Written answers

Thursday, 5 March 2020

Department of Education and Skills

Education Policy

Photo of Catherine ConnollyCatherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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256. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to increase education ties between Ireland and the United States of America; the efforts being made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3235/20]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has strong educational links with the United States and our Government Departments, our State Agencies and the education sector continue to focus on further developing and enhancing these important relationships across a wide range of education areas.

In May of last year, I led a education trade mission to Washington DC. I was accompanied on this trade mission by eleven Irish higher education institutions, where our objective was to promote the Irish higher education system as a partner for US Institutions in the areas of student, academic and research mobility and collaboration.

I addressed the opening plenary session at NAFSA: the Association of International Educators, on the future potential of today's students, how an international education can contribute significantly to the development of key skills for employment, and how studying abroad contributes significantly to a greater understanding, appreciation and tolerance in our world. Over 8,000 people attended this event, with the audience comprised of educators from all around the world, located in more than 3,500 institutions worldwide, in over 150 countries. 

During my visit, I also met with Betsy DeVos, the US Secretary of Education and Marie Royce, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Educational & Cultural Affairs where we had meaningful discussions on how Ireland and the US can deepen its relationship in education to the mutual benefit of both countries.

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