Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 1471: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will support the formation of an all Ireland committee to implement the recommendations of the political education conference held in Dundalk on 6 October 2006; and if she will work with the Department of Foreign Affairs on this matter. [1216/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The North/South Co-operation Unit of my Department is responsible for the development of co-operation and common action in the field of education between both parts of the island of Ireland, in the context of the Good Friday Agreement. The principal function of the unit is to take forward this co-operation through the North/South Ministerial Council, NSMC, and to develop, within that framework, common policies in the designated areas of special education needs, educational underachievement, teacher mobility and school, youth and teacher exchanges and any additional areas which may be identified by the NSMC from time to time. The unit also supports and participates in a range of programmes and joint initiatives designed to increase mutual understanding and promote closer co-operation on a cross-border and cross-community basis.

The unit can be contacted directly and my officials within the unit will consider applications and/or recommendations from any group or organisation with an interest in developing closer co-operation between the education sectors on both parts of the island of Ireland.