Category: Éducation

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Minister McEntee meets French Counterpart to discuss security priorities ahead of Ireland’s EU Presidency

Source: Government of Ireland – Defence

The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD today (3 June) met her French counterpart, Mme Catherine Vautrin, in Paris, ahead of Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

As well as a focus on the upcoming Presidency, the Ministers reflected on both countries’ participation in UNIFIL and on related opportunities for security and defence cooperation.

In view of the deterioration in the international security situation, Minister McEntee confirmed Ireland’s full support for initiatives at the EU level to increase resilience and capabilities of EU Member States and committed that Ireland will support and advance the EU security and defence agenda during the forthcoming EU Presidency.

Speaking about Ireland’s EU Presidency, Minister McEntee said

“We are confident that our Presidency will be another successful and impactful one, reflecting the challenging international security environment in which we all currently exist.

“We will constructively advance the security and defence agenda at EU level during the Presidency, which will be a particular focus of the informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers due to be held in Ireland in late August.

“I expect that the topic of maritime security to be one of my priorities during the Presidency, recognising the importance of cooperation in the area of our shared maritime security, particularly in safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure.

“This will include supporting EU-level efforts to enhance maritime domain awareness, address emerging risks such as hybrid maritime threats, and contributing to the mid-term review of the EU Maritime Security Strategy in the second half of 2026.”

The two Ministers also discussed the current situation in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon, where both France and Ireland have personnel serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the mandate for which will come to an end at the end of the year.

Minister McEntee expressed her condolences on the recent death of two French peacekeepers and committed Ireland’s continued support for the mission and for Lebanon after the ending if the UNIFIL mission.

“Given Ireland’s long-term engagement in the region, we wish to remain supportive of Lebanon and are actively considering how best to continue to support Lebanon after the end of the UNIFIL Mission, via either the UN or EU efforts.

“We are keen to progress EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) efforts, including the potential establishment of a CSDP mission, as a means of contributing to peace and security in southern Lebanon, including the possibility of a military CSDP Training Mission, along with European Peace Facility supports. This is an issue we will seek to progress during our Presidency.”

Ministers McEntee and Vautrin also discussed the issue of closer defence capability cooperation between Ireland of France. Speaking after the meeting, Minister McEntee said “I welcome the development of closer cooperation between our two countries.

“The Irish Government is committed to strengthening the capabilities of the Defence Forces to respond to a changed landscape, reflecting a deterioration in the international security situation.

“France’s established expertise in defence capability development and programme delivery, combined with Ireland’s focus on effective, sustainable and interoperable solutions for the Defence Forces, provides a strong foundation for constructive cooperation.”

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Agenda for Convention on Education agreed by Government

Source: Government of Ireland – Education

Earlier this week, Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton secured Government approval for the agenda for the Convention on Education.

The Convention agenda consists of four key questions with a particular focus on the future of education.

The questions have been informed by the National Conversation which ran from mid-January to early April. The Conversation involved three elements: a national survey which received over 42,000 responses and almost 500 submissions; 10 School Community Engagements in which 171 adults and 256 children and young people participated and four Regional Events which saw almost 190 representatives from local organisations and community groups give a wider societal view.

The Convention agenda has been informed by an independent analysis and consultation with a diversity of stakeholder voices in the regional events.

The questions that the Government has asked the Convention to discuss are:

QUESTION 1

What should a shared vision for education for all be for the remainder of the 21st century? In drafting that vision, the Convention is asked to consider:

  • The values and aspirations that should underpin the vision
  • The people in the system and the relationships between them – children and young people, parents / guardians, school staff, leaders, wider community
  • Supporting children and young people of different abilities
  • Children and young people as citizens today, and as active participants in society into the future, including the workforce
  • Maintaining an appropriate balance in leveraging the opportunities that new technologies offer to support inclusive approaches to high quality teaching, learning and assessment on the one hand, and safeguarding against the threats and risks that they can pose on the other to wellbeing and critical thinking skills

QUESTION 2

  • What will be the most supportive and inclusive balance between recognising thresholds in students’ growth and development on the one hand, and recognising and celebrating the many ways in which they all achieve on the other?
  • With this in mind, how should we reimagine curriculum to ensure it is adaptable and flexible to enable all children and young people to participate meaningfully in education, including in schools, and in society over time?
  • How should teaching, learning and assessment be supported and facilitated to realise this ambition?

