The Education Minister is suspending plans to have parts of the Leaving Cert assessed by teachers.
Norma Foley says it's because of the growth in AI. She says it needs to be studied further and how it impacts on education.
She said: “I am particularly conscious of the more recent accelerated evolution and growth in generative AI, and I understand there is a need to explore the opportunities afforded by these developments in an educational context, as well as the challenges they might present.
“With that in mind I have asked the SEC that further research would be commissioned on the potential role and impact of generative artificial intelligence in teacher-based assessment in particular.
While this work is ongoing, I have decided to progress additional and practical components that will be externally assessed by the SEC.''
She says changes will be introduced to nine subjects from 2025, including Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Business.
Part of the subjects will be externally assessed, so the students' result won't just hinge on the June exams.
Meanwhile, two new subjects are to be added to the Leaving Cert Programme.
Students will be able to study Climate Action and Sustainable Development, along with Drama, Film and Theatre Studies.
