Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 7

Written Answers. - Education Bill Implementation.

Mary Coughlan

Question:

101 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Education if she has prepared a cost benefit analysis on the implementation of all aspects of the Education Bill; if so, the cost in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10213/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

As the Deputy will be aware, the implementation of the Education Bill, 1997 will involve radically changing the administrative framework for education and a major refocusing of the Department of Education, including the gradual transfer of some functions from the Department to the boards. The implementation of the Bill will not result in a completely new area of expenditure. Rather, it will involve the reallocation of funding and administrative responsibilities within the education system.

Furthermore, as the White Paper makes clear, the proposed changes to the education system will take place on a phased basis, involving a gradual transfer of functions to the boards, within a carefully costed and approved plan, prepared by each board and approved by the Minister. This will facilitate careful appraisal of the incremental costs of the changes, in the context of the education estimates for the year in question, and within the overall context of the budgetary parameters approved by Government.