1223. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Youth her views on a practice in some schools for which animal welfare concerns have been raised (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56186/26]

The Deputy may be assured that schools are expected to adhere to all legal provisions regarding the use of animals. Complaints regarding the welfare of animals in Ireland can be reported to the Animal Welfare Division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, by phone at 01 607 2379 or email at animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie. Where a matter is more urgent it may be raised with An Garda Síochána.

The benefits of students getting first-hand experience, conducting investigations and observing animals in their natural environment and on farms are considerable. My department acknowledges that any use of live animals for scientific purposes raises strong ethical objections for some and comes within the scope of National and European legislation and this has been addressed in Circular 0032/2015 Use of Live Animals for Scientific, Educational or Other Purposes in Schools.

The aims of scientific and environmental education at primary and post-primary levels in Irish schools support learning that is experiential. Students are encouraged to develop skills of scientific inquiry and to actively engage in investigations. The curricula provide opportunity for directly observing live animals and fostering an appreciation and respect for life and the environment. My department fully supports these activities and advocates that students experience and learn from direct observation.

Schools and teachers are given considerable freedoms in relation to how present and teach the curriculum, provided that prescribed materials and certain standards of learning are met. Schools are also free to choose their own co-curricular and extra-curricular activities which may involve buying in products or services not directly linked to the curriculum set by my department. It is the policy of my department not to endorse or promote any particular organisation, programme or publication that facilitates the use of live animals to support teaching and learning and assessment. There is no obligation for a school to use any particular product, service or programme in their delivery of the curriculum.

My department does not have a role in approving, commissioning, sponsoring or endorsing any services providing live animals to schools. Ultimately, the decision on which resources, if any, most appropriately covers the curriculum, rests within the school itself. In making their choices in relation to the use of animals in schools, it is the responsibility of school staff to familiarise themselves with the content and requirements of animal-use legislation and licences. To ensure ongoing compliance, schools must maintain a continuing awareness of the requirements of animal-use legislation and fully check all existing requirements before embarking on any activity that involves live animals.

It may be of interest to the Deputy to know that, earlier this year my department commenced the process of reviewing and updating the circular on the Use of Live Animals for Scientific, Educational or Other Purposes in Schools. A survey has been circulated to schools seeking to determine the extent to which animals are being used in schools and to sample the practices and precautions that are occurring in our schools. My department is also engaging with regulatory bodies, teacher professional networks and others in developing a revised circular. It is expected that this revised circular will issue during the 2026/2027 school year.