QUESTION 3

What kinds of structures, systems and supports would enable the education workforce to develop, sustain and refresh the system’s responsiveness to the typical and unique needs of children and young people, as well as their hopes and ambitions? How could pathways in education, in particular schools, connect better with each other?

QUESTION 4

  • What would we need to do in and around our schools to build strong links with communities, to support the development of creative, critical, civic and democratic participation and engagement in our learners, and to contribute to resilient and sustainable communities across Ireland into the future?
  • What do we need to do to step forward and maintain momentum towards this ambition?

These questions reflect some of the themes raised during the National Conversation, such as inclusion, technology, teachers and staff being a core strength of our system, wellbeing as a foundation for children and young people to thrive and education that prepares children and young people for the life. This is with a view to forming a set of recommendations in relation to a shared vision for education in Ireland into the future. They will inform the long-term strategy for the education system, ‘Our Schools, Our Future’.

Minster Naughton said:

Concluding, the Minister said:

Notes to Editors

The Convention on Education

The Convention on Education is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for children, young people, parents, educators and wider society to help shape Ireland’s education system for decades to come.

The application process for the Convention ran from mid-December 2025 to mid-January 2026. Membership of the first three groups, children and young people, parents and guardians and school employees and early years educators was based on stratified random sortition.

The Convention is chaired by Professor Anne Looney. It is meeting on four weekends across 2026. There was an introductory weekend in March, which will be followed by further weekends in May, September, and November 2026

The Convention comprises 150 people across 4 groups:

  • Children and young people (30 people)
  • Parents and guardians (30 people)
  • School employees and early years educators (30 people)
  • Education stakeholders (60 people)

The last Convention on Education took place over 30 years ago. The 1993 National Education Convention was led by Professor John Coolahan. This convention represented a major democratic debate on the future of the Irish education system.

The 2026 Convention will focus on primary and post-primary (secondary) schools, the transitions within education, looking at what is working well, what challenges need attention and what changes may be needed in the years ahead. Recommendations from the Convention will inform a new long-term Department of Education and Youth strategy for education in Ireland, ‘Our Schools, Our Future’.

The National Conversation

The National Conversation was launched in mid-January and ran until early April and was an opportunity for everyone across the country to have their say on the future of education in Ireland. The Department of Education and Youth designed the process to be as inclusive as possible, with a number of different ways in which people of all ages could share their views with us on the future of Irish education.

A national survey ran from mid-January to the end of February and saw over 42,000 responses and almost 500 written submissions. In addition to the survey, the Department of Education and Youth ran a series of school community engagements from mid-January to mid-February. These events took place across the country, where department staff met with children and young people, school employees and parents and guardians to get a greater understanding on their hopes for the future of the Irish education system.

These engagements were followed by a series of regional consultations, where attendees were be asked to give their views on the extent to which these topics raised in the survey and school community engagements offered scope for the most significant issues to be discussed in the Convention. Outputs from these engagements and the submission process informed the agenda agreed by Government earlier this week.

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Minister McEntee Attends 101st Army Cadet Class Commissioning Ceremony

Source: Government of Ireland – Defence

The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee, TD, today (Thursday 09 April 2026) attended the Commissioning Ceremony of the 101st Army Cadet Class at the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh Camp, County Kildare, at which 52 Cadets were commissioned as officers of the Permanent Defence Force.

The Minister was welcomed by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy.

Addressing the newly commissioned officers, Minister McEntee said “your commissioning marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and duty to the State. Today is the day in which you become part of the new generation of military leaders.

By accepting your commission, you take on a profound responsibility. You are entrusted with the leadership of others, with their welfare, their development, and, at times, their safety.

Leadership in the Defence Forces is not defined by rank alone, but by character, integrity and example.”

The Minister noted that “The security environment is becoming more complex and more demanding. In response, we are strengthening and modernising the Defence Forces to ensure they are equipped to meet current and future challenges.

This means investing in capability, infrastructure and most importantly, in people.

