EU PRESIDENCY: Education is the key to building a competitive knowledge-based economy as outlined in the EU's so-called Lisbon strategy on economic competitiveness, the Minister for Education and Science, Mr Dempsey, said yesterday.
Speaking in Hartstown Community School at the launch of the education and youth programme for Ireland's EU presidency, Mr Dempsey said he had chosen the theme "Building an inclusive and competitive Europe".
This would reflect the major contribution of education and training towards economic growth, innovation, increased employment and social cohesion, he said.
"EU heads of state and government met in Lisbon in March 2000 and agreed a strategy designed to make the European Union the most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy in the world by 2010. Most observers agree that while significant progress is being made, it is not enough," he said.
"A major review of the Lisbon strategy will take place under the Irish presidency, and it will be my task as president of the council of education ministers to achieve consensus among member-states on the education and training elements of the review. We must, and will, reinvigorate the Lisbon agenda and ensure that education gets its rightful place at the forefront," he said.
During the launch, the Minister heard speeches from the principal of Hartstown Community School, Mr Tommy Flynn, and Ministers of State at the Department of Education and Science, Ms Síle De Valera and Mr Brian Lenihan.
He also heard a performance by the school's senior choir, as well as a parade by students of the flags of all EU member-states and accession countries.
Outlining the importance of a strong youth aspect to the Irish presidency, Ms De Valera said the work done by the holders of the presidency in 2003 - Greece and Italy - which had focused on youth issues in Europe, would continue during the Irish presidency.
Mr Flynn welcomed the Minister's decision to launch the programme in his school, while stressing the need for those people who are at the "coalface" to be consulted when policies are being formulated.
A number of education conferences and events are due to take place during Ireland's term. These will include a meeting of the EU Education Council of Ministers in February in Brussels; an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ministers conference at Dublin Castle in March; a meeting of the Education, Youth and Culture Council of Ministers in Brussels in May; and a meeting of Directors General (EU civil service department heads) with responsibility for youth in June.
The launch of the European year of education through sport will take place in Croke Park later this month.