In April 2025, the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) and the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) raised significant concerns regarding the government’s proposed reforms to the Leaving Certificate examination. The core of their apprehension centers on the introduction of Additional Assessment Components (AACs), which would allocate a minimum of 40% of marks to coursework, projects, and other non-exam elements across various subjects, including biology, chemistry, physics, and business studies.​

Authentication Challenges in the Age of AI

Educators have expressed skepticism about their ability to verify the authenticity of student-submitted coursework, especially with the increasing accessibility of artificial intelligence tools. John Conneely, a representative from the ASTI Standing Committee, stated, “It will be practically impossible for teachers to authenticate the work of each student.” He further highlighted the absence of legal safeguards for teachers who might question the originality of a student’s work, noting the potential for litigation in such scenarios.​

A survey conducted by the ASTI revealed that 88% of teachers anticipate difficulties in authenticating student work under the new AAC framework. Additionally, 82% believe that these components will increase student workload, and 70% foresee heightened stress levels among students.

Potential for Industrial Action

The urgency of these concerns has led both unions to consider industrial action. Delegates at the ASTI’s annual convention in Killarney passed an emergency motion to ballot members for potential industrial action if the Department of Education does not address their concerns adequately. Similarly, the TUI is set to vote on a motion that could lead to similar measures.​

ASTI President Donal Cremin emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We now stand on a cliff edge when it comes to the future of Irish education.” He underscored the need for a collaborative approach to ensure that reforms do not compromise the integrity of the education system.​

Broader Concerns: Teacher Supply and Resources

Beyond the immediate issues with AACs, the TUI has highlighted a broader crisis in the teaching profession. A recent survey indicated that four in five longer-serving teachers believe they could not afford to enter the profession today. This sentiment underscores challenges related to teacher recruitment and retention, exacerbated by concerns over workload and inadequate resources.​

The unions argue that the rapid implementation of the Leaving Cert reforms, without sufficient training and resources, places undue pressure on educators and could compromise the quality of education. They advocate for a more measured approach, ensuring that any changes are supported by adequate infrastructure and professional development opportunities.​

Government’s Stance and the Path Forward

Minister for Education Helen McEntee has acknowledged the concerns raised by educators. She noted that €12 million has been allocated to upgrade school laboratories and that new guidance on AI usage in coursework will be issued by the State Examination Commission. However, she also emphasized the government’s commitment to implementing the reforms from September.​

As discussions between the unions and the Department of Education continue, the outcome will significantly influence the trajectory of the Leaving Certificate reforms. Ensuring that these changes enhance educational outcomes without overburdening teachers or compromising assessment integrity remains a central challenge.​

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