26 MFómh 2019, 12:30
Members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills welcomed a delegation from the Slovak Republic to Leinster House, this morning, Thursday, 26th September.
Leading the delegation was Slovakia’s State Minister of Education, Science, Research and Sport in Leinster House Ms. Oľga Nachtammnová.
Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee, Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin said: “The Committee was delighted to facilitate the meeting and grateful of the opportunity to meet with State Minister Oľga Nachtammnová who is in Ireland for the Slovakian State Reception and opening of the first Honorary Consulate of Slovakia in Galway.
“It provided us with an opportunity to exchange views on issues of common interest and discuss best practice in the education sector.”
The State Minister was accompanied by Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Ireland, Igor Pokojný; State Advisor for International Cooperation and European Affairs, Ingrid Haringová; Deputy Head of Mission of the Slovak Republic, Branislav Pochaba and the State Minister’s Advisor, Petra Pažitná.
The Slovak Republic has a population of 5.4 million. Education is mandatory for children from ages 6 to 16 and primary and secondary education in the Slovak Republic is free. Higher education is free for full time students as well.
Most textbooks and instructional material are distributed for free and returned at the end of the school year.