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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Feb 1972

Vol. 259 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Education White Paper.

13.

asked the Minister for Education if it is his intention to issue a white paper on education covering all aspects of the subject.

I am not satisfied that, particularly in the case of primary and post-primary education, the preparation and issue of a white paper at the present time would serve any great purpose. In fact, it would only result in delaying the implementation of proposals which have already been sufficiently spelt out. The giving effect to these proposals is vital if we are to provide equality of educational opportunity for all our children and enable them to complete on equal terms within the European Community which we are about to enter. When the recommendations of the Higher Education Authority in relation to the future provision for third level education have been published and all the interested parties have been given an opportunity of expressing their views in regard to them the question of publishing a white paper concerning all aspects of higher education, including teacher training, will be considered.

May I ask the Minister if in view of the widespread public confusion and concern about Government policy in relation to almost every aspect of education and of the ad hoc nature of most decisions made by his Department, he would be prepared to accept that there is very urgent need for the publication of such a white paper covering the major policy areas of education?

I do not accept that there is widespread confusion.

The Minister must not be aware of the views of most education authorities.

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