WHO’S WHO introduces people who are making an important contribution to education in Ireland today.

NAME: Martin Territt
OCCUPATION: Director, European Commission Representation in Ireland   


Where are you from?
I am a European and Irish citizen, born in Portlaoise, Co. Laois, Ireland.

What is your earliest childhood memory?
Playing Batman and Robin with my younger sister.

How many siblings have you?
One - a younger sister.

Where did you go to school/college?
Portlaoise CBS, O.M.I. Inchicore, James' Street CBS, D.I.T. and the Honorable Society of King's Inns.

Was there a teacher or lecturer who had a particular influence on you?
The late Eamon Leahy was a wonderful lecturer in criminal law.

What attracted you to work on behalf of the European Commission?
The great challenge in 1999 in addressing the very real concerns of people across the EU about food safety, e.g. dioxins, BSE, etc.

What is the role of the European Commission Representation in Ireland?
We are the eyes, ears and voice of the European Commission in Ireland.

Has the Commission a role to play in our education system?
The Commission has an increasingly important role to play in our education system. Currently European Studies is not included as a stand alone subject on the Junior or Senior cycle curriculum. We are often therefore the first point of contact for teachers and schools wishing to learn more about the Commission and European Union per se. In conjunction with the Department of Education and the Department of Foreign Affairs, we aim to act as a bridge between Europe and the young people of Ireland.

Are schools and students interested in the European Union?
Schools and students are very interested in the European Union. We have an open door policy at the Representation regarding education and are visited by schools from across the country. As part of our Outreach programme, we are also not afraid to travel to them too! We are present at the majority of teachers' conferences and student focused exhibitions, such as the Young Scientists Awards, where we are inundated by requests for material and assistance, both of which we are delighted to provide.

What do you personally want the Commission to achieve in the short term in relation to teachers and students?
The key issue for us is to communicate our presence as a resource for information in terms of teaching material for students and to assist teachers in communicating how both the Commission and the European Union function.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The infinite variety!

Are you a workaholic?
Yes.

What do you do to chill out?
A bit of golf when I've time.

Have you a message for teachers?
Log on to www.euireland.ie and see the wealth of teaching aids we have for you and for students. There is no need to be afraid of EU subjects!!

Have you a message for policy makers?
Education about the EU in the broadest sense needs greater attention.