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EU Presidency.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004

Thursday, 19 February 2004

Ceisteanna (46)

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

42 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science his educational priorities for Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5216/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The priorities for the education sector during Ireland's Presidency of the European Council are as follows. There will be two formal Education Councils held in Brussels during Ireland's Presidency, on 26 February and 27-28 May 2004. The main agenda item for the February Council will be the adoption of the joint interim report of the Council and the Commission on the implementation of the detailed work programme on the follow-up of the objectives of education and training systems in Europe. There will also be an initial exchange of views by Ministers on the Europass proposal for a single framework for the transparency of qualifications and competencies.

At the May council, I anticipate that the principal agenda items in the education sector will be the adoption of a Council resolution on guidance in the context of lifelong learning. In addition, there will be conclusions on quality assurance in vocational education and training and on common European principles for the validation of non-formal and informal learning. There will also be a discussion on the new generation of EU education and youth programmes due to commence in 2007.

In addition to the two formal councils in Brussels, my Department will be holding a wide range of conferences and seminars in Ireland covering issues such as ICT and digital learning, special needs education, vocational training and higher education. I will also host an informal EU ministerial conference on guidance and counselling and a meeting of OECD Ministers for education. A brochure containing information on the education and youth Presidency programme has been lodged with the Oireachtas Library for the information of all members.

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