1299. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps being taken to improve financial literacy among students in primary and post-primary schools; whether consideration is being given to introducing dedicated financial literacy modules as part of the school curriculum [57473/26]

Opportunities to promote financial literacy are embedded throughout the Irish school curriculum from Primary to Junior Cycle, and into Senior Cycle. This commitment is reflected in the National Financial Literacy Strategy 2025–2029, as well as in Ireland’s Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024–2033.

At primary level, the Primary Curriculum Framework (2023) identifies seven key competencies, including "Being mathematical", which encourages children to apply mathematical thinking in real world situations. The redeveloped Primary Mathematics Curriculum (2023) strengthens this further by including Money as a standalone strand unit. This allows children to gradually build their understanding of money, its value, its uses, and how to work confidently with notes and coins in meaningful contexts.

In the Junior Cycle, financial literacy is explicitly highlighted in Statement of Learning 14 of the Framework for Junior Cycle, which focuses on students making informed financial decisions and developing strong consumer skills. The eight key skills of Junior Cycle, including being numerate, being literate, setting personal goals, and making considered decisions also contribute directly to financial literacy. Subjects including Mathematics, Business Studies, Home Economics, and the Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes for students with general learning disabilities provide structured opportunities for students to deepen their financial knowledge and skills.

The redeveloped Senior Cycle, places a strong emphasis on key student competencies, including those linked to financial literacy. A Transition Year micro module on financial literacy, developed by the NCCA, supports students in exploring their own financial habits and understanding the importance of being financially informed.

Within Leaving Certificate subjects, financial literacy continues to be strengthened. The revised Leaving Certificate Business specification helps students understand how business connects to their own lives while building financial and business literacy. The draft specification for Leaving Certificate Home Economics includes Family Resource Management, where students learn about consumer empowerment, decision making, and managing household finances. The redevelopment of the Mathematics and Accounting specifications will further enhance students’ numeracy and financial literacy skills.

Finally, the new specification for Life, Community and Work (formerly LCVP) supports students in preparing for life beyond school. Through its two modules, Me and My Future and Community and Work, students learn how to make informed decisions as they plan for their future pathways.