Student activists occupy department of education and hold "Surprise Conference".

There are currently around 100 student activists occupying the grounds of the Department of Education, on Marlborough St., Dublin.

At the time of writing there is an open space discussion happening on the subject of "alternative education".

Gardai have locked the gate and are not allowing additional participants to enter. However the atmosphere inside is peaceful and constructive.

Come down to Marlborough St. (off Talbot St.) to show your solidarity with the activists inside!

The Surprise Conference 2010, is an event organized by a group of autonomous individuals with the view to starting a more open minded conversation about the future of Irish education that the one that is currently taking place. We feel that the current education system is expensive and inefficient and rather than simply making financial cuts we should make long term structural changes.

There are currently around 100 student activists occupying the grounds of the Department of Education, on Marlborough St., Dublin.

At the time of writing there is an open space discussion happening on the subject of "alternative education".

Gardai have locked the gate and are not allowing additional participants to enter. However the atmosphere inside is peaceful and constructive.

Come down to Marlborough St. (off Talbot St.) to show your solidarity with the activists inside!

The Surprise Conference 2010, is an event organized by a group of autonomous individuals with the view to starting a more open minded conversation about the future of Irish education that the one that is currently taking place. We feel that the current education system is expensive and inefficient and rather than simply making financial cuts we should make long term structural changes.

The location of the conference on the grounds of the department of education is significant on a symbolic level as well as a practical level. We believe that a more diverse range of opinions needs to be voiced within this institution and that these views need to be voiced by the people who will be effected by the decisions made. Also in keeping with our policy of openness we want to leave the platform open for representatives of the department to contribute their views and responses to the conference.

The conference was organized as a surprise in order to demonstrate the presence of a dedicated, organized body of students in Ireland who are prepare to have their voices heard and to act independently and in their own accord when they feel that pre-existing systems and channels of communication do not reflect the urgency and seriousness of their message.