Minister Naughton opens EU schools meeting in Galway
Minister Hildegarde Naughton welcomed senior education officials from across Europe as the Directors-General for Schools meeting commenced in Galway. The event focuses on enhancing student wellbeing, skills development, and educational achievement amid concerns about declining basic skills across the continent.
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Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton officially opened the Directors-General (DG) for Schools meeting in Galway, welcoming delegates from across Europe. This gathering, held from 19 to 21 October as part of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, brings together senior policymakers and experts to share strategies for improving education systems with an emphasis on wellbeing, inclusion, and achievement.
The meeting centres on addressing recent declines in core skills such as reading, mathematics, and science, as highlighted by international assessments. Delegates are exploring how curriculum design, supportive school environments, and ongoing professional development for teachers can foster stronger basic skills and promote student wellbeing. Minister Naughton, a former primary school teacher, emphasised the importance of nurturing learning environments that support all pupils in reaching their full potential.
As part of the programme, participants will visit schools and educational institutions in Galway, as well as the University of Galway’s Innovation Showcase, which highlights advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, inclusive design, and digital skills. The President of the University of Galway, Professor David J. Burn, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the event, noting its alignment with the university’s commitment to inclusive education and technological innovation. The DG for Schools forum continues to serve as a vital platform for collaboration among EU member states and the wider European Education Area to enhance school education policies and practices.
The meeting centres on addressing recent declines in core skills such as reading, mathematics, and science, as highlighted by international assessments. Delegates are exploring how curriculum design, supportive school environments, and ongoing professional development for teachers can foster stronger basic skills and promote student wellbeing. Minister Naughton, a former primary school teacher, emphasised the importance of nurturing learning environments that support all pupils in reaching their full potential.
As part of the programme, participants will visit schools and educational institutions in Galway, as well as the University of Galway’s Innovation Showcase, which highlights advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, inclusive design, and digital skills. The President of the University of Galway, Professor David J. Burn, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the event, noting its alignment with the university’s commitment to inclusive education and technological innovation. The DG for Schools forum continues to serve as a vital platform for collaboration among EU member states and the wider European Education Area to enhance school education policies and practices.
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