asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the meeting of the European Communities' Ministers for Education held on 27 June 1980; and if he intends to take any action in respect of curricular changes in second-level schools as a result of that meeting.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Second Level Curricular Changes .
5.
: The conference of the Ministers for Education meeting within the Council of the European Communities on 27 June 1980 covered the following topics:—
(1) examination of a general report on the progress made with the implementation of the action programme in the field of education established by the Council and the Ministers for Education on 9 February 1976;
(2) perspectives for education policy in the context of employment policy, with particular reference to the problems of the transition of young people from education to working life;
(3) discussion on the measures intended to promote closer relations between the various educational systems in the Community; and
(4) effect of the gradual introduction in the Community of new data-processing technology on the education and preparation of young people for working life.
The general report mentioned at (1) above dealt with the Community action programme in relation to, inter alia, teaching about the European Community and Europe in schools, the teaching of foreign languages, admission of students from other member states to institutions of higher education, education of migrant workers and their families, preparation of girls for working life and equality of opportunity for girls and boys in society, compilation of up-to-date documentation and statistics on education.
The work of the Council was inhibited by the present budgetary problems of the Community and by the position of one of the other member states which has legal and constitutional difficulties in regard to Community involvement in the field of education.
No action is called for in relation to curricular changes in second level schools as a result of that meeting but I shall, of course, be dealing with that topic in the context of our own situation in the forthcoming White Paper on Educational Development.
: In relation to the transition from school place to work place will the Minister explain why in his term of office he has sought the ending of the transition year project?
: As the Deputy and the House are aware the transition year project did not come at the point of transfer from school to work. There are varied schemes in operation at the moment dealing with those who are just leaving school and being trained for work and getting work experience. The Commission recommended Ireland's activity in that regard to one of the new potential members of the EEC.
: Do I take it that the transition year project which the Minister has sought to finish will now be allowed to continue as an ongoing approach to the problems of transition from school to work?
: I had been asked this question in the context of a Council of Ministers meeting. It has nothing to do with our internal year. If the Deputy wishes to put down a question I will answer it.
: Did the Minister not refer to the fact that the meeting considered the question of the transition period from school to work?
: Yes.
: Can I take it from the Minister's reply that there will be a reversal of his policy to end the transition year project and that that approach can continue to be a very important part of educational policy here?
: I have no such policy to discontinue any schemes that were existing.
: Questions Nos. 6 and 7 are withdrawn.