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The complex effects of the global financial crisis (GFC) have affected countries differently. The concept of stimulus packages to enable economies to withstand its full effects was widespread, as were decisions by several countries to invest in higher education as a means of stimulating the economy while placing workforce development and research on a firmer footing. While the GFC increased awareness of the need to invest in the knowledge economy, governments adopted approaches reflecting their different fundamental priorities. Arguably Ireland was left with little leeway, whereas Australia's far better economic position might have provided an opportunity to invest in higher education through its stimulus packages. This paper examines the policy choices that Australian and Irish governments made both before, and in response to, the GFC to assess how these decisions have prepared higher education for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports that the education commission of the Conference of Religions of Ireland (CORI) has published a paper entitled `Religious Congregations in Irish Education--A Role for the Future.' Role which the Catholic church has played in the development of Irish education; Suggestion that priests and other religious persons are becoming a rarity in schools; Membership of secondary school teachers in religious orders thirty years ago.

Reports that `sectarian' Government proposals in Ireland have been condemned by an Irish teacher union. How the sectarian proposal will give churches a religious veto for appointments in primary and secondary schools; Information on Catholic bishops agreeing to release control of school boards; Details on a paper delivered to cabinet from education minister, Niamh Bhreathnach.