Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Jun 1993

Vol. 432 No. 1

Written Answers. - Universities Submission on Education.

Avril Doyle

Question:

73 Mrs. Doyle asked the Minister for Education if, in the light of a recent submission from the National University of Ireland she has any plans to meet the Presidents of the universities; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Jim Higgins

Question:

214 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to meet with the Presidents of the Universities in view of the recent submission made to her by the National University of Ireland; the issues which will be discussed; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 214 together.

I presume the Deputies are referring to the response by the National University of Ireland to the Green Paper on Education.

I have now received over 900 submissions commenting on the Green Paper and on the education proposals in the Programme for a Partnership Government.

I do not intend to respond or make statements in relation to individual submissions. All of them will be carefully examined and will be given due consideration in the whole process leading to the publication of the White Paper. I do not have any plans at present to meet the Presidents of the Universities in regard to the Green Paper. As the Deputies are aware I recently announced my intention to convene a National Education Convention later this year. The Convention will provide the parties in Education, including the Universities, with an unprecedented opportunity to debate the major educational policy issues and to influence my proposals and the Government decisions on the forthcoming White Paper on Education.