A Shared Future For Education: Lessons to be Learned, Belfast - March 2007

Focusing on the theme of education the Association held a seminar in the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast in March 2007, which examined the proposals for change within Northern Ireland in relation to education policy. The seminar provided an opportunity to examine the recommendations included in the report of the Independent Strategic Review of Education (the Bain Review) and to provide a platform for discussion on the challenges with teachers, professors, organisers of education and representatives from political parties. The focus was very much on the future provision of educational services in the North of Ireland. Speakers at the seminar included Professor George Bain, Bishop Donal McKeown, Mark Langhammer from the Association of Teachers and Lecturer and Professor Tom Collins, Maynooth National University of Ireland. The seminar concluded with a panel discussion including representatives from, DUP, Sinn Fein, UUP, SDLP and the Alliance Party.

Keynote speakers Professor Sir George Bain, ex vice chancellor, Queen’s University Belfast and Professor Tom Collins NUI, Maynooth. Other speakers included a panel of representatives from all political parties in Northern Ireland Mark Langhammer, Bishop Donal McKeown, Chairman NI Commission for Catholic Education and executives from Integrated Education and Irish speaking schools.

Attended by southern members including Professor Enda McDonagh and Barbara Fitzgerald.

Interesting though non-conclusive discussion.