Pat Rabbitte
Question:186 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will outline his programme of legislation; when each Bill will be presented to Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3825/99]
Vol. 500 No. 2
186 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will outline his programme of legislation; when each Bill will be presented to Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3825/99]
The legislative programme of my Department at present encompasses six Bills which I intend to publish and have enacted as soon as practicable.
It is my intention to publish the qualifications (education and Training) Bill, 1999 in the next few weeks. The Bill provides for a national framework of qualifications and for mobility and linkages within that framework. I hope that, with the co-operation of my colleagues in both Houses of the Oireachtas, it will be possible to enact the Bill before the summer recess.
A Bill with the working title Education (Welfare) Bill is at present being drafted by the parliamentary draftsman's office following approval of the general scheme by Government on 16 September 1998. This Bill will establish a comprehensive legislative and administrative system for dealing with school attendance issues and issues relating to the educational welfare of children generally. It is my intention to publish the Bill before the summer with a view to its enactment later this year.