SDLP Education spokesperson, South Down MLA Seán Rogers, has described talks held with the Irish Education Minister Ruairí Quinn TD as “cordial and productive”.
Mr Rogers was speaking following a meeting in Dublin which was also attended by Minister Quinn’s senior officials.
He said: “Minister Quinn and I enjoyed a very cordial and productive meeting which served as an information-sharing exercise on developments in education policy on both sides of the border as well as identifying points of convergence where greater cross-border cooperation can be further developed.
“Our discussions took in the full range of education, from early years to third level. We covered topics including ESA in the North, teacher education, numeracy, literacy, leadership development and third level entry.
“Useful talks were also had on curriculum reforms on both sides of the border.
“At a time when the economic benefits of a strong education sector – in all its tiers – are all too evident in terms of employability and the reinvigoration of skilled occupations which can contribute to job creation, discussions such as these are of crucial importance.
“The SDLP is committed to strong cross-border cooperation on education and is something we have consistently shown leadership on. I am pleased that our productive and informative engagement with our counterparts in Dublin continues unabated and I look forward to further meaningful work with Minister Quinn and his officials.”
