Prime Highlights:

• More than 4,500 people have applied to join a national education convention, showing strong public interest in shaping education policy.
• The convention, led by Professor Anne Looney, will discuss key education issues and help guide future policies for the country.

Key Facts:

• Only 90 seats are available for students, parents, and school staff, with 60 additional places reserved for education representatives.
• The Department of Education and Youth launched an online survey to gather public ideas on what works well in schools and what could be improved.

Background:

More than 4,500 individuals have applied to participate in a national education convention scheduled to take place later this year, highlighting the strong public interest in shaping the future of Ireland’s education system.

The convention will be held across four weekends and is intended to provide insights that will inform future state education policies. However, only 90 seats are available for school students, parents, and staff, making the selection process highly competitive.

Department of Education officials expressed surprise and delight at the volume of applications received. Expressions of interest are still being accepted via gov.ie/education convention, with the closing date set for Friday, 16 January.

Thirty seats have been set aside for young participants aged between eight and 24, while another 30 are reserved for parents. School staff will also fill 30 seats. In addition, 60 places have been allocated to representatives from a variety of education bodies.

The convention, led by Professor Anne Looney, will talk about important education issues and help plan future policies. The Department of Education and Youth has an online survey where people can share what works well in schools and what needs to be better.

Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegard Naughton, said: “Our education system has served generations of Irish people well, producing remarkable achievements across academia, business, the arts, science, and sports. The challenge now is to equip young people with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world, where technology, including AI, is reshaping how we live, learn, and work.”

Regional and community events will complement the national convention, ensuring broader engagement across the country. A separate survey by the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality will be launched next month to inform a new plan for affordable, high-quality early learning and care.

The convention presents a unique opportunity for students, parents, educators, and the wider public to contribute to shaping Ireland’s education system for the decades ahead.

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