Irish Education and European Integration

Abstract

necessary. There have always been strong links of different kinds. During the Dark Ages Irish educated monks and scholars brought Christianity to Europe, and all the great Irish missionaries, Columbanus, Aidan, Swithbert, and others carried with them not only a missionary zeal but also a profound love of learning. Monasteries founded by Irish missionaries did much to preserve the written treasures of today, and ninth and tenth century Irish monks were famous for their copying work. Likewise, Irish soldiers have been sent to almost every European centre, and the constant interchange of clerics with Rome, and strong trading connections have kept Ireland in touch with European affairs. At the present time diplomatic representatives are in almost all European countries, and the Republic has participated from the outset in the two organizations set up to promote co-operation between the European states, the Council of Europe, and the Organization for European Economic Co-operation. Furthermore, while Ireland did not accede to the North Atlantic Treaty she has always agreed with the general aim of that Treaty. Individual members belong to the Irish Section of the European Association of Teachers, the European Cultural Foundation (established in 1954 to promote cultural and educational activities of common interest) and the Irish Council of the European Movement (see below). Thus, it is true to say that Ireland belongs to Europe-through her history, tradition and sentiment, no less than by her geography, and Irish outlook and way of life have been moulded by the Christian ideals and the intellectual values upon which European civilization rests.