Question:
9 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in establishing the committee on educational disadvantage under the Education Act, 1997. [16187/00]
Other Questions. - Committee on Educational Disadvantage.
The groundwork for the establishment of the educational disadvantage committee, under the Education Act, 1998, is at an advanced stage and the consultation process to set it up, which is also specified in the Act, will commence as soon as possible.
The committee will advise me on policies and strategies to be adopted to identify and combat educational disadvantage. Up to half the members 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 proposed policies and strategies for the identification and correction of educational disadvantage, relating to such period as it considers appropriate and the areas of activity to which the committee accords priority.
The proposed policies and strategies of the committee will inform policy in relation to tackling educational disadvantage at all levels of the system in order to ensure that resources are targeted in the most effective manner and in the areas most in need.
Is it a reflection of the Minister's priorities and those of the Department that a committee on the weight of schoolbags was immediately established when the Government assumed office but that the committee on educational disadvantage is still to be put in place, 18 months after the passage of the Act? Does the Minister agree that if we are to embrace those who are disadvantaged in our schools the committee should already be providing advice in respect of the programme of spending he intends to undertake? Am I correct in assuming that the committee should not be left in limbo until after he has made his decisions in that regard?
The Deputy spent last night, this morning and this afternoon speaking about the urgent need to tackle disadvantage and said that I am not acting with adequate haste. I propose to tackle the problem urgently.
What happened during the past 18 months when the committee was supposed to be advising the Minister?
Under the Act, the committee will provide broad outlines on policy direction for the future.
Why has it taken 18 months to establish the committee?
I will proceed with the establishment of the committee, but, as the Deputy is aware, a large number of bodies must be consulted in respect of it. Approximately 27 bodies will be represented on the committee which will be established in the near future.
Deputies Bruton, Shortall and others have outlined the urgent priorities which exist and the importance of making adequate investment. As Deputy Bruton stated earlier, people at the lower level must be given disproportionate support because the existing system favours those at the higher level. I have no difficulty in proceeding with the establishment of the committee and as soon as the Dáil goes into recess for the summer I will get a great deal of work done. It is very difficult to invest the amount of time Members expect one to invest in one's work, particularly when one is constantly obliged to deal with matters in the House. However, we will proceed with the establishment of the committee as a matter of urgency.
Is the Minister stating that those who are disadvantaged must wait until he clears his diary before provision can be made for them? Is he so pressurised as a result of the need to attend various functions, launches, etc. that he cannot attend to his core duties? We enacted legislation which made provision for the establishment of a committee on educational disadvantage and we expected this to be put in place immediately. However, 18 months later the committee is still not up and running. The type of spending that is required in this area has not been put in place and the Minister should not fool himself into believing otherwise.
Does the Minister accept that the complete neglect on the part of his predecessor of the area of educational disadvantage is coming home to roost? Does he agree that there is a need for urgent action in this area? If the committee on educational disadvantage is not going to advise him in respect of the work he promises to undertake during the summer, will the Minister indicate the basis on which that work will be informed?
Most people, including the Deputies, could inform me in respect of the mat ters which require prioritisation. Research, which will help to provide further information, takes time to carry out and there is a need for further research in respect of this area. A number of programmes and major issues must be tackled at present and we have identified the areas where additional funding is required.
The Act requires that the committee be established by December 2000 and I assure Members that it will be set up before that date. The consultation process with the various interested bodies is currently under way.