The National Conversation on Education was officially launched on Wednesday, 14 January by Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley, and Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan.

Two members of Dublin City Comhairle na nÓg, Maisie and Jayden, were invited to speak at the launch, representing young people’s perspectives and highlighting the importance of youth participation in national decision-making.

The launch marked the beginning of a once-in-a-generation opportunity for children, young people, parents, educators and wider society to contribute to shaping Ireland’s education system for decades to come.

The National Conversation on Education aims to gather insights from across society on what is working well in education and what could be improved. Its outcomes will inform the agenda for the Convention on Education, which will take place later this year. The Convention will then help shape a new long-term strategy for the future of education in Ireland.

Young people will continue to play a central role throughout this process, ensuring that their experiences and ideas help guide the development of an inclusive, forward-looking education system.