Launch of ‘A New Vision of Education for all the Children of Ireland’

Minister for Education & Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD, has today launched a report outlining the vision and structure of a ground–breaking new Institute of Education which will improve the quality of education for all the children of Ireland. This will be created through the coming together of Dublin City University, St Patrick’s College Drumcondra, Mater Dei Institute of Education and Church of Ireland College of Education.

The Institute will represent the largest critical mass of education expertise on the island of Ireland. It will provide initial teacher education and continuous professional development for teachers and educators from early childhood through primary and secondary to third and fourth level.

For the first time in Ireland, DCU will create a space enabling different Christian traditions to teach and learn collaboratively side–by–side. In line with DCU’s ethos as a non–denominational, secular university with a strong commitment to pluralism, the new Institute of Education will provide a place of mutual respect for the formation of teachers for denominational (Roman Catholic, Church of Ireland/Reformed Christian traditions), non–denominational and multi–denominational schools. 

Speaking at the launch of the report, A New Vision of Education for all the Children of Ireland, Minister Quinn said, 

“I warmly welcome this development. I want to commend the institutions involved for showing leadership in creating this flagship institute of education. I am particularly pleased to see the commitment to interdenominational diversity, the Church of Ireland, Roman Catholic, non–denominational and multi–denominational traditions all side by side and working together; it is a wonderful symbol of a mature, modern Ireland.”

Archbishop Michael Jackson stated: ‘This is a significant moment. The new Institute at DCU signals a fresh era for education in Ireland and the Church of Ireland is pleased to take its place as a constituent part of this exciting institution bringing together partners who meet as distinct equals. The document presented today which encompasses the Institute of Education’s governance and vision will enable all four institutions to move forward together while safeguarding the ethos and identity of the individual bodies within a secular university.’

‘Today’s announcement is the fruition of detailed negotiation and collaborative discussion which has been brought about as a response to the emerging needs of a pluralist Ireland. The new institute will meet these educational needs while maintaining the Church of Ireland’s existing links and honouring our commitment to our schools, our teachers and our children.’

Archbishop Diarmaid Martin also welcomed the new development, commenting: ‘The Institute reflects a modern understanding of pluralism. Pluralism should not produce negative rivalry or antagonism or give rise to elitism or social division, or a culture which seeks to maintain positions based on narrow ideologies. We need to build up positive relationships within the entire educational community in such a way that our children learn to respect each other and to understand what it means to live one’s values with conviction within a respectful pluralist framework, in a modernity of mutual and respectful understanding.’

‘Catholic education HAS a vital place in today’s Irish educational system, as something which brings a unique value system, a value system which is recognized also by families of a variety of religious traditions who opt to send their children to a Catholic school.’

‘If religious education is one of the fundamental pillars of the Irish education system, then there is a public interest in seeing that those involved in religious education and in denominational education in public schools are adequately trained for their task. The new Institute will offer great opportunities to ensure that training for those working in denominational education takes place within an atmosphere of excellence and that those involved in religious education will in their own way be able to enrich that excellence.’