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Conference Agenda
Join us for a day of engaging discussions, expert insights and practical ideas as we explore how technology is shaping the future of education.
From artificial intelligence and inclusive learning to online safety and the evolving relationship between parents and schools, our conference brings together a range of voices and perspectives.
Take a look at the programme below to see what's happening throughout the day and who you'll be hearing from.
Morning Programme
10:30 am — Welcome and Registration
Arrive, enjoy tea or coffee and meet other parents before the conference begins.
11:00 am — Welcome to the Day
Áine Lynch and William Earley — National Parents Council
William is the Chairperson of National Parents Council (NPC), and Áine is the Chief Executive Officer. Together, they will welcome attendees and introduce the day's conference.
11:05 am — Parents’ Voices Across Europe
Stefano Crico — President, European Parents Association
Stefano represents a network of parent organisations across Europe, connecting the experiences and perspectives of parents from different countries.
11:10 am — Can You Tell What Is Real?
AI Video Challenge — Anthony Murphy, Communications Manager, NPC
Think you can tell what's real and what's been created using artificial intelligence (AI)?
Put your detective skills to the test as we watch a short video and see just how convincing AI-generated content can be!
11:15 am — What Can Schools Learn from Around the World?
Andreas Schleicher — Director for Education and Skills, OECD
Andreas works with countries around the world to understand what helps children learn and succeed.
He leads international research comparing education systems and works with education leaders to explore how schools and teaching can improve.
11:30 am — AI: Friend or Foe? What Parents Need to Know
Professor Jim O’Mahony — Munster Technological University
Professor Jim O’Mahony has over 30 years' experience in education and helps lead work on artificial intelligence at Munster Technological University.
In this session, Jim will explain what AI is, how it works and what parents need to know about its use. He'll share practical information on how families can use AI safely and responsibly.
12:30 pm — Supporting Children with Additional Educational Needs
Michael Moynihan TD — Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion
Michael Moynihan TD has government responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, including how education can support children with different learning needs and help them participate fully in school life.
He has worked closely with families and disability service providers for over 20 years and previously chaired the Disability Matters Committee.
12:55 pm — Can You Tell What Is Real? Part Two
AI Video Challenge — Anthony Murphy, Communications Manager, NPC
It's time to put your detective skills to the test again!
Another short video challenges us to think about just how realistic AI-generated content can look. Can you spot what's real and what's not?
1:00 pm — Lunch, School Tour and Quiz
Enjoy lunch and an optional tour of Kildare Town Community School, led by students and parents.
During lunch, you can also scan a code to complete a short quiz about artificial intelligence and staying safe when using technology.
Quiz draw scheduled for 1:55 pm.
Afternoon Programme
2:00 pm — Using Technology to Improve the Home–School Relationship
Carmel O’Shea — Advocacy Service Manager, National Parents Council
Carmel will share findings from NPC's recent survey, Technology and Communication in Your Child's School, exploring parents' experiences of how schools use technology to communicate with families.
She will also look at how technology can help parents and schools stay connected, work together and support every child and young person to reach their full potential.
2:20 pm — Thriving and Flourishing in Tomorrow’s World: Supporting Learners in a Digital Age
Dr Patrick Sullivan and Dr Louise O’Reilly — National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA)
Patrick and Louise help shape what children learn in Irish schools.
Patrick focuses on early childhood and primary education, while Louise works on post-primary education.
Together, they'll explore how education can support children and young people to learn, grow and thrive in a world where technology is becoming an increasingly important part of everyday life.
2:50 pm — Let’s Talk: Children, Schools and Technology
Panel Discussion
Our panel brings together representatives from technology companies, education, online safety, school leadership and the student community.
Together, they'll explore the opportunities and challenges of technology in education, including children's learning, online safety and the future of education.
Our Panellists:
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Ryan Meade — Google Ireland
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Dualta Ó Broin — Meta
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Jane McGarrigle — Webwise
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Maurice Boland — Department of Education Digital Group
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Kevin Shorthall — Principal, St Aidan’s Community School
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Albert — Student, Kildare Town Community School
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Marisa Ronan — Microsoft
3:45 pm — A Word from Our Host School
John Hayes — Principal, Kildare Town Community School
John Hayes, Principal of Kildare Town Community School, our host school for this year's conference, will share a few words as the day draws to a close.
3:55 pm — Thank You and Goodbye
Áine Lynch — Chief Executive Officer, National Parents Council
Áine Lynch will bring the conference to a close, thanking our speakers, panellists, partners and attendees for taking part in the day's discussions.
