They need time to prepare and plan for these changes.

“Rushing this process risks undermining the credibility of our education system and failing our students. I urge the Minister of State with responsibility for AI to engage with the Minister for Education on this critical issue. The future of our education system depends on getting this right, and that means taking the time to ensure these reforms are robust, fair, and future-proofed.”