Athlone woman hired for top Department of Education role

An Athlone native has become the first woman ever to hold the role of Chief Inspector at the Department of Education.

Yvonne Keating, who is from an Athlone family with strong involvement in the education sector, was appointed to the position last week following what was described by the Department as "a top-level appointments committee specialist recruitment process".

Now based in the Dublin area, Ms Keating has several members of her immediate family who hold or have held prominent roles in education in Athlone.

Her brother Oliver is principal of St Clare's National School in Tubberclair, a role previously held by their father, Vincent.

Ms Keating's sister, Stephanie, is the director of Athlone Education Centre, while another of her brothers, Fintan, is a former principal of Cornafulla National School.

In her new role, Ms Keating will lead the Inspectorate of the Department of Education, which is "responsible for the evaluation of primary and post-primary schools and centres for education as well as inspection of education provision in early learning and care settings".

Inspectors also provide advice on a range of educational issues to school communities, policy makers in the Department, and the wider educational system.

Commenting on the appointment, Education Minister Norma Foley said, "I am delighted to announce Ms Yvonne Keating's appointment as Chief Inspector at the Department of Education.

"The Inspectorate plays a hugely important role in supporting our schools and other education settings to provide the best possible educational experience to our children and young people.

"Yvonne has an exceptional track record as a teacher and as an inspector and has served as Deputy Chief Inspector for the last three years. She is enormously well qualified for this role.

"I wish Yvonne every success in her role and I know that the Inspectorate will continue to evolve and thrive as an essential support and partner to our schools under her leadership."

Ms Keating took up her role as Chief Inspector with immediate effect last week. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Carysfort College, a Master of Education degree from Maynooth University, and the degree of Barrister-at-Law from the Honorable Society of Kings' Inns.

She has also undertaken further studies in inspection and regulation at the Institute of Education, University of London, and leadership studies at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

In becoming the first woman to hold the post of chief inspector, she succeeded Dr Harold Hislop, who had served in the position for the last twelve years.