asked the Minister for Education if the Government intend to resurrect the policy planning unit in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Education Policy Planning.
110.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the Development Branch which ceased to operate as a separate branch in my Department in 1973. There are no plans to have that branch re-established in its previous form.
The structure of my Department has been under review in connection with recommendations in the Report of the Public Services Organisation Review Group (1969) which envisaged the creation of four staff units, including a planning unit, in Departments in general. This review has not yet been completed in the case of the Department of Education.
I have, however, intensified the planning process in my Department. In particular, I have established a group of senior officials to prepare a draft programme for Action in Education over the next four years. I have also set up planning groups to advise me on arrangements to establish a national curriculum and examinations board and on the recommendations of the recent ESRI report on Schooling and Sex Roles.