James Leonard
Question:18 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Education her priorities in relation to education during the Irish Presidency of the EU. [18083/96]
Written Answers. - Education Priorities.
My priorities for the Irish Presidency of the European Unioin are: first, school effectiveness — principles and strategies to promote success at school; second, lifelong learning; and third, in-career development of teachers.
Over recent Presidencies — notably the German, French, Spanish and Italian Presidencies — measures contributing to the development of quality education have been emphasised and dealt with. Given the importance of educational quality, which is also one of the fundamental principles in the White Paper on Education, Charting our Education Future, I selected three themes which are central to the provision of quality education for all students.
Discussion documents on school effectiveness, lifelong learning and in-career development of teachers were prepared some months ago and these are now being discussed by the EU Education Committee. I look forward to a wide-ranging exchange of views on these issues at the Education Council on 21 November. In the case of school effectiveness and lifelong learning I will be seeking the adoption of Council conclusions which will put in place a framework of ongoing action in these areas.
In addition to work at the Council of Ministers, a range of other important issues are being dealt with by way of the Department's Presidency conference programme. Five major conferences will be held on the following themes: 1. gender equality for 2000 and beyond, 2. in-career development in education, 3. best practices in substance abuse prevention educational programmes, 4. guidance in the information society, and 5. European year of lifelong learning — European closing conference.
Finally, the Deputy may be aware that I published, last July, a brochure entitled Initiatives and Activities in Education. This outlines the EU Presidency programme in education. It was distributed to Members of the House, and I will be happy to make further copies available, if requested.