Vol. 481 No. 1
265 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the meetings, if any, he has had since taking up office with the education partners to discuss proposals by his predecessor to establish regional education boards; if so, the outcome of those discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15551/97]
: I am happy to be able to inform the Deputy that officials of my Department have already embarked on a round of discussions with interested parties regarding a new Education (No. 2) Bill, which I propose to publish before the end of 1997. To date, my officials have met with representatives of the following groups: gaelscoileanna, Teachers' Union of Ireland, Conference of Religious of Ireland, Association of Secondary Teachers' Organisation, Secondary School Principals of Ireland, Catholic Primary School Managers Association, National Parents' Council — Post-primary and Church of Ireland Board of Education. Further meetings are planned with a wide range of interest groups to seek their views on the contents of the forthcoming Bill.
I would like to point out to the Deputy that, as previously announced, I do not intend to establish regional education boards.
