Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 7

Written Answers. - Education Centres.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

393 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the education centres set up by his Department throughout the country are still awaiting legal status and adequate funding arrangements; and when he will provide this status and funding. [6942/98]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

394 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason there is no reference to the role of education centres in the Education (No. 2) Bill, 1997; and if he will assure the 21 full-time and nine part-time directors of these centres that adequate provision will be forthcoming. [6943/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 393 and 394 together.

In relation to the funding of education centres, my Department makes grants available to recognised centres on an ongoing basis towards the cost of approved activities and towards local activities and running costs. These grants are made available under the guidelines for education centres, which also state that centres are encouraged to generate some of their own income. Many centres have traditionally done this through small fees for services provided and being involved in major sponsored project work. This system has operated for many years under successive Ministers. I consider it to be a good approach and I intend to further encourage and develop it.

It has traditionally been seen as important that education centres should have a clear sense of involvement and ownership of their local services and activities and I believe that this should continue, while at the same time the role of education centres in national in-service programmes will be further developed and expanded. National programmes are fully funded directly by my Department.

As regards legal status and the Education Bill, the Bill is aimed primarily at providing a statutory framework for the education system at first and second levels and adult and continuing education. The education centres do not fit into any of these categories. In addition they are established under the aegis of the Department of Education and Science and their status and relationship with the Minister and the Department already have a sound legal basis. I am at present considering a submission made on behalf of the education centres in the context of the enactment of the Education Bill.