Jerry Buttimer
Ceist:21. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on his visit to China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17441/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 17 April 2013
Ceisteanna (21)
Freagraí scríofa
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills
China is a priority market for promotion of Irish education and political engagement with the country is a national priority. The Minister, Deputy Quinn, visited Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai from 9 to 16 March, accompanied by 13 higher education institutions on an Enterprise Ireland education mission. He held talks with Chinese Education Minister Yuan, at which they agreed to hold senior-official level talks later in 2013 between our two Departments to further develop the framework for education co-operation. He also met Hong Kong's Education Bureau and the Confucius Institute Agency. His programme also included the launch of UCD's Beijing-Dublin International College, an Enterprise Ireland agents' workshop, seminars at universities in Hong Kong and Beijing, alumni engagement events, the signature of 13 agreements between Irish and Chinese education institutions and a range of Irish community and business promotion events, including signing a major new agreement between Bord Bia and the Chinese Dairy Association.