The Department of Education and Science (Irish: An Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta) is a department of the Irish government. It is led by the Minister for Education and Science who is assisted by two Ministers of State.
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Departmental Team
The official headquarters and Ministerial offices of the Department of Education and Science are at Marlborough Street, Dublin 1. The Departmental team consists of the following:
- Minister for Education and Science: Mary Hanafin, TD
- Minister of State (with special responsibility for Children): Brendan Smith, TD
- Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Youth Work and School Transport: Seán Haughey, TD
- Minister of State for Disability Issues and Mental Health: Jimmy Devins, TD
- Minister of State for Integration Policy: Conor Lenihan, TD
- Minister of State for Innovation Policy: Michael Ahern, TD
- Minister of State for Health Promotion and Food Safety: Pat "the Cope" Gallagher, TD
Departmental Overview
The mission of the Department of Education and Science is to provide high-quality education which will enable individuals to achieve their full potential and to participate fully as members of society, and contribute to Ireland's social, cultural and economic development. Chief among the Department's priorities are:
- the promotion of equity and inclusion, quality outcomes and lifelong learning
- planning for education that is relevant to personal, social, cultural and economic needs
- enhancement of the capacity of the Department for service delivery, policy formulation, research and evaluation
History
The Department of Education was created in 1921. Over the years its name has changed, however, the role of the Department has remained the same. The Department was previously known as the following:
- Department of Education (1921–1997)
- Department of Education and Science (1997–present)
