Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

113. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on attendance at and participation in the OECD's annual international summit on the teaching profession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24921/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The International Summit on the Teaching Profession is one of a number of initiatives that are organised by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in the area of education policy. The Summit on the Teaching Profession is organised by the OECD in conjunction with a number of partners, including Education International and the international organisation of teachers’ unions.

My Department engages strongly with officials and researchers at the OECD in the field of education. Ireland is a participant in the OECD’s PISA study and has also contributed to or participated in other research projects. OECD officials are invited to visit my Department to discuss specific issues, and I value the learning opportunities that these visits provide.

I have not made any policy decision regarding participation in the International Summit on the Teaching Profession. In 2017, pressures of other business made it impracticable for me to attend the International Summit on the Teaching Profession. However I would positively consider my future attendance at future summits.