Mary Moran (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I draw attention to two wonderful education events in Dundalk which have taken place since Friday. This morning I had the pleasure and honour to present certificates to more than 100 graduates of the National Learning Network, NLN, in Dundalk. It was brilliant to be there. I commend the Education and Training Board and the HSE which provided the funding for the programmes aimed at people who have suffered a personal setback or are unable to get back into the labour market owing to an accident, disability or ill health. It was wonderful to hear some of the graduates speak about their achievements and say how they had never thought in their wildest dreams they would get this far. I congratulate them on so doing.

I also congratulate the local ETB school, O'Fíaich post-primary college, which last week was announced as the overall winner of the Sky Sports Living for Sport competition in Ireland and the United Kingdom. It is, therefore, champion of the British Isles. There was wild excitement in the school when the announcement was made on Sky Sports News last week. Some 22 students attended the prize giving ceremony in London at the weekend. Given that more than 1,700 schools took part in the competition, it makes the recognition of the school even more special. After it had noticed an increase in behavioural problems and that students lacked motivation and self belief, the school decided to participate in the project to encourage goal setting to raise motivation levels. By the end of the ten week period all 19 students involved had improved their level of attendance. One student, whose level of attendance was only 20% before becoming involved, did not miss one day during the project. This highlights what can be done in education to motivate students to get the best out of the education system.