Michael D. Higgins
Question:43 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he intends promoting the establishment of school councils at second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25349/99]
Written Answers. - School Councils.
The Deputy will be aware that the framework for the administration of our first and second-level schools is set out in the Education Act, 1998. Section 14 of that Act provides for the establishment of representative boards of management, to be agreed by representatives of parents, teachers, school managers and patrons. These boards will be responsible to the school patron for the administration of each school, within the parameters of national educational policy, as set out by the Minister for Education and Science.
It is my view that it is important that students should have knowledge of and, where appropriate, be involved in the operation of the school. As I indicated to the Deputy in my reply of 14 October the Education Act provides that students in recognised post-primary schools may establish a student council in their school, and that each board of management shall encourage such establishment and facilitate and give reasonable assistance to students in this venture.
While it is not my function to establish school councils in individual schools, I am very anxious to ensure that student councils are established widely, so that as many students as possible may benefit from participation in councils and in the operation of their own schools. To this end, in line with the provisions of the Act, I will shortly be issuing draft guidelines on the establishment of student councils, in which I will set out proposals in this regard. I will finalise these guidelines, following consideration of any comments made by interested parties.