Vol. 511 No. 4
114 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 384 of 16 November 1999, he has evaluated the contribution his officials have made in attending meetings of area-based partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24632/99]
115 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 384 of 16 November 1999, he will increase the range and number of community groups in which officials of his Department participate in order to ensure that they are fully aware of the needs of those areas suffering from greatest disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24633/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together.
The Deputy is aware that members of the Department's inspectorate and psychological service are nominated to committees associated with the area-based partnerships. In the vast majority of cases these are sub-committees of the partnership dealing with education matters. In some cases, however, further sub-committees have been formed and inspectors and psychologists have been available to them for advice when educational matters are being discussed.
This close collaboration between my Department and the educational aspects of the work of the area-based partnerships has been reviewed in my Department and the majority of the nominees to the committees are able to attend the meetings and to make a positive contribution.
Due to pressure of other work and the timing of particular meetings, it has not always been possible for all nominees to attend as regularly as would be desired. I am satisfied, however, that my representatives are making a positive contribution, taking all of the circumstances into account. I believe that existing levels of representation in the case of education subcommittees of the partnerships and the availability of my nominees in the cases of other related and specific sub-committees provide adequate support and advice on educational issues being addressed.
