Frank Crowley
Question:66 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Education if any date has been set for the publication of the White Paper on Education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - White Paper on Education.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:70 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education if any date has been set for the publication of the White Paper on Education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Michael Noonan
Question:78 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Education if any date has been set for the publication of the White Paper on Education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Liz O'Donnell
Question:98 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Education if she will give a precise date for the publication of the White Paper on Education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:613 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education if she will publish the White Paper on Education in the current Dáil session.
I intend to take Questions Nos. 66, 70, 78, 98 and 613 together.
The National Educational Convention, a watershed in the history of Irish education, was held in October of last year and proved to be an enormous success. A broad range of groups were involved. I had the opportunity to listen to the views of the partners in education in a very public way. Tangible and encouraging results emerged immediately from the Convention. There was an obvious convergence of opinion on a range of issues. These issues have been clearly identified in the report of the Convention, which was published last week. In keeping with the spirit of openness and democracy the Convention report will be given a very wide distribution and, indeed, I have already ensured that every Member of this House has been supplied with a copy of the report.
There was a very strong request from the National Education Convention that I clarify my thinking on local education structures and I promised that I would do so. Very shortly, I intend to publish an official position paper concerning this.
It is my intention to forge ahead with the preparation of the White Paper on the basis of the comprehensive consultation process which has taken place. The process of reform cannot afford to lose its momentum. The White Paper, which I hope to publish before the end of the summer, will map out the Government's vision of the future of Irish education. It will be followed by the bringing of an Education Bill before this House. I look forward to the considered contribution of Deputies from all sides into the debate at that stage.