Michael Finucane
Question:74 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the failure to establish the committee on educational disadvantage provided for in the Education Act. [20036/99]
Written Answers. - Educational Disadvantage.
The groundwork for the establishment of the committee mentioned by the Deputy is at an advanced stage and the consultation process to set it up, as specified in the Education Act, 1998, will commence as soon as possible. This committee will advise me on policies and strategies to be adopted to identify and correct educational disadvantage. Up to half of this committee will be appointed from nominees of voluntary and State bodies whose aims and objectives are relevant to the work of the committee. Part of the committee's remit will be the preparation and submission to me of a statement containing (a) proposed policies and strategies for the identification and correction of educational disadvantage, relating to such period as it considers appropriate, and (b) the areas of activity to which the committee accords priority.