Meet Our Speakers
Meet the voices shaping the conversation about tomorrow's world
Our conference brings together education leaders, researchers, policymakers and experts from Ireland and around the world to explore the opportunities and challenges facing children and young people in a changing digital age.
From artificial intelligence and inclusive education to curriculum development and parental involvement, our speakers bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and different perspectives.
Get to know the people who will be sharing their insights throughout the day.
Featured Speakers
Andreas Schleicher
Director for Education and Skills — Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Andreas works with education leaders around the world to understand what helps children learn and succeed.
He leads international research comparing education systems, helping countries explore ways to improve teaching, learning and educational opportunities.
His work brings a valuable international perspective to the conversation about the future of education.
Session: What Can Schools Learn from Around the World?
Professor Jim O’Mahony
Academic Lead for Generative AI — Munster Technological University
With over 30 years' experience in higher education, Professor Jim O’Mahony has extensive expertise in artificial intelligence and its applications in education.
He works with school leaders to strengthen their understanding of AI and promote its safe and responsible use.
His session will help parents understand what AI is, how it works and how families can use it safely and responsibly.
Session: AI: Friend or Foe? What Parents Need to Know
Michael Moynihan TD
Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion
Michael Moynihan TD was appointed Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion in January 2025.
He has worked closely with families and disability service providers for over 20 years and previously chaired the Disability Matters Committee.
His work focuses on improving educational opportunities and inclusion for children and young people with additional needs.
Session: Supporting Children with Additional Educational Needs
Carmel O’Shea
Advocacy Service Manager — National Parents Council
Carmel will present findings from NPC's recent survey, Technology and Communication in Your Child's School.
She will explore parents' experiences of digital communication with schools and how technology can strengthen the relationship between home and school.
Her session will also consider opportunities to support children with additional needs and encourage greater parental involvement in learning.
Session: Using Technology to Improve the Home–School Relationship
Dr Patrick Sullivan
Deputy Chief Executive Officer — National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA)
Patrick oversees curriculum and assessment developments across early childhood and primary education.
A former primary school teacher and teaching principal, he has worked with the NCCA since 2013 and helped lead the updating of Aistear and the redevelopment of the Primary School Curriculum.
He is passionate about how education can evolve to support children in an ever-changing world.
Session: Thriving and Flourishing in Tomorrow's World: Supporting Learners in a Digital Age
Dr Louise O’Reilly
Education Officer — National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA)
Louise has worked extensively on Senior Cycle redevelopment, including developments in English and History.
She previously worked with the State Examinations Commission and the Teaching Council, following more than 20 years as a post-primary teacher.
Together with Dr Patrick Sullivan, she will explore how education can help children and young people learn, grow and thrive in a changing digital world.
Session: Thriving and Flourishing in Tomorrow's World: Supporting Learners in a Digital Age
William Earley
Chairperson — National Parents Council
William chairs National Parents Council, supporting its work to ensure parents' voices are heard in education.
He will join Áine Lynch in welcoming attendees to the conference.
Áine Lynch
Chief Executive Officer — National Parents Council
Áine leads NPC's work supporting parents and encouraging their involvement in their children's education.
She will welcome attendees at the beginning of the conference and bring the day's proceedings to a close.
Stefano Crico
President — European Parents Association
Stefano leads a European network of parent organisations, connecting parents' experiences and perspectives across different countries.
He will bring a European perspective to the conference, highlighting the importance of parents' voices in education.
Session: Parents' Voices Across Europe
John Hayes
Principal — Kildare Town Community School
John is Principal of Kildare Town Community School, the host school for this year's conference.
He is committed to creating a welcoming, safe and respectful learning environment and works in partnership with parents and the wider community to support students.
John will share a few words with attendees towards the end of the conference.
𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦. 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘. 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗙𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘.
💬 What would YOU like to ask our conference panel?
Technology is changing the way our children learn, communicate and experience the world around them. But what does that mean for their education, wellbeing and future?
At NPC's Tomorrow's World – Education Conference 2026, we're bringing together representatives from education, technology and online safety to explore some of the biggest questions facing parents and schools.
And we want YOUR questions to be part of the conversation!
Whether you're curious about artificial intelligence, concerned about online safety, interested in digital learning or wondering how technology can support children with different educational needs, we'd love to hear from you.
Is there something you've always wanted to ask the people helping to shape our digital future?
Submit your question below, and we'll consider it for inclusion in our panel discussion on Saturday, 7 November.
NPC Education Conference 2026
Tomorrow’s World
Supporting children and young people through a changing digital age
📅 Saturday, 7 November 2026