Jim Higgins
Question:38 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education if she proposes re-examining the school entry age and extending the school leaving age; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - School Entry Age.
Under the School Attendance Act, 1926, as amended, the age limits for compulsory education are from 6 to 15 years of age.
The age of school entry and the school leaving age are matters that will be considered in the context of the forthcoming White Paper on Education.
It is acknowledged that early departure from school is linked with disadvantage. Consideration of this aspect of the matter will feature in the formulation of a general strategy for the combating of disadvantage.
Trevor Sargent
Question:39 D'fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Oideachais cén dualgas i leith na Gaeilge atá ar an National Distance Education Council; agus céard atá á dhéanamh acu leis an dualgas sin a chomhlíonadh.
Is cuid d'Ollscoil Chathar Bhaile Átha Cliath an National Distance Education Centre. Níl aon dualgas faoi leith sa reachtaíocht ar an ollscoil i leith na Gaeilge ach tá dualgas faoi leith ar an Údarás um Ard Oideachas an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn sna hollscoileanna i gcoitinne.
Tá áthas orm a chur in iúl don Teachta, mar shampla, go gcuirfear Cúrsa nua Lán Ghaeilge in Airgeadas, Ríomhaireacht agus Fiontraíocht ar fáil in Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath an bhliain seo chugainn.
Is gá, dála an scéil, do scoláirí faoi bhun 23 bliain d'aois atá ag déanamh cúrsaí leis an National Distance Education Centre na gnáth-choinníollacha iontrála don choláiste lena bhfuil siad cláraithe a shásamh ó thaobh riachtanais oideachasúla; i gcás choláistí Ollscoil Náisiúnta na hÉireann bheadh an cháilíocht mháithreánaigh chuí sa Ghaeilge san áireamh.
Beidh mé ag tabhairt aird go speisialta ar chur chun cinn na Gaeilge sa chóras oideachais i gcomhthéacs na bpolasaithe a leagfar amach sa Pháipéar Bán ar ball.