The Ministers were speaking after meeting staff from the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI), who were participating in a staff development conference.
Education Minister Caitríona Ruane said: “The Education and Training Inspectors play an important role in school improvement and ensuring every child has the best possible education to enable them to achieve their full potential.
“There is much to celebrate in our schools, but if we are to continue to make improvements, hard decisions need to be taken. The ETI’s professional approach will help schools identify areas for improvement and work with them to raise educational opportunities for all our children and young people. This staff development conference demonstrates the commitment of the ETI to giving Inspectors the skills to provide a professional service across the education sector.”
Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, said: "I am pleased to be here as it reinforces the pivotal role that the Inspectorate plays in helping to assure my Department of the quality of provision in Further Education Colleges and providers of work-based learning.
"In these difficult economic times where more and more people are recognising the importance of upskilling, it is imperative that, through our colleges, universities and training providers, we are able to offer a world class education service to all."
The Education and Training Inspectorate provide an inspection service to the Department of Education, the Department for Employment and Learning and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
Notes to Editors:
1. A photograph of the Ministers with Stanley Goudie, ETI Chief Inspector is available on request from the Department of Education Press Office.
2. Media queries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
