Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 5

Written Answers. - Fingal (Dublin) Schools.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

207 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to develop the unique role of schools in the Fingal area of County Dublin towards bringing peace to the whole island of Ireland in view of their location between Dublin and Belfast; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I have no plans for a unique role for schools in the Fingal area of County Dublin in the promotion of peace throughout the island of Ireland. I believe that all schools throughout the country can contribute to the establishment of peace and reconciliation through their programmes and through the overall development of their students in accordance with their individual ethos.

As far as specific cross-Border initiatives are concerned, my Department has, since 1986 and in conjunction with the Department of Education in Northern Ireland, financed a pilot curriculum development programme at second-level known as the European Studies Project. At present over 200 schools from both parts of Ireland and the Continent participate in the project. The overall aim of the programme is to encourage co-operation among participating students and staff and to contribute to educational development in the wider dimension of the European Union through informing students about current social, economic and political issues at national and European level. It also equips students with a variety of skills, particularly those of communication through modern technology and co-operation in multi-school projects. My Department is at present discussing the future development of the project with the Department of Education in Northern Ireland with a possible view to extending it to a greater number of schools.

The Joint Declaration for Peace and Reconciliation of the Irish and UK Governments represented a significant event in the search for peace. I have arranged for a copy of the Declaration to be made available to schools with a request that teachers and pupils be made fully aware of its terms and objectives.