To date, my Department, together with bodies under the aegis of the Department and other educational bodies, has hosted nine Presidency events in the field of education and training. The information sought by the Deputy in respect of each event is set out as follows. The total costs of all events to date is not available as final payments have yet to be made.
Launch of the European Year of Education Through Sport, 29-30 January, Croke Park, Dublin — the Presidency hosted one dinner at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham during this event. The dinner was attended by the Dutch Minister for Sport and by approximately 180 delegates representing Ministries of Education and Sport and other relevant bodies in each EU member state and accession country. A number of EU Commission officials were also in attendance. No Garda motorcycle escorts were provided. Invitations were issued by post and by e-mail.
Learning in the Europe of Knowledge Conference, 6-7 February, NUI, Galway — a delegate dinner was held in Newcastle, County Galway. Some 101 delegates attended, including educational experts, lecturers and professors in third level institutions from Ireland and Europe. No Garda escort was provided. Invitations were issued by post. European Student Convention, 10-12 February, Dublin Castle — no functions or receptions were held.
Youth Ministerial Conference, 4-6 March, Dromoland Castle, County Clare — a reception and gala dinner was held on 5 March. Approximately 170 delegates attended, including several Ministers for Youth Affairs from EU and accession countries, senior officials, representatives of non-governmental organisations and two young people from each country. Several local dignitaries, including TDs and representatives of the European Parliament, the EU Commission, the European Youth Forum and the European Economic and Social Committee also attended. Garda escorts from Shannon Airport to Dromoland Castle were provided for the eight Ministers who attended, for the chairperson of the education committee of the European Parliament and the EU Commission Director for Youth, Civil Society and Communication. Invitations issued by post and e-mail.
Meeting of Directors General for Higher Education, 5-6 March, Dublin Castle — a reception was held in the Mansion House and a dinner in Farmleigh. Both events were attended by 80 people composed of delegates from EU and accession countries, delegates' spouses or partners, invited speakers, invited speakers' spouses or partners and officials from the Department. No Garda escort was provided on either occasion. Invitations were issued on registration.
Conference on Common Approaches to Vocational Training and Higher Education, 8 March, Dublin Castle — a reception was held in Trinity College, hosted by the Tánaiste, attended by approximately 250 people, including delegates from EU and accession countries and from relevant Irish bodies. No Garda escort was provided. Invitations were issued by e-mail. A reception was held in the Chester Beatty Library at the end of the conference with delegates from the Directors General for Vocational Training and the Bologna Follow-up Group also present. Approximately 200 people attended. Invitations were issued by post and e-mail. No Garda escort was provided.
Meeting of Bologna Follow-up Group, 9 March, Department of Education and Science, Dublin — delegates attending the Bologna Follow-up Group also attended a reception at the end of the conference on Common Approaches to Vocational Training and Higher Education.
Meeting of Directors General for Vocational Training, 9 March, Dublin Castle — a dinner was held in Farmleigh attended by 70 people, including senior officials from EU member states and accession countries. No Garda escort was provided. Invitations were sent by post.
OECD Ministers Conference, 18-19 March, Dublin Castle — a dinner was held in Farmleigh attended by 154 people, including Ministers for Education from OECD countries and senior officials. A Garda escort was provided to the venue. Invitations were hand delivered.
