Broad welcome for McEntee plan that aims 'to shape education system for decades to come'

Education Minister, Helen McEntee has announced the establishment of a National Convention on Education, bringing together all stakeholders in education.

The Meath East TD said the establishment of the convention will deliver on a key commitment in the Programme for Government and will provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity for children, young people, parents, educators and wider society to help shape Ireland’s education system for decades to come.

The Convention will focus mainly on primary and post-primary education but will include the transitions children make from early childhood education to primary and from post-primary to further and higher education.

“Its work will inform a new long-term strategy for education in Ireland. In addition, the various engagements will facilitate discussions on the learners’ experiences, including the experience of education in early childhood and primary and post primary education,” she said.

The move has been welcomed locally. Darragh Roe, principal of Ard Rí Community National School said:

“As a school Principal and a father of three school-age boys I welcome Minister McEntee's National Convention on Education. I was in primary school myself when the last convention took place in 1993, and the current Education Act is 27 years old. We have seen massive changes in Irish society, especially over the last decade.

“I feel some recent education initiatives have been poorly thought out, rushed and reactive. It is timely now to pause, capture the voices of all stakeholders, reflect on where we are at and where we want to go, before setting ambitious targets for the future.

“While I have not seen the scope of the Convention, I would like to see Special Education provision, including the proper linking of specialist supports to schools set as a priority.

“Furthermore, as education is now more complex than ever, reducing class-size to twenty children or fewer is crucial if we are to improve outcomes for all learners. As an advocate for Community National Schools I think there needs to be a conversation about school patronage and a real strategy established to move towards the provision of multi-denominational education in the state. And don't even get me started on school building and accommodation.”

Meath Council of Trade commended the Minister for her speedy delivery on this commitment in the Programme for Government.

Moira Leydon, Secretary to the Council and recently retired education union official, stated: “Minister McEntee is absolutely right when she stated that education is the driving force of Ireland’s economic and social development. Holding a national conversation about education – from early childhood to higher education – is important for our society.

“It will give stakeholders and the wider community opportunities to shape government policy. However, as a trade union voice, we must also point out that for our education system to continue to perform at its current high level, we need to address the elephant in the room when it comes to education policy. That elephant is decades of under-investment in education. Last year, a major OECD report once again ranked Ireland as last out of 34 countries when it comes to the proportion of GDP invested in education. Everybody working in education is all too aware of the funding pressures on pre-schools, schools and colleges. The National Convention must address once and for all, how we can better fund our education system. “

Carol McSherry, member of Forsa and SNA worker, responded to the Minister’s announcement with some scepticism: “We are living in a period of profound change – climate crisis, the potential impact of AI on all aspects of economic and social life, the rise of racism and xenophobia – all of these challenges are already impacting on Ireland.

“We need to make sure our education system is capable of preparing for this unpredictable future. However, the Convention should not ‘side line’ the voice of those who work in education.

“Education workers from pre-school teachers, Special Needs Assistants, teachers, lecturers and other staff, have a unique knowledge of the strengths and challenges facing the system. Our voice must be respected in any national conversation. “

Deputy Darren O'Rourke Sinn Fein spokesperson on education said there is a major need for reform of the education system.

“The convention falls short of a previous commitment for the creation of a citizens assembly on education.”

He said it would be an important opportunity for all stakeholders to have their say .

“We will engage extensively and encourage others to do so too.”

The Convention’s agenda will be approved by government next year following national consultation involving the public, early childhood education, school communities and other stakeholders (children and youth; early learning and care providers, community; business and industry).

“Our education system has been the driving force of Ireland’s social and economic success, enabling our learners to go on to shape the vibrant, innovative, democratic society and economy we have today. For us to continue to thrive in a changing environment it is essential that our education system is set up to enable everyone to realise their potential.

“The last National Education Convention happened in 1993 and resulted in a number of significant reforms and developments. As we face new challenges and opportunities in today’s world, it is vital that as many voices as possible are heard and have the chance to help shape a world-class education system that breaks down barriers and supports every child and young person to thrive.

“We have achieved considerable academic success, in particular in relation to reading where we are ranked as the best in the world.

“I want to ensure that we can deliver a world-class education system which breaks down barriers and ensures every child can achieve their full potential.

“In particular, supporting children with special educational needs, tackling educational disadvantage, reducing unacceptably high levels of absenteeism, supporting our teachers and school communities, and reforming our curriculum is central to delivering this vision.”

Professor Anne Looney, who has worked in a variety of roles across the education system will be the independent Chair of the Convention.