Vol. 526 No. 3
113 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in establishing the education disadvantage committee as provided for in the Education Act, 1998 and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26512/00]
Arrangements for the establishment of the educational disadvantage committee, under the Education Act, 1998, are at an advanced stage. This committee will advise me on policies and strategies to be adopted to identify and correct educational disadvantage. Up to half the membership 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. 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.
