Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 4

Written Answers. - Teachers' Strike.

John V. Farrelly

Question:

177 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will bring in proposals in the event of a secondary teachers' strike in the future to protect exam students from disputes similar to the current one; the plans he has to discuss the retention of the 167 day school year; his views on holding parent-teacher meetings outside school time; his views on improving the structure of parent-teacher meetings; if he is satisfied that parents have a real partnership role in the running of schools; if he will review the long-term future of secondary education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4086/01]

John V. Farrelly

Question:

178 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has entered into negotiations with the ASTI regarding the mock examination times being reduced or abandoned in most cases