Vol. 509 No. 3
104 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to promote the establishment of school councils with student representation at second level with the intention of promoting a democratic school culture. [20099/99]
As the Deputy may be aware, section 17 of the Education Act, 1998 provides that the students in a recognised post-primary school may establish a student council in their school, and that each board of management shall encourage the establishment of a student council and facilitate and give reasonable assistance to students in this venture. The rules for the establishment of a student council will be drawn up by the board of management in accordance with guidelines issued by me as Minister.
I see the establishment of student councils as an important development in our second-level schools, recognising the important and indeed central role of students in our schools, and providing an opportunity for the development of a locally based democratic and transparent forum for the representation of student's views. I know from the recent speeches of members of this House during the debate on the Education (Welfare) Bill, that this sentiment is shared throughout this House.
I am pleased therefore to be able to assure the Deputy that urgent consideration is being given to this matter. I intend to publish a paper on the establishment of student councils within a matter of weeks, which will be circulated widely, to allow for consultation with the partners in education. I will consider carefully the views and opinions raised during this consultation as I finalise the guidelines for the establishment of student councils.
