McGuinness spoke at a Jan. 10 reception for participants in the Cross Border Education Policymakers Program organized by BC's Irish Institute. Twelve senior policymakers from educational organizations across Ireland and Northern Ireland arrived at BC on Jan. 19 for the two-week program, which consists of site visits to local schools and intensive seminars led by BC faculty.
Representing Boston College at the reception were Executive Director of Irish Programs Thomas Hachey and Timothy Lynch, associate director at the Center for Irish Programs in Dublin.
"This is a terrific opportunity for local educationalists to find out about another country's education system and to share ideas and experiences with others within their field," said McGuinness of the program, which is funded by the State Department and is the second initiative of its kind organized by the Irish Institute.
"The first program for education policymakers has been beneficial for the people of North and South, and I would like to thank the US State Department and Boston College for providing this program."