In February 2025, the Department of Finance published Ireland’s first National Financial Literacy Strategy. Alongside this, the Department of Finance and Department of Education also launched Financial Education in Schools – Guidelines for the Financial Services Industry (Download Guidelines here, or view below), jointly developed by both Departments.
The Guidelines were informed by engagement with relevant stakeholders, particularly in the education sector and industry, and the OECD, as the global leader on best practice for financial literacy and education.
What the Guidelines are for?
These Guidelines are for primary schools, post-primary schools and financial service providers delivering financial education initiatives in a schools. The overall aim is to promote initiatives that improve financial literacy for children and young people, as well as:
- A stronger understanding for teachers and school leaders on expectations when engaging with financial service providers;
- A clear and transparent basis for financial service providers to engage in a school setting, in line with internationally recommended practice;
- The promotion of financial literacy initiatives delivered in schools;
- Quality, inclusive and relevant educational links to the school curriculum; and
- Solid foundations to build quality partnerships between schools and the financial services industry in delivering financial education programmes across the country.
Many valuable financial education programmes are already taking place in schools across the country. These Guidelines should provide additional support for both schools and industry and also provide useful guidance for the development of any new financial education programmes.
Next steps / further information
A Working Group to Review the Financial Education Guidelines has been established to monitor and evaluate the Guidelines and make recommendations on updates or changes in advance of the 2026/2027 academic year. The input of teachers in this review is essential. The Department will be in touch in the coming months seeking your input into the review.
Any changes to the Guidelines will be published in advance of the beginning of the academic year in 2026.
The Department will also be engaging with the BSTAI to host an information session on the Guidelines to provide you with more information and an opportunity to answer any questions from teachers.
Should you have any questions about the Guidelines or the National Financial Literacy Strategy more generally, please contact the Financial Literacy Team in the Department of Finance at financialliteracy@finance.gov.ie.