asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development (a) the extent to which he hopes to influence policy in the field of education so as to secure a greater element of industrial, agricultural and business skills and understanding, and a greater motivation towards productive rather than service and public sector employment, among school-leavers; and (b) if he has yet made any representations in this direction to the Minister for Education.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Education Policy.
12.
Overall policy in the field of education, as in other fields, is determined by the Government.
As the Deputy is aware previous Fianna Fáil Administrations have taken steps in the direction referred to in part (a) of the question. In particular I would mention the establishment of the Regional Technical Colleges, the National Council for Educational Awards, the National Institute of Higher Education, and comprehensive and community schools.
Regarding the second part of the question, I have already had preliminary discussions with the Minister for Education on this whole question.
The Minister for Education proposes to issue a White Paper in due course setting out the lines for future educational development in Ireland.
Has the Minister noted the recent studies of certain areas of the country in which it has become obvious that even where a very large industrial complex is on the school doorstep, secondary school-leavers tend to be orientated away from working in such complex. Since there is that kind of tendency, despite the best efforts of Fianna Fáil to which the Minister has drawn attention, would the Minister agree that in the long run the economy will not be able to stand the strain of the educational expectations which the existing pattern appears to generate?
My reply referred to the previous efforts with which I have been familiar down through the years to ensure that the educational system developes in a way that was conducive to and would support our economic and social development. I have indicated already that it would be premature to start going into a detailed discussion on further changes until such time as the Minister for Education has published his White Paper.
While realising the collective responsibility element of the Government, would the Minister not agree that his Department should consider it necessary to push the Department of Education in this direction and not to be relying merely on a set of measures taken in the past which clearly, however well-intentioned they may have been, have not had the desired result?
My Department have had numerous contacts with the Department of Education and will have many more in the weeks and months ahead. Indeed, this is one question along with many others which is part of the work which underlies our planning for the future.