Tánaiste opens the International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE) Council 2010 Conference Day

The Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan TD, today (Tuesday, July 20th) opened the International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE) Council 2010 Conference Day at St Angela's College, Sligo.

The International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE) is the only worldwide organisation concerned with Home Economics, Family Ecology and Consumer Sciences.

The last IFHE Council held in Ireland took place in St Angela’s in 1978.

Previous meetings have taken place in South Africa, Finland, Japan and Ghana.

Speaking at the conference, the Tánaiste welcomed delegates from as far afield as Australia, Canada, Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

'I know that the Federation is made up of members with a wide variety of backgrounds, experience and expertise.

'One of the aims of this conference is to build on collaborations and make the most of the wealth of knowledge and experience that you all have, coming from different perspectives within the field of Home Economics.

'I am sure that this rich diversity will be invaluable in informing the work of the conference,' said the Tánaiste.

In the recent State examinations, 35% of Junior Certificate students and 23% of Leaving Certificate students took Home Economics.

The Tánaiste welcomed this, saying: 'I find it very positive that so many students will be gaining the benefits of this subject, and the many skills that it helps develop.

'I would like to wish you all a productive and fruitful conference, and I am sure you will enjoy the next three days’ activities.

'In particular, I hope the excursions, which include visits to Salthill Gardens, Mountcharles and Magees of Donegal, will provide a wonderful opportunity to experience some of attractions that this country has to offer in the areas of textiles, organic production and a beautiful environment,' concluded the Tánaiste.