JBC policy paper on skills and education
At a meeting with An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen on 2 October 2008, JBC presented a policy paper on all-island skills and education.
In this paper:
JBC called on the Irish Government for an urgent and firm commitment to fund ICT in the classroom with full implementation of the recommendations of the ICT Strategy Group report "Investing Effectively in Information and Communications Technology in Schools, 2008-2013".
The declining numbers opting for third level courses in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is a cause of concern and must be addressed through curriculum reform and a focus on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of teachers.
An all-island approach should be undertaken with regard to a review of the higher-education sector in Ireland. An ‘investment needs’ analysis should be conducted to determine the funding required to enable Irish institutions to become world class. A full range of options (including the reintroduction of tuition fees) should be explored if additional funding is required
JBC position on skills and education Oct2008.pdf
Pictured at the JBC Plenary meeting with Taoiseach Brian Cowen were Reg McCabe, Chief Executive, Tom Noonan, IBEC President, Brian Ambrose, CBI NI chairman and John Hegarty, Provost Trinity College Dublin
