asked the Minister for Education if he has completed his consultations in relation to the proposed deed of trust for community schools.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Community Schools .
: These consultations have not yet been completed.
: Has the Minister any agreement from any of the interests he has so far consulted about his ideas regarding the deed of trust for communtity schools?
: The nature of the consultations was such that I listened to the submissions of the unions and the managerial bodies—there are still some to come—with a view to getting a consensus on a draft deed of trust.
: Could the Minister give any indication as to when he expects the consultations to be concluded?
: I am under heavy pressure but I hope to finish them before the summer is out.
: Will the Minister announce a decision based on those consultations in the very immediate future after they terminate?
: I do not know what the Deputy means by the "very immediate future". It will be as soon as possible afterwards and in full consultation.
: Is the Minister still holding out the possibility of changes in the draft deed of trust?
: Yes, I am. I am in favour of teacher representation and that is a change in the draft deed of trust. I am hopeful that we will be able to achieve that. I am listening carefully to the submissions and hope to be able to put something positive together from both the positive and negative views I have heard.
: Is the Minister for Economic Planning and Development one of the interested parties?
: The Minister for Economic Planning and Development helps the Minister for Education on every occasion he can.
: Would the Minister say from which of the interests he has consulted he has heard negative views?
: No, he would not. Most of us are capable of negative views, including the Deputy.