Policy Forum for Ireland

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

It will be an opportunity to discuss 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 businesses, to ensure that pupils have the necessary skills for the current labour market, as set out in the Government’s Action Plan for Education.

The seminar follows the publication of the 2018 Digital Strategy Action Plan, which sets out measures to enhance Ireland’s position as a European leader in embedding digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment by 2026, and the subsequent announcement of €420 million for its implementation as part of Project Ireland 2040.

Delegates will discuss the recently announced €450,000 in grants to 104 post-primary schools for the introduction of Computer Science and Physical Education as Leaving Certificate subjects from September 2018 and best practice for the rollout of other new subjects.

Attendees will also consider 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 will assess 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 timely seminar will bring together policymakers and key stakeholders to examine priorities for mental health care in Ireland.

It follows the recent publication of the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy, which includes proposals for expanding community-based mental health services.

Discussion will focus on the Government’s priorities for mental health policy - including improving access to services and support for those in crisis, as well as promoting youth mental health through the education system.

The seminar is also timed to examine the next steps in the delivery of the Government’s suicide prevention strategy and as the Department of Health reviews the Vision for Change strategy, with its focus on service quality and focus at a local level.

Delegates will consider 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.

They will also examine how best to tackle the challenges for improving early intervention, access to services and transitions in care, and addressing staffing issues into the future - as well as developments in professional regulation.

We expect further discussion on progress with concerns that have been raised  by the Mental Health Commission about systematic shortcomings, including inappropriate admission of children into adult mental health in-patient services.

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.

The seminar examined the future for healthcare policy in Ireland.

Delegates discussed the potential challenges for implementing the Sláintecare Report and creating a universal, single-tier health and social care system, as well as the future role which the HSE will play as a national strategy centre.

Attendees discussed options for disentangling public and private healthcare, increasing capacity in public hospitals and funding reformed services.

Further sessions considered the next steps in delivering the shift toward primary and community care, the challenges for meeting the needs of patients and the future contribution of private hospitals.

The agenda also examined the future for leadership and governance in the health service and the role which e-health and infrastructure development can play in support reform, as well as lessons from other jurisdictions in the provision of a universal healthcare system and the future for cross-border collaboration post-Brexit.