On Wednesday 14th January, the Department of Education and Youth formally launched the National Conversation on the Future of Education, a process inviting the public to help shape Ireland’s education system.  

Speaking at the event, Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton emphasised that this process is the first of its kind in over 30 years, that it will inform a National Convention on Education later this year, and feed into a new long-term strategy for education.  Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley and Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan also spoke at the launch.

The last National Convention on Education took place in 1993. This new national conversation will take the form of surveys, submissions processes, school community engagements and regional consultations. 

The Department acknowledged that the education system must be fit for purpose and be able to face increasing challenges such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the increasingly complex needs among children and young people, and reiterated a commitment to ensuring that appropriate education facilities, including special education provision, are available in every community, as close as possible to where children live.  

As part of the launch, the Department has opened a national survey and is encouraging participation from across the education sector, with SNAs and other education workers specifically encouraged to take part. The survey asks participants to reflect on changes they are already seeing in the education system and their hopes for the future. It can be accessed here. 

Encouraging people to take part Minister Naughton said: “The Convention on Education is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for young people, parents, educators and wider society to help shape Ireland’s education system for decades to come, to ensure our young people can stake their claim in this new world.” 

Head of the Education division Andy Pike said: “Our members need a system that is coherent, planned and consistent not one that shifts according to the Minister of the day. In particular, special education has expanded hugely since the 1990s, and there needs to be real clarity on strategy and a framework for special education provision for the future.” 

“This clarity is essential for delivering the best outcomes for children and their families, and to provide certainty and sustainability for the workers who support them.” 

Andy continued: “Investment in education infrastructure and services must be matched by investment in the public sector workers who deliver them. Any vision for the future of education must recognise the central role of our members and be underpinned by fair pay, secure employment, and improved terms and conditions.  

“Through this process of engagement, and across all our work, Fórsa will continue to argue that valuing education means valuing education workers.” 

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