Kildare and Wicklow ETB Explore Education from Ballinskelligs to Brussels at National Conference

Ireland’s Education & Training Boards gather for National Congress on EU

Pictured at Education and Training Boards Ireland's (ETBI) EU themed Annual Congress 2026, "From Ballinskelligs to Brussels", (L-R) Deirdre Keyes Chief Executive Kildare and Wicklow ETB with Dr James Eustace Acting General Secretary ETBI, Councillor Roger Kennedy President ETBI and Bernadette Cullen Chief Executive Limerick & Clare ETB.
Pictured at Education and Training Boards Ireland’s (ETBI) EU themed Annual Congress 2026, “From Ballinskelligs to Brussels”, (L-R) Deirdre Keyes Chief Executive Kildare and Wicklow ETB with Dr James Eustace Acting General Secretary ETBI, Councillor Roger Kennedy President ETBI and Bernadette Cullen Chief Executive Limerick & Clare ETB.

Kildare and Wicklow Education & Training Board (KWETB) joined over 200 delegates at a major education conference held in Tralee (15 October) to explore the relationship between Ireland’s education and training sector and the European Union.

Delegates at ETBI’s Annual Congress were addressed by Minister of State in the Department of Education Michael Moynihan TD, MEPs Billy Kelleher and Kathleen Funchion, journalist Carole Coleman and speakers from across the EU who discussed shared EU programmes, partnerships and principles across the Irish education, training and youthwork sector.

Ashley Stephens, Tertiary Manager and Further Education and Training (FET) College Development Assistant Principal Officer with Kildare and Wicklow ETB, participated in a discussion exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on education and training. Ashley brought a practical FET perspective to the conversation, highlighting how AI can support more inclusive learning environments and improve accessibility for learners with diverse needs.

The key role of ETBs in delivering special and inclusive education was also highlighted at the conference. Addressing delegates, Minister Moynihan stated: “Special Education is a key area for this government, and the ETB sector has demonstrated leadership in the establishment, management and development of special schools and specialist classes. This commitment helps ensure that children and young people can access high-quality education in environments that meet their individual needs. I am immensely grateful for their collective contribution.”

Commenting on the EU theme of the Congress, Acting General Secretary of Education & Training Boards Ireland Dr James Eustace stated: “This conference explores the strong connections our sector has across with the EU: from our shared values of democracy, inclusion and community, to the many EU programmes that benefit our ETB learners across schools, further education and training, and youth services. I’m also particularly proud of the contribution of ETB learners to this year’s congress through debate, creative exploration and music.”

Pictured during Education and Training Boards Ireland's (ETBI) Annual Congress panel discussion on AI and inclusion (L-R) Maurice Boland Department of Education and Youth, Inge Gorostiaga Basque Government, Michael Hallissy H2 Learning, John 'Ogie' Sheehy ViClarity, Karen McBride Director of OSD Cavan and Monaghan ETB with Ashley Stephens, Tertiary Manager and Further Education and Training (FET) College Development Assistant Principal Officer with Kildare and Wicklow ETB.
Pictured during Education and Training Boards Ireland’s (ETBI) Annual Congress panel discussion on AI and inclusion (L-R) Maurice Boland Department of Education and Youth, Inge Gorostiaga Basque Government, Michael Hallissy H2 Learning, John ‘Ogie’ Sheehy ViClarity, Karen McBride Director of OSD Cavan and Monaghan ETB with Ashley Stephens, Tertiary Manager and Further Education and Training (FET) College Development Assistant Principal Officer with Kildare and Wicklow ETB.

Recent Posts
Categories
Archives
Back to Top