Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education

I couldn’t think of a better title to this week’s podcast which is all about admin work. Unfortunately, the biggest change to my job in the last decade or two is the crazy increase in administrative work and constant additions to my workload. My brain physically can’t hold it all so I decided to make it my aim to outsource my brain. This episode goes through some techy tools to help with admin. If nothing else, it will make a good sleeping aid.


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In this episode I offer a comprehensive review of Irish primary education for the year 2025. I cover various educational policies, initiatives, and challenges, spanning teacher shortages, special education crises, the hot meal scheme, religious influences in schools, and the controversial snow days. I discuss new policies introduced by the government, the effectiveness of the Department of Education, and the impact of external events like the conflict in Gaza on school environments. Despite the challenges, I’m, as always, cautiously optimistic for 2026!
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:50 Annual Review of the Primary School Year
02:49 January: Snow Days and New Government
07:09 February: Controversies and Challenges
11:08 March: The Cluster Games and Special Education
16:37 April: Teacher Burnout and Financial Crisis
22:52 May: Religion in Schools Debate
26:45 June: End of School Year and ICT Grant
27:52 July: Teacher Shortages and National Convention
31:24 August: Secretary and Caretaker Strikes
34:44 September: Strike Lessons and Hot Meal Scheme
37:34 October: School Census and Budget
39:59 November: IPPN Conference and New Minister
41:44 December: Reflections and Looking Forward


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Every time I open Google’s NotebookLM, it gets better and better. The graphic above was created using the app and I think it did a good job of summarising the year in a single graphic.
The podcast didn’t do a bad job either though it fell into temptation a couple of times referring to issues at second level. However, all in all, I’m pretty pleased with it, and I’d love to know what you think.


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In this episode of 'If I were the Minister for Education', I delve into the integration of AI in the Irish Primary Education System joined by Amanda Jolliffe, the lead of Microsoft Ireland's Dream Space, to discuss the influence of AI on education and the various innovative tools and programs offered by Dream Space. We explore how AI can assist both teachers and students, from lesson planning to creative learning activities. The discussion covers not only the benefits and applications of AI but also the importance of critical thinking, ethical use, and equitable access to technology in schools. The episode also highlights the significance of professional learning for teachers and forthcoming initiatives like a new Dream Space hub focused on skilling and cloud operation infrastructure.
More about Dream Space: https://dreamspace.microsoft.com/en-us/dreamspace/ireland
Oide AI Hub: https://www.oidetechnologyineducation.ie/ai-hub/


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In this episode of ‘If I Were the Minister for Education,’ I explore the recent survey conducted by the Irish Department of Education concerning primary school patronage. I also discuss the legacy left by former Minister Helen McEntee and give my initial thoughts on the new Minister Hildegarde Naughton. I raise questions about the survey’s efficacy, its democratic value, and its alignment with the constitutional rights of children. I provide a historical context on the secular roots of Irish primary education and argue for state-run, multi-denominational schools.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:31 A New Minister for Education
01:37 Legacy of Helen McEntee
02:30 The Primary School Ethos Survey
03:53 Survey Questions and Parental Choices
06:25 Critique of the Survey’s Purpose
09:08 Human Rights and Education
23:52 Historical Context of Religious Schools
26:25 Conclusion: The Need for Genuine Reform


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simonmlewis.substack.com/subscribe