The Minister for Education, renowned psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan and Cork ETB principal, Donal O’Sullivan, addressed the annual congress of Education & Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), which took place on Thursday last, 9th October in Cavan, and discussed key sectoral challenges in advance of the recently announced national Convention on Education.
Over 200 delegates from across Ireland’s education and training boards (ETBs), including Cork ETB, listened to the first sectoral address by Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee.
Delegates heard from principal of Coláiste Mhuire, Buttevant, Donal O’Sullivan, who highlighted the challenges facing the delivery of inclusive education, and from former teacher, Minister of State and Cork East TD, David Stanton, who stressed the opportunity for ETBs in the upcoming large scale consultative process being led by Minister McEntee.
Renowned psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan called for a blanket ban of smart phones across schools.
“I strongly believe – and this is backed up data and research – that smart phones are contributing to the silencing of adolescence. We are witnessing the death of small talk among our young people, and the accompanying social skills they need to thrive.”
Speakers and panellists also discussed other areas they feel the convention needs to address, including special education, curriculum reform and the need for multi-denominational education. Over the day, the congress also addressed key topics including growing the Irish language, strengthening partnerships with local and regional employers, and managing growth and governance.
