Vol. 488 No. 3
111 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, made by the group he established on the setting up of a teaching council; the number of times the group has met; the number of submissions received; and when a report is expected. [6059/98]
Last November I established a steering group, representative of the Partners in Education, to report to me on the establishment of a Teaching Council in Ireland. The steering group is being assisted in its work by a technical working group. Both groups are being chaired by Dr. Séamus McGuinness of Trinity College, Dublin.
The technical working group is preparing its report for the consideration of the steering group. It has to date met on nine occasions, and are meeting on a weekly basis.
In deciding the composition of the groups I was careful to ensure that all the major partners in education were given an opportunity to be involved in this important work. Accordingly, it has not been necessary for the groups to request additional submissions.
I anticipate that the group's report would be available to me in the coming months. I look forward to it proving a valuable basis for drafting legislation in this important area.
