Dáil learning experience for GMIT Castlebar students

Author: Press Office

Date Article Written Monday 24 October 2011

Twenty two business students and four lecturers from GMIT Castlebar recently visited Dáil Eireann, and IBEC and ESRI headquarters in Dublin, as part of a programme encouraging student engagement with civic society.

The students, who are studying Bachelor of Business and Accounting & Financial Management programmes, were invited to Dáil Eireann by Taoiseach Enda Kenny and welcomed on arrival by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, John O’Mahoney TD and Senator Rónán Mullen. 

The group observed proceedings of the Dáil from the public gallery and were given a guided tour of Leinster House, followed by a visit to Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s office in Government Buildings where they had a discussion with the Taoiseach on the economic situation and the challenges ahead.

The GMIT group visited IBEC headquarters at Lower Baggott Street and were briefed by senior economist Reetta Suonperä on the Irish economy and IBEC’s pre-budget submission. They then visited the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay where they were briefed by leading economist Joe Durkan, co-author of the Quarterly Economic Commentary, on the research carried out by the ESRI and its role in informing public policy and civil society.

The student trip, which is part of GMIT’s ongoing programme of student engagement with civic society and business organisations, was organised by lecturers Clodagh Geraghty, Michael J. Shovelin, Shane Byrne and Caroline Clarke, Department of Business, GMIT Castlebar.

Clodagh Geraghty says it was a memorable and highly educational trip for the students as well as the staff. “This was a unique opportunity for students to observe first-hand the legislative process in action, and on the same day learn more of the role of the ESRI and how it informs Government policy.”

”The visit to IBEC offered students a clear insight into how they are working to create a more favourable climate for business.  At the end of the day students said that they felt very fortunate to be able to observe democracy in action at the highest level and be part of this very memorable event.”

“Special thanks to John Lohan, Personal Secretary to An Taoiseach,  and a graduate of GMIT Castlebar’s Bachelor of Business (Honours/level 8) degree programme.” added Ms Geraghty.

For further information on GMIT Business programmes in the Castlebar campus, see: http://www.gmit.ie/castlebar/Programmes.html