Ruane chairs NSMC meeting in Warrenpoint

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has chaired a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council in Education Sectoral Format in Warrenpoint.

The meeting was attended by Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Employment and Learning and Mary Coughlan TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills.

During the meeting Ministers received a presentation on initiatives to tackle educational underachievement in disadvantaged communities.

Speaking after the meeting, which was held in St Mark’s High School, Minister Ruane said: “The North South Ministerial Council plays a vital role in addressing a range of issues affecting education across the whole of Ireland. It is good for the Council to meet in venues directly related to the subject under discussion. I would thank the Principal and staff of St Mark’s High School for making the school available.

“The Council is making progress on key areas in education and tackling underachievement, particularly amongst disadvantaged groups such as Travellers and newcomer children. The presentation today gave us an insight from experienced practitioners on the vital work needed to continue the progress. I would like to thank John Graham, Principal – Girls Model; Jim Keith, Principal – Boys Model; Gerry McMahon - Project Manager Full Service Community Network and Michelle Corkey, Principal – St Marks High School.

“The Middletown Centre for Autism has continued to roll out training packages and provide advice and guidance to schools. The Council also stated its support for the development of the phased plan for the centre.

“We also discussed progress made on taking forward issues relating to teacher education, particularly in Irish-medium education.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Good Friday Agreement provided for the NSMC to identify and agree at least 6 matters for co-operation through existing bodies North and South. The agreed aspects of North/South co-operation in Education as mandated by the Inaugural Plenary of the NSMC in Armagh in 1999 are:

• education for children with special needs;
• educational under-achievement;
• teacher qualifications; and
• school, youth and teacher exchanges.

2. Media queries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9755. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.