Minister at ETBI conference in Slieve Russell
Minister for Education Helen McEntee is addressing the Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) Annual Congress at Cavan's Slieve Russell Hotel today (Thursday), October 9.
Co-hosted by Cavan and Monaghan ETB, the event will bring together more than 200 delegates from across the country, representing Ireland’s 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs).
The annual congress, which offers a unique opportunity for ETB leaders, policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to engage with key issues that shape the future of education and training in Ireland, began with a formal welcome by Dr Fiona McGrath, Chief Executive of Cavan and Monaghan ETB.
She was joined in welcoming delegates alongside Cllr Roger Kennedy and ETBI General Secretary Paddy Lavelle, before the morning agenda, which included a high-level panel discussion on 'Strengthening Governance and Managing Growth', gets underway.
Later in the morning delegates took part in parallel breakout sessions focusing on specific areas of interest and challenges faced by ETB school boards of management.
Contributors to these sessions included sector leaders such as Cavan-Monaghan ETB Director of Schools Paddy Flood, who was involved in a discussion specifically on promoting the Irish language within the ETB sector.
After lunch, Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, delivered a keynote address, highlighting the government's priorities for the sector. This was followed by the National Convention on Education - a wide-ranging discussion on the future direction of education in Ireland, chaired by Dr Deirdre Keyes and featuring speakers such as David Stanton, Elaine Prior, and Donal O’Sullivan.
The relationship between ETBs and enterprise was also explored during another dedicated panel session featuring Mary Lyons; Ballyhaise born entrepreneur, Seán Gallagher; Noel Mooney, Manager Supply Chain, Logistics and Procurement with Cavan & Monaghan ETB, and others. This discussion highlighted how ETBs can continue to respond to the evolving needs of industry and support regional economic development.
The day will conclude with a keynote address by renowned psychotherapist and author Dr Richard Hogan. His session, 'Resilience in a Changing World', will reflect on mental health, leadership, and adaptability in times of change, especially in a post-Covid environment.
ETBI represents Ireland’s 16 Education and Training Boards, which together educate over 117,000 students in primary and post-primary schools and provide Further Education and Training (FET) to more than 226,000 learners annually. With over 500 learning locations, 32,000 staff, and a combined budget exceeding €2bn, ETBs are central to Ireland’s education landscape.
The Congress will close with a musical performance from Music Generation Cavan and Monaghan, followed by a formal banquet.