I am committed to delivering this change. Through record levels of investment and a clear strategic direction, we are working to build a Defence Forces that is modern, effective and fit for purpose capable of defending the State and its people.”

Reflecting on recent events in Lebanon, the Minister condemned the attacks in which three Indonesian peacekeepers lost their lives in the pursuit of peace.

“I condemn those appalling attacks in the strongest terms. These incidents represent a deeply concerning further escalation.

Those serving under the UN flag do so in pursuit of peace and stability. These incidents are an attack on the very principles of peace, cooperation and international solidarity.”

Minister McEntee quoted the words of the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, who said “attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law. They must stop.”

The Minister also reiterated her commitment and that of the Government “to strengthening Ireland’s defence by increasing investment with a view to achieving a significantly enhanced capability by 2028 and, thereafter, moving as quickly as possible to develop defence capabilities that would match those of other small Western European countries.

“Nobody doubts that the Defence Forces need greater investment, which is precisely why the Government is investing record funding, with €1.7 billion from the National Development Plan between now and 2030.”

Finally, the Minister congratulated the newly commissioned Officers, of whom she said “You bring honour on our country abroad. It is an enormous responsibility. I salute your courage and dedication.”

Speaking at the Commissioning Ceremony, Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy said: “Today, marks a significant milestone for Óglaigh na hÉireann and the careers of these cadets who have earned the privilege to serve as officers in the Irish Defence Forces.

“Once commissioned they assume the responsibility of leadership and are entrusted with the command of our most valuable asset, our people. I have every confidence that they will uphold and champion the Defence Forces values.

“I wish them well as they begin their new role within the organisation and I look forward to them serving with distinction both at home and overseas.”

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Memorandum of Understanding with the United Kingdom

Source: Government of Ireland – Defence

The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD, and the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey MP, have signed an update of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ireland and the UK on the enhancement of bilateral engagement on certain aspects of Defence and Security.

Speaking today, Minister McEntee said

“This agreement provides a framework for developing and furthering bilateral co-operation and relations between the Department of Defence and the UK Ministry of Defence.

It is appropriate that, after ten years, that we take the opportunity to refresh our Memorandum of Understanding and provide for a particular focus in such areas as Maritime, Cyber Defence and Security, Air (Information Sharing) and Joint Procurement initiatives”.

“Both the original and updated MoU also take into account matters such as training, education and staff exchanges, among other topics. This Agreement strengthens cooperation and exchanges involving both civil and military personnel.

There will be a continued focus on the already existing co-operation arrangements in the Defence area between Ireland and the UK on a more formal and transparent footing, which respects fully the differing policy positions and security arrangements of both countries and continues to underpin the longstanding and positive engagement that exists between the Defence Forces and the UK Armed Forces, particularly in the area of training and staff to staff meetings.”

Members of the Defence Forces attend a wide range of courses in the UK and members of the UK Forces have attended courses in Ireland, including in the UN School and on the Command and Staff Courses.

This refreshed MoU updates the version signed by the then Minister for Defence Simon Coveney and UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon in 2015. Arrangements will be made to lay the Refreshed MoU before the Houses of the Oireachtas in due course.

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New Legal Powers for Naval Service

Source: Government of Ireland – Defence

The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD, today (11 March) welcomed Government approval to begin drafting legislation that will provide the Defence Forces with new powers to safeguard Ireland’s maritime domain and protect the State’s sovereign rights in its territorial sea and exclusive economic zone.

Link to Heads of Bill

Speaking today, Minister McEntee said:

“Following the launch of Ireland’s first National Maritime Security Strategy last week, one of my key priorities is ensuring the Defence Forces have the powers they need to respond to emerging threats in our waters, particularly from vessels linked to the Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’.

“Ireland’s maritime domain is of critical strategic importance. Major undersea cables that carry huge volumes of global internet and financial data pass through our waters, while gas pipelines, electricity interconnectors and planned offshore renewable energy infrastructure are also located in our maritime area.

“Recent events in the Baltic Sea and the activities of Russia’s Shadow Fleet have highlighted the importance of ensuring that we have the legal framework necessary to respond to evolving threats.”

The Minister confirmed that officials in the Department of Defence have worked closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade and the Attorney General’s Office to develop proposals for short, targeted legislation that is consistent with international law and aligned with best international practice.

