Pat Upton
Question:45 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education the progress on her plans to abolish selective entry tests for second-level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - School Grants.
Pat Upton
Question:54 Mr. Upton asked the Minister for Education the number of schools which still continue to hold entrance tests for second level schools; when these tests will be phased out; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:61 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education the reason she has not proceeded with her plan to remove grants from second level schools that operate selective entrance tests based on academic ability; if her attention has been drawn to strong criticism of her decision by the INTO; the terms of her agreement with private second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45, 54 and 61 together.
I did not have any plan to remove grants from second level schools that operate selective entrance tests based on academic ability.
In discussions between my Department and the managerial bodies, and in the subsequent discussions on a draft agreement, the official side did suggest that financial sanctions might be necessary to ensure compliance with the proposal to abolish the school entrance tests — a proposal which was shared by all parties to the discussions.
The management side assured my Department that financial sanctions would not be necessary and agreed to establish monitoring committees.
The objective of abolishing selective entry tests based on academic ability has been achieved by agreement.
I am aware of the INTO criticism. My Department has responded to the INTO, informally, in the above terms.
The agreement covers fee-paying schools as well as schools within the Free Education Scheme.
I am not aware of any second-level school which still continues to hold entrance tests. Should such a case be brought to the attention of the Department, the monitoring process built into the agreement with the managerial associations would be invoked.