# The Anseo.net Review of 2025

An episode of [Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1621391144), 27 Dec 2025, 48 min.

Audio: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/182503883/c77f24c38f9306176c391aab9ebb2005.mp3

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 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

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