25 April 2001

FARREN: NORTH-SOUTH EDUCATION LINKS PROMISE A BRIGHTER FUTURE

"Working together and learning from one another can help ensure the best possible education provision and a brighter future for people throughout Ireland," the Northern Ireland Executive’s Minister for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, Dr Sean Farren, said in Dublin today.

Speaking during a visit to the National College of Ireland, Dr Farren said: "Ensuring the best possible provision of, and overcoming barriers to, education is vital to the economic, cultural and social future of this island.

"The Northern Ireland Executive has recognised that investing in education and skills must play a crucial role in our Programme for Government. We recognise that we can learn from sharing our experience with others.

"That is why the North-South links we are developing, are so important. I have already established an excellent working relationship with the Republic’s Minister of Education, Dr Michael Woods, and we are committed to working together so that we can all benefit from sharing our expertise and experience in creating the best possible educational environment for all our people.

"Education and training opens up new opportunities for people irrespective of where they live. In particular, it gives our young people the confidence, abilities and values to live their lives to the full and create a stronger and peaceful economy. Together we can, and I believe will, make a difference."

The Minister described the National College of Ireland as: "A forward looking college that combines traditional values of academic excellence with innovation and student-centred approaches."

Dr Farren, who was welcomed to the College by Professor Joyce O’Connor, met staff and students and was briefed on the College’s development of its Docklands campus.

He added: "The new Docklands campus is a perfect example of the National College of Ireland’s forward thinking. It will not only result in a state-of-the-art educational facility, but will represent an exciting education-based economic and social regeneration project."

Earlier in the day, the Minister met with the Higher Education Authority; the planning and development body for higher education in the Republic of Ireland and had constructive discussions on a number of issues.

Media enquiries to Kevin Mulhern, Press Office, telephone 028 9025 7790 or mobile 07799 711523.