Brendan Smith
Question:118 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education the proposed legislative programme for her Department; the likely timescale for the publication of such legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3299/97]
Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.
Four Bills relating to education issues are either already being considered by Dáil Éireann or are at an advanced stage of preparation in my Department.
The Universities Bill, 1996 is being considered by the Select Committee on Social Affairs. I would hope that this Bill can be considered in Report Stage by the Dáil in the near future after which it can be considered by the Seanad.
The Education Bill, 1997 was published on 7 January 1997 and I expect that the Second Stage of this Bill will take place later this month. Any further timetable for discussions thereafter would be highly speculative at this stage.
My Department is also preparing a Youth Work Bill which I expect will be published later this month. In the case of the fourth Bill which is at present being actively worked on, the School Attendance (Amendment) Bill, I propose to circulate Heads of a Bill to Government Departments this month with a view to receiving Government approval for the drafting of the Bill. The date of publication of this Bill will be dependent on the resources of and the demands on the Parliamentary Draftsman's Office.