10 Oct 2015, 10:04
Ceann Comhairle, Seán Barrett TD, today officially launched the Oireachtas Online Education Programme.
10th October 2015
As part of the launch, the Association of CSPE Teachers held their annual conference in Leinster House.
Comprising a series of eight informational videos and class activities, the Online Education programme is aimed primarily at CSPE students, but will be available to everyone.
As those who will be primarily teaching and utilising this programme, CSPE teachers, via the Association of CSPE teachers, were invited to attend the launch and hold their annual conference in the Seanad Chamber.
Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett TD launched the Online Education Programme. He says: “With this Online Education programme, the Houses of the Oireachtas hope to inform and engage young people with their Parliament. Our aim is to provide students with an educational resource that is not just informative but one which piques their interest by featuring the direct involvement of their peers in the videos themselves.”
“If we are to tackle youth disengagement and thereby improve voter registration and turn-out, it is vital that we engage our young people early on and equip them with a solid grounding in the political system. With a General Election approaching and the 2016 Commemorations happening next year, students will hear a lot about politics in Ireland and the history and foundation of our State. This resource aims to give clear, unbiased and impartial information of how Parliament operates, is appointed and conducts its business. I firmly believe that this resource will benefit students across the country as well as interested members of the public that wish to engage with us online.”
In line with the spirit of democracy and openness, teachers were welcomed to the Seanad chamber today for this special event. The Association of CSPE teachers held their annual conference on-campus and were provided with tutorials on using the online resource.
Access the Oireachtas Online Education Programme.
Media enquiries:
Nuala Walsh,
Communications Unit,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3437
M: +353 86 410 0898
nuala.walsh@oireachtas.ie