asked the Minister for Education if she will outline her policy in regard to the future educational role of the Council of Europe and Ireland's contribution thereto.
Written Answers. - Education Policy.
146.
The policy of the Council of Europe is decided by a Committee of Foreign Ministers of the member states.
The current policy is laid down in the Third Medium Term Plan 1987-1991 which was adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 20 November, 1986.
I support the policy of the Council as outlined under the fields of education, culture, sport and youth and which aims at reflecting changes in society effectively and exploiting the scientific and technical developments which are influencing European civilisation. The quality and efficiency of the Irish educational system is such that it gives young people the skills, motivation and knowledge they need in order to live in a world that is interdependent and marked by cultural diversity and rapid and constant social change. The training given to teachers and teacher trainers is of decisive importance here.
While all areas covered by the Council of Europe plan are considered important the following areas are listed in order of priority.
1. Education and Culture: Language learning and training of language teachers; "Language for European Citizenship"; Teacher Bursaries Scheme; Training Teachers and Teacher Trainers; Adult Education and Social Change; School Education; Pupil Mobility and Exchanges; New Educational Contents; Europe at School — European Schools Day Competition; European Studies; Educational Research and Documentation EUDISED; European University Co-operation; Major European University Problems.
2. Sport: (1) Promoting European and national policies designed to meet the increasing demand for sport and its consequences: the challenge of sport for all; (2) European and national action to promote the values of sport and to resolve problems arising from its continual development; (3) Strengthening the European dimension in sport; (4) Developing contacts with other Regional and International Sports Bodies.
3. Youth: (1) Involving young people in European unification; (2) International understanding and solidarity among young people; (3) Intergovernmental co-operation on behalf of the Young: improving the life and prospects of young people and promoting fair participation in society at all levels.