Education Policy in Ireland since the 1940s

This paper maps education policy in the Republic of Ireland from 1947 to 1973, 1973 to 1980, and 1980 to date and examines how and why these policies were or were not actualised. The paper reveals policy processes have swung from being determined by single ‘heroic’ government leaders to more participatory processes including the production of papers, acts and consultation. In this analysis the participation of key groups such as the Catholic Church, Committees, governing bodies, Unions, teachers and parents are identified. The paper also illumiates continuities and changes in a move for comprehensive education that meets the spiritual and cultural needs of students and education to produce human capital and meet economic growth. Here the links between the expansion of education provision to equalise educational opportunities for all to reach their potential are revealed as central to educational policy, but the implementation of such reforms has been sluggish.