I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 32, 39, 41, 44, 45, 55 and 57 together.
The main priority areas for inservice training are set out in the White Paper, Charting our Education Future. Funds for inservice training are allocated in accordance with these priorities. Broadly, the priorities fall into the areas of facilitating the major curricular changes and reforms, advancing the professional development of teachers, training for managements and parents.
Discussions with the partners in education are nearing completion in regard to producing a fully developed and detailed framework or plan for inservice. These discussions are taking place in the primary and post primary incareer advisory committees, on which the Partners are represented, and which are chaired by my Department.
A draft framework documents is currently being considered by the committees. This document will provide a well structured basis for inservice provision and for the allocation of funds.
The total amount provided under the Community Support Framework for incareer development at first and second level for the period 1994-99 is £36.5 million at 1995 prices. This provision is confinanced by the European Commission under the Operational Programme for Human Resources Development to the extent of £27.4 million or 75 per cent. Expenditure to the end of the financial year 1995 is estimated at £9 million, in respect of which EU funding at the 75 per cent rate is claimed.
The funding provides for inservice training for teachers and for management training, including parent training. In addition, the running costs of the education centre network are funded under this programme.