Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 7

Written Answers. - Partnership in Education.

Ivor Callely

Question:

64 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that the partnership approach with parents regarding education is working for all parents; the individuals consulted by his Department; the way in which these parents are identified; the schools affiliated; the way in which they are affiliated; the body overseeing parental involvement in education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10962/98]

Ivor Callely

Question:

249 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the consultation, if any, taking place regarding parents as partners in education; the persons involved in this consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11218/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 249 together.

I firmly support the view that the approach to addressing the issues involved in the education sector must be one of partnership involving all the key players — including parents, who are the primary and natural educators of their children.

Through the National Parents Councils — primary and post-primary tiers — parents participate as partners in education. The National Parents Councils represent parental interests in the variety of school types across the first and second level spectrum.

My Department consults extensively with the National Parents Councils on all aspects of education policy. Through their representative function, the councils make a distinctive and valuable contribution to planning and policy development in education. The Education (No. 2) Bill, 1997, makes a number of specific provisions to protect and promote parents' rights in the education system and to ensure their continued participation in their children's education. These include the statutory recognition of the National Parents Councils; the right to establish parents' associations in schools; the right of parents to be party to negotiations on the composition of boards of management of schools; the right of parents to have access to records relating to their children's educational progress; the right of parents to be consulted when school plans are being drawn up.