Minister Hanafin visits the Irish Centre for Talented Youth in DCU
- 27 July 2006

The Irish Centre for Talented Youth (CTYI) at Dublin City University is currently running its 13th annual Summer Programme for academically talented students. Minister for Education & Science Ms Mary Hanafin T.D., visited DCU today to meet with students participating in the programme.

Throughout the summer over 1700 primary and post primary students, aged 6 to 16 years have been taking part in classes at DCU and at various centres around the country. Students can participate in over 100 academic courses including criminology, archaeology, and science of tomorrow.

Minister Hanafin said “ students from every county in Ireland are represented in the programme as well as 64 overseas students from countries including France, Spain, Germany and the United States of America.

The Education Minister said she was very interested to note that about 1 in 10 of the students participating in the programme are students with learning disabilities. This may include dyslexia or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) as well as visual and auditory deficiencies. “ It is obvious that a learning difficulty should not quench a child’s thirst for knowledge or desire to experience the broader world around us.”

CTYI Course Director Colm O’ Reilly said "the programme provides educational opportunities to allow high ability students reach their potential. The students take fast paced courses in subjects that they don't get an opportunity to study in school.”

“The course also gives students the opportunity to meet other students similar to themselves to aid their social development. CTYI has a special atmosphere and most of the students return every year to take different courses and renew old acquaintances."

Over 23,000 students have participated in CTYI since the first summer programme started in 1993. To qualify for the programme, students must sit an assessment test run by CTYI. Students who are eligible to participate usually fall within the top 5% of the population academically.

The programme is partially funded by the Department of Education and students who qualify are eligible for financial or merit scholarships. Scholarships for the Corporate Business course are available from Deloitte while scholarships for the Engineering courses are provided by the RPS Group.

The secondary school students participate in a residential three-week programme in DCU while the primary school students take part in morning and afternoon classes on a weekly basis.

Further details about CTYI can be found at or by phone at (01)-7005634 or by email at ctyi@dcu.ie

ENDS