The legislation will amend the Defence Act 1954 to formally assign to the Defence Forces specific functions in safeguarding and protecting the State’s rights in the territorial sea and exclusive economic zone.

Under the proposals, members of the Naval Service will be given clearly defined unilateral statutory powers at sea to counter threats in our maritime domain, including the ability to:

  • board vessels operating in Ireland’s maritime zones
  • inspect documents, equipment and activities on board vessels
  • direct a vessel to leave a specified area or alter its route where necessary
  • require a vessel to cease activities that may threaten critical infrastructure or the marine environment.

These powers will be exercised in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and will help ensure that vessels operating in Irish waters are complying with international maritime rules.

Minister McEntee said:

“Currently, the Defence Forces exercise a range of maritime enforcement powers on behalf of other State agencies under various pieces of legislation. However, the Defence Acts themselves do not explicitly assign maritime enforcement powers to the Defence Forces. This legislation will for the first time provide them with specific statutory powers under the Defence Acts to carry out these functions.

“This legislation will address that gap by clearly setting out the Defence Forces’ role in safeguarding our maritime domain while remaining fully consistent with international law.”

The Minister also confirmed that the legislation will formally recognise the long-standing role of the Defence Forces in providing Aid to the Civil Power, including support to An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners.

“I also intend to include provisions in the Defence Act to explicitly recognise the Defence Forces’ role in supporting An Garda Síochána and other civil authorities when requested. The Defence Forces have carried out this role for decades, and it is important that this function is clearly set out in primary legislation.”

The legislation will also strengthen the legal framework relating to the protection of military installations, ensuring that the Defence Forces authority to protect these sites where necessary is grounded in primary legislation.

Maritime security was identified as a key priority in the 2024 Defence Policy Review, reflecting Ireland’s geographic position, evolving security threats and our responsibility to contribute to European security.

Ireland’s new National Maritime Security Strategy sets out a whole-of-government approach to protecting the State’s maritime domain and critical infrastructure, in cooperation with international partners and the private sector.

While work will continue on a comprehensive maritime security legislative framework over the coming years, the Minister said this legislation is being prioritised to ensure that the Defence Forces have the powers needed to respond to emerging risks.

Minister McEntee concluded

“It is important that the Defence Forces have the necessary legal powers in place as soon as possible. I intend to bring this legislation forward as a priority, including exploring options to progress it quickly through the Oireachtas ahead of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 2026.”

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Comment trouver une formation dans un métier d’avenir ?

Source: Republic of France in French
La République française a publié la déclaration suivante:

De l’énergie aux technologies numériques, en passant par l’agriculture, la santé, ou encore le spatial, France 2030 prépare les besoins en compétences des métiers d’avenir en soutenant des plus de 160 formations misant ainsi sur les talents de demain. Les explications de Nathalie Bécoulet, conseillère formation au Secrétariat général pour l’investissement, chargée de France 2030.

Qu’est-ce qu’un métier d’avenir ?

Dans un contexte de mutation économique accélérée, l’État, avec le plan d’investissement France 2030, mobilise 1,4 milliard d’euros pour adapter l’appareil de formation français aux besoins des filières stratégiques et des métiers émergents avec le dispositif « Compétences et métiers d’avenir ».

Les secteurs prioritaires concernent :

  • l’hydrogène décarboné et les énergies renouvelables,
  • la décarbonation de l’industrie,
  • les mobilités décarbonées,
  • l’alimentation durable,
  • la bioproduction (biomédicaments),
  • les industries culturelles et créatives,
  • le spatial et le numérique (IA, quantique, cloud…).

Ces métiers d’avenir allient croissance économique, transition écologique et une plus grande désirabilité professionnelle. 

L’objectif est de former un million de diplômés d’ici à 2030, avec déjà près 200 000 places de formation créées depuis 2024.

Nathalie Bécoulet

  • Conseillère formation au Secrétariat général pour l’investissement

Quels critères faut-il regarder en priorité avant de s’inscrire à une formation ?

