O'Dowd hails cross border co-operation at INTO Conference

Education Minister John O’Dowd has spoken about the cross border co-operation that will drive improvements for learners across Ireland.

Addressing delegates at the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation’s (INTO) annual conference in Kilkenny, the Minister outlined some of the areas where progress is already being made and welcomed the commitment of INTO to contributing to improvements in educational standards.

Mr O’Dowd said: “Raising educational standards has been a clear priority for me as Minister and I know that it is a priority that you all share.

“I welcome the work that is being taken forward by my Department and the Department of Education and Skills to examine new and innovative ways of doing this. I am encouraged that our Cross Border co-operation continues to develop and there are a number of areas on which we can already see the benefits of this collaborative engagement.

“Many of you will have heard of the Middletown Centre for Autism, which is an all-island body, which supports children with complex autism, their families and educational professionals. The training that they have delivered to over ten thousand professionals in venues across Ireland has been very positively received.

“Whilst both education departments provide a range of services that meet the needs of the majority of children with autism, there are some children with the most complex forms of autism for whom traditional methods have not been sufficient. I am therefore delighted that Middletown is currently expanding its direct support for children from the Centre’s multi-disciplinary team of specialists.

“I believe that Middletown Centre has been making great progress in helping these children. Indeed, this has been endorsed by a joint inspection report that described the quality of provision provided by Middletown as ‘outstanding’.

“The Inspectorate is another area where there has been positive cross-border engagement.

“I am pleased that successful and productive inspector exchanges are ongoing between the Education and Training Inspectorate in the north and the Inspectorate in the south. Without exception, all of the participants, over the years, have spoken positively about the experience and the benefits that the programme had provided to them individually and to their organisations.

Mr O’Dowd also welcomed the news that two Higher Education Insttiutions in the south, Trinity College and Dublin City University, are considering reviewing their entry requirements for northern students.

The Minister continued: “I have said before that the current system used by universities in the south to admit pupils from the north is inequitable.

“I would actively encourage both universities to implement a more equitable solution that will enable northern students to compete on a level playing field and I hope this will encourage other universities in the south to follow suit.

Students from across the island of Ireland should have equality of access to Higher Education as a right.”

Finally, the Minister spoke of the current process of area planning in the north and stressed that, in certain areas, cross border solutions would be required. Mr O’Dowd said: “I am committed, through area planning, to ensuring that schools are at the heart of the communities they serve and are easily accessible to all pupils.

“This is the first time that area planning has taken place on this scale and it is clear that it is complex and requires careful consideration, co-ordination and pragmatism.

“It will also in certain areas require a Cross Border solution.”

In conclusion, the Minister thanked INTO for the work the Union was undertaking to improve the conditions of the teaching workforce and to help raise educational outcomes for all pupils.

NIEA investigating extensive slurry spill in Ballinderry River near Cookstown

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is investigating a report of an extensive spillage of slurry into a tributary of the ‘Ballinderry River’. 

The incident was reported via the Water Pollution Hotline (0800 80 70 60) this morning and Water Quality Officers were immediately on site, near Cookstown, Co Tyrone. 

The environmental impact has been assessed as high.

It has been confirmed that a significant volume of agricultural slurry, estimated to be in excess of 400,000 gallons, has escaped from a farm in the area. Some of the slurry has reached the Ballinderry River and potentially up to six kilometers may have been affected. 

NIEA investigations are ongoing into the circumstances and environmental effects of the incident, including that samples have been collected with a view to necessary enforcement action once the investigation is complete. 

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: “I am concerned that such a large amount of slurry has polluted the local environment here. The important thing now is for the problem to be addressed quickly and professionally. I welcome the fact that NIEA staff have acted swiftly here and I will be keeping a close eye on developments.”

The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) Inland Fisheries staff have been made aware of this incident.

The source of the spill has been identified but as an investigation is ongoing the Agency is not able to provide further detail of the location.

All media queries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9025 6058. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

Statement from Justice Minister regarding "on the runs"

Justice Minister David Ford has commented on the NIO scheme put in place for “on the runs”.

David Ford said: “The first I became aware of this scheme and the associated letters issued was after the Downey court decision and shortly before it became public. It was never introduced to me either before, at the point of devolution or since devolution in April 2010.

“Comments made by the Secretary of State in the House of Commons that letters have been issued since the devolution of justice are deeply disturbing. I have demanded a meeting with the Secretary of State and will be meeting her later this evening to clarify who has signed these letters.

“What I do know is that none of these letters have issued from the Department of Justice. What we don’t know is what the implications may be for prosecutions and for our crucial efforts to find political consensus on how to deal with the past. 

“It is important that the victims of this, and all the other atrocities, are remembered and sensitivity observed.” 

For all media queries, please contact the DOJ Press Office on 028 9052 6444. For out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via paper number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.

O’Dowd hails success of local pupils at Science and Technology Event

Education Minister John O’Dowd has congratulated local students who have been successful in the final of the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in Dublin.

Kyle Clarke and Conan Mulraine, students from South East Regional College, Bangor Campus, lifted the award for best entry from the north of Ireland with their project ‘Renewable production of ethanol bio fuel’.

Pupils from St Mary’s College, Derry; Ballyclare High School; St Mary’s, Limavady; Wellington College, Belfast; Portora Royal School, Enniskillen; St Fanchea’s College, Fermanagh; St Mary’s Grammar, Magherafelt; and Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School, Newry, also picked up awards on the night.

The overall BT Young Scientist trophy, designed by Jowita Rogalska, a student from the Southern Regional College in Lurgan, was picked up by Paul Clarke of St Paul’s College, Dublin.

Congratulating the prize winners, Mr O’Dowd said:  “All students who made it to the finals should be proud of their achievements.  For those who have made it this far, this week’s exhibition is the culmination of many months of hard work at home and in school.

“I was impressed with the standard of entries and enjoyed meeting and chatting with pupils from local schools.  The enthusiasm they showed in their work was evident and is an encouraging sign as we seek to attract more young people to study STEM subjects.

“The pupils who made it here today are being recognised for their hard work; however I would also like to pay tribute to the school staff who have supported them over recent months.  These individuals have spent time to help and encourage their pupils and to instil a passion for learning which will stand them in good stead as they continue their studies.

“As it reaches its milestone of 50 years, the BT Young Scientist Event goes from strength to strength, helping encourage and challenge the innovators of tomorrow.  This is an important event that I hope will continue to grow in the coming years.”