Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 1

Written Answers. - Socrates Education Action Programme.

Bernard Allen

Question:

154 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education the implications the establishment of the Socrates education action programme has for Irish education; and the way in which this programme is to be utilised within the Irish education system.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

This is a proposal from the European Commission which has still to be discussed by the Council of Ministers.

As the "Socrates" programme is still under discussion by the relevant institutions, it would be premature to respond specifically to the Deputy's question as to the way in which the programme is to be utilised within the Irish education system. However, the Deputy can be assured that when the Commission proposal is finally adopted, it will be implemented in this country in a manner which seeks to maximise its benefits to Irish students.

The proposed action programme draws on experiences gained in the implementation of Erasmus and Lingua and on other pilot schemes developed and promoted by the commission. The programme is comprised of three principal elements, viz., higher education; school education; horizontal actions, e.g. the promotion of language skills, open and distance education and learning, information and exchange of experiences.

The proposals provide for community support for actions which promote cooperation between the member states while, at the same time, respecting the primary responsibility of the member states for the content of teaching and the organisation of education systems and their cultural and linguistic diversity in accordance with Article 126 of the Treaty on European Union.