merrion street

Taoiseach Enda Kenny today delivered a keynote speech at the Intel open forum on "Transforming Education in Ireland". The event was the second annual forum organised by Intel, and is "designed to bring together stakeholders in the education process and provide a platform for them to express their opinions and suggest possible avenues to improve it and keep it up-to-date so that it is adaptable and dynamic and ultimately, fit for purpose" according to Intel Ireland General Manager Eamonn Sinnott.

The Taoiseach spoke of the importance of Intel's investment in Ireland, embracing the future, and the "Smartclass" competition, which is run for the first time this year by Intel, the Education Company of Ireland and Steljes. The Smartclass competition asks schools to create an e-book depicting "Smart Class of the future - 2025". The best entry will win a "complete technology package for an entire first year of students". The package includes:

- A Fizzbook laptop for an entire first year class of the winning post primary school

- Accompanying software optimised for education

- Full digital curriculum content for the entire junior cycle

- Wireless LAN fit-out for the school environment

- Relevant teach training facilitation

- Continual independent program assessment and evaluation

For more details on the competition go to www.smartclass.ie

You can view highlights of the Taoiseach's keynote speech below: