Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement to discuss integrated education in Northern Ireland

The Integrated Education Fund (IEF) is a charity in Northern Ireland that seeks to bridge the financial gap between starting integrated schools and securing full government funding and support. 

The meeting will take place in Committee Room 1 in Leinster House from 3-6pm.  

The following representatives from the Integrated Education Fund are due to attend the meeting: 

Tina Merron, Chief Executive 
 

Peter Osborne, Director 
 

Paul Collins, Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy 
 
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Fergus O’Dowd said: “The Committee welcomes the opportunity to hear about progress that has been made in Northern Ireland when it comes to integrated education." 

“Northern Ireland’s education system mainly consists of State controlled schooled attended exclusively by either Catholic or Protestant pupils. There are currently 68 formally integrated schools and colleges in Northern Ireland representing around 25,000 children.  A poll published by Lucid Talk in 2021 found that three quarters of those surveyed would support their child’s school becoming integrated.” 

“The importance of integrated education was recognised in the Good Friday Agreement and can play a useful role in the promotion of tolerance. We look forward to discussing the benefits and barriers towards integration and other related matters with representatives.”

Watch the meeting live here.