On March 7, the Irish government launched Empowering through Learning, the Action Plan for Education 2019. The Action Plan is part of Ireland’s broader strategic framework for the education and training sector, as set out in the Department of Education and Skills’ Strategy Statement 2019-2021. The Action Plan is based on five high-level goals to:

1. Shape a responsive education and training system that meets the needs and raises the aspirations of all learners.
2. Advance the progress of learners at risk of educational disadvantage and learners with special educational needs in order to support them to achieve their potential.
3. Equip education and training providers with the skills and support to provide a quality learning experience.
4. Intensify the relationships between education and the wider community, society and the economy.
5. Lead in the delivery of strategic direction and supportive systems in partnership with key stakeholders in education and training.

The Plan details over 220 actions to be achieved before the end of 2019, in order to make progress towards these goals. The publication of an annual plan within a broader strategic framework enables the Department to respond in an agile way to the demands of the challenging and complex environment while maintaining a strategic focus for sustainable reform.

The Plan takes account of national and sectoral priorities and commitments contained in Our Public Service 2020, (the national public service reform plan), the National Skills Strategy, the Action Plan for Rural Development, Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures-The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People, the ICT Skills Action Plan, and other relevant cross-governmental policy frameworks.

Progress on implementation is monitored through published quarterly progress reports and annual reviews.