EDUCATION REMAINS a key area of public discourse, and will be highlighted later this week when it takes centre stage at the Parnell Summer School in Co Wicklow, writes Steven Carroll
A series of discussions on pressing issues, such as religion, integration, the Irish language and funding, as well as a series of historical presentations, will form the basis of the event.
The theme for the six-day-long school was chosen as a means of marking the centenary of the Irish Universities Act of 1908.
"We will be trying to get a sense of more contemporary opinions on education and where it stands in Ireland at the moment," said Prof Mike Cronin, the director of the event.
The summer school runs from August 10th to 15th at Avondale House, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, the birthplace of the libertarian Anglo-Irish politician Charles Stewart Parnell. The school will be opened on Sunday by businessman Sir Anthony O'Reilly.
A roundtable discussion on the future of the universities in Ireland is expected to generate much debate and Prof Cronin believes this topic is particularly pertinent at present given the Government's desire to create a knowledge-based economy.
"Debating what shape a knowledge-based economy takes in a time of recession should prove very interesting," he said.
Tom Boland of the Higher Education Authority, Jim Ward of NUI Galway and Kieran Byrne of Waterford IT will participate in the discussion.
Another issue Prof Cronin anticipates will generate lively debate is on the role of religion in the education system. Archbishop of Dublin Rev Dr John Neill, Paul Rowe, CEO of Educate Together, and Irish Times Religious Affairs Correspondent Patsy McGarry will take part in the roundtable discussion on Wednesday.
A discussion of integration in the schools system featuring Minister for Integration Conor Lenihan will also take place, as will a discussion on education in the North, which includes Northern Minister for Education Caitríona Ruane.
Prof Cronin believes Parnell himself would be pleased to be associated with the school, given the standard of speakers and issues up for discussion at the event. "I think a talking shop on the burning issues of the day would appeal to him."