Ireland Department of Education and Science

Formally known as the Department of Education and Science, The Department of Education in Ireland is responsible for assessing and running all public schools in the nation.

From 1921 to 1997, education in Ireland was run by the Department of Education, followed by the Department of Education and Science. No matter what name by which it has been known, however, the Department of Education in Ireland has focused on running the National School Primary System. Since 1968, the Department of Education in Ireland has also been responsible for providing secondary education.

Since tradition obliges Irish Catholics, a substantial portion of the population desires to be educated by persons influenced by the Catholic Church. Accordingly, the Department has worked to accommodate the Catholic Church and has liaised closely with the Church.

Some of the objectives that have been carried over from the Department's time as the Department of Education and Science is a devotion to promoting equality, inclusion, quality outcomes, and a life-long dedication to learning. The Department is also devoted to developing plans to provide education that is relevant to each individual's personal social, cultural, and economic needs, and enhancing the capacity of the Department of Education in Ireland to deliver service, formulate policy, conduct research, and educate students.

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