Policy Forum for Ireland

This timely conference brought together policymakers and key stakeholders to examine the priorities for post-primary curriculum reform in Ireland.

Discussion took place on the next steps for curriculum and assessment reform in the Senior Cycle - focusing on what more might be done to encourage collaboration between schools and business, to ensure that pupils have the necessary skills for the current labour market.

Delegates also considered the opportunities to better utilise technology in teaching and learning - particularly following the publication of the 2018 Digital Strategy Action Plan - as well as how best to utilise funding to facilitate the introduction of Computer Science and Physical Education as Leaving Certificate subjects from September 2018, and opportunities to share and spread best practice for the rollout of other new subjects.

Attendees also examined the possible lessons that might be learnt from the delivery of Junior Certificate curriculum reform thus far, looking at buy-in, assessment and preparing students for progression.

Further sessions assessed the Government’s Action Plan for enhancing the learning experience and success of secondary school students - as well as further action that might be taken to build on reforms which have taken place at both Junior and Senior Cycle - and best practice of reform that can be learnt from other jurisdictions.

This conference brought together policymakers and key stakeholders to examine priorities for mental health care in Ireland.

It followed the publication of the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy - which includes proposals for expanding community-based mental health services - and Government increasing mental health funding through the budget to €1bn.

Discussion focused on the Government’s priorities for mental health policy - including improving access to services, promoting the use of innovation and telehealth, and supporting those in crisis, as well as the future for the Vision for Change strategy.

Those attending considered the future for improving children’s mental health services, including through measures to reduce stigma, increase early intervention, and the future of mental health services delivered in school settings.

They considered possible measures for raising awareness of mental health issues in the workplace, along with priorities for tackling stigma, developing effective care pathways and ensuring patient participation in care.

Sessions also examined how best to tackle the challenges for improving transitions in care, and the future for regulation, particularly in currently unregulated care settings.

The seminar brought together policymakers and key stakeholders to examine the priorities for implementing ‘Project Ireland 2040’, assessing key issues for the Government in delivering the Project.

Those attending also considered the latest thinking on shaping and implementing Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies, and the challenges to linking the cities and regions of Ireland.

Sessions also focused on the next steps for delivering long-term infrastructure projects, particularly in regards to planning, investment, and energy and climate change.

Further sessions looked at developing effective strategies to meet local needs - including tackling the key challenges to shaping of communities across Ireland in support of the NPF, in relation to housing to support local economic growth.

This conference discussed the implications for Ireland posed by the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union.

Delegated considered the Irish Government’s perspective on Brexit - looking at the priorities for the second round of Brexit negotiations and the IFS2020 strategy.

They also discussed the future management of customs on the border with Northern Ireland - including lessons that might be learnt from the Norwegian-Swedish customs arrangements.

Further sessions examined the latest thinking on preparing the Irish economy for Brexit - considering the challenges for strengthening key industries, and opportunities for attracting UK businesses and positioning Ireland as the English-speaking gateway to the EU, as well as potential policy options around tax, infrastructure, and trade promotion.