29 September 2000

FARREN TO VISIT USA

"Not only can Northern Ireland learn from the USA, but it can help teach them," the Minister for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, Dr Sean Farren, said today.

The Minister was speaking before his scheduled departure tomorrow (Saturday 30 September) for a visit to the USA, a trip which, he says, can help Northern Ireland learn from, and share, common experiences.

Dr Farren said: "There can be no doubt that a special relationship has developed between the USA and Northern Ireland, a relationship that has brought great benefits to both sides.

"One reason for my visit is to ensure that that relationship is maintained and developed, especially in the areas of further education, higher education and training. I have already met with a number of US Government representatives during visits to Northern Ireland, but it is also vitally important that we build on those contacts and meet people in their own environments."

During his visit, Dr Farren will have a busy schedule of events, mainly in and around Washington, during which he will meet a wide range of representatives from the worlds of education, business, training and politics.

On Monday afternoon he will meet with Secretary of State for Education, Richard Riley, and other key officials in the US Department of Education, to discuss a range of higher and further education, training and skills issues.

This will follow meetings with the Office of Education at the Catholic Bishop's Conference and the US Department of State, and visits to the US Immigration and Naturalisation Service and Department of Labour, University of Georgetown and a courtesy call to the Irish Embassy are also scheduled.

On Tuesday the Minister will be visiting The Northern Virginia Community College which has strong links with the Belfast institute of Further and Higher Education.

He said: "I am particularly interested in seeing at first hand the Community College's links with business development in local communities and the benefits which have arisen from such links.

"I am also interested in the college's role in widening access and increasing participation in further and higher education - objectives which, together with the economic development role, are key elements of our own Lifelong Learning policy.

"We can learn from the US experience in these areas and we can also exchange with the US our experiences in developing and implementing policies and strategies in further and higher education and training."

The Minister will also meet a number of groups and trainees connected with Training and Employment Agency programmes.

Dr Farren added: "No-one has a monopoly on learning or knowledge and, with the world becoming ever smaller and more competitive, the only way we can move forward is to learn with and from one another.

"Northern Ireland has a good story to tell. Our economy is successful, we have a well-educated and flexible workforce and of course the Good Friday Agreement is helping to transform our society by turning our dreams for peace and prosperity into reality.

"I believe the opportunities which Northern Ireland offers its people and potential investors alike are greater than ever before. That is the message I will be taking with me."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Dr Farren will be travelling to the USA tomorrow and returning on Wednesday 4 October.

For further information and/or to arrange photographs, interviews, etc, please contact Kevin Mulhern or Simon Burrowes on 028 90257790, 028 90257831 or 07799 711523, 07799 711524.