Avant de s’engager, il est essentiel de vérifier que la formation visée délivre une certification inscrite au Répertoire national des certifications professionnelles (RNCP) ou un diplôme d’État. C’est une garantie de qualité, et un véritable atout pour l’insertion professionnelle : le diplôme reste, à ce jour, la meilleure protection contre le chômage.

Choisir une formation, c’est aussi réfléchir au sens de son futur métier. En s’appuyant sur le concept d’« ikigai », une philosophie née au Japon (ce que vous aimez, ce pour quoi vous êtes doué(e), ce dont le monde a besoin), chacun peut définir un projet professionnel épanouissant, en accord avec ses compétences et ses valeurs.

Faut-il privilégier les formations longues et diplômantes ou les formations courtes et certifiantes ?

Le choix dépend avant tout de son projet, de son rythme et de ses objectifs. Les formations diplômantes, plus longues, offrent un socle complet de connaissances reconnu sur le marché du travail. Les formations certifiantes, plus courtes, permettent d’acquérir des compétences ciblées pour évoluer rapidement ou se reconvertir.

Au-delà du format, c’est l’idée de formation tout au long de la vie qui s’impose. À chaque étape de sa vie, chaque individu peut approfondir, évoluer, ou changer de voie. L’envie d’apprendre reste le moteur essentiel.

Comment savoir si une formation est bien en phase avec les besoins des entreprises ?

Aujourd’hui, donner du sens à son engagement est aussi important que développer ses compétences. Les jeunes recherchent un métier porteur de valeurs, tandis que les entreprises attendent des collaborateurs motivés et impliqués. Cette dynamique commune transforme en profondeur les modes de production et les ressources humaines.

France 2030 accompagne cette évolution à travers le dispositif « Compétences et métiers d’avenir » :

  • des formations conçues avec les entreprises,
  • une attention particulière portée à la mixité, aux parcours et aux enjeux sociétaux,
  • des contenus vivants, en lien avec les grands défis du XXIᵉ siècle : écologie, numérique, souveraineté, alimentation, résilience.

Quelles compétences transversales restent utiles, quel que soit le secteur choisi ?

Autonomie, esprit d’équipe, créativité, écoute, gestion du temps et du stress… Ces compétences dites « transversales » sont devenues indispensables dans un monde du travail en constante évolution. Elles complètent les savoir-faire techniques et renforcent l’efficacité collective. Les formations d’aujourd’hui ont pour mission de les intégrer pleinement, en permettant à chacun de les développer, selon les contextes et les métiers.

France 2030 : publication du rapport d’activité 2024

Le Secrétariat général pour l’investissement en charge de France 2030 publie son rapport d’activité annuel. L’année 2024 a confirmé le rôle indispensable du plan d’investissement France…

Actualité · Innovation

Publié le 18/07/2025

Est-il nécessaire d’avoir un bagage scientifique ou technique pour accéder aux métiers d’avenir ?

Les lauréats du dispositif « Compétences et métiers d’avenir » proposent des formations allant du certificat d’aptitude professionnelle (CAP) au doctorat, incluant également de nombreuses offres de formation continue. Ces parcours visent à préparer aux métiers d’avenir, alliant compétences scientifiques et techniques solides à une ouverture sur les sciences humaines.

À l’heure de l’intelligence artificielle, les humanités permettent d’apporter sens, éthique et discernement aux innovations, les profils hybrides, combinant expertise technique et savoir-être, sont particulièrement recherchés pour répondre aux défis technologiques et sociétaux à venir.

Quelles plateformes ou organismes recommandez-vous pour trouver des formations ?

Les formations soutenues par le dispositif « Compétences et métiers d’avenir » sont accessibles en ligne. Les lauréats sélectionnés et leurs projets sont à retrouver sur cette page dédiée et dans ce document détaillé. Dès janvier 2026, une plateforme facilitera la mise en relation entre les apprenants formés et les recruteurs.

Quels conseils donneriez-vous à une personne qui hésite à se lancer dans une formation d’avenir ?

Je dirais : « Foncez » ! C’est une occasion unique de contribuer à relever les grands défis de l’avenir, pour soi comme pour l’humanité. Quel que soit le métier ou le niveau d’études, il s’agit d’être pionnier dans un monde en pleine mutation, et de saisir l’opportunité de jouer un rôle déterminant dans la construction de ce futur.

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