asked the Minister for Education the organisations or bodies with whom she has had discussions regarding the proposals contained in the Green Paper, "Partners in Education: Serving the Community"; the response she has had from the organisations with whom she has had discussions; if it is intended to introduce legislation to give effect to the Green Paper and, if so, when; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Green Paper on Education.
21.
My Department invited a number of organisations to preliminary meetings, the purpose of which was to provide any clarification necessary on the terms of the Green Paper. These organisations were also requested to furnish their views on the Green Paper by 28 February 1986. It will be appreciated that definitive views on the proposals were not sought or given at these meetings but will be made available in written submissions over the next few weeks. At that stage further meetings will be arranged to discuss the issues involved. Preliminary meetings were held with the following bodies:
The Association of Chief Executive Officers
The (Protestant) Secondary Education Committee
The Irish National Teachers' Organisation
The Teachers' Union of Ireland
The Association of Principal Teachers of Technical Institutions
The Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools
The Catholic Primary School Managers Association
The Church of Ireland Board of Education
The Methodist Board of Education
The City of Dublin VEC
The National Council for Educational Awards
The Higher Education Authority
The Library Council of Ireland
The Library Association of Ireland
The National Youth Council of Ireland
Representatives of the Chief School Attendance Officers.
When the consultative process has been completed and the results considered by my Department and by the Government, legislation will be introduced to give effect to the Government's final decisions on the issues involved. It is my intention to introduce the necessary legislation by the end of this year.