Vol. 404 No. 9
9 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education if, as a logical extension of the recent study undertaken of primary level education, she is prepared to establish a review body to carry out an indepth analysis of second level education with particular emphasis on the relevance of educational context, existing structures, demographic trends and their implications, financing and school organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The Deputy will be aware that a major review has been undertaken of the junior cycle of post-primary education, under the aegis of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. This has led to the implementation of a new junior certificate programme which will be examined for the first time in 1992.
In addition, a comprehensive discussion document on the senior cycle has been circulated by the council to all concerned parties with a view to making recommendations to me.
At the same time consultancy studies are under way on financing costs for post-primary schools and inservice training of teachers.
Under the recently agreed Programme for Economic and Social Progress between the Government and the social partners many outstanding issues at post primary level have been resolved.
The Green Paper on education which is due to be published this summer will take all of these developments into account and provide the basis for a review of all aspects of education.
In the light of these initiatives I am satisfied that all relevant issues at post-primary level will be fully addressed over the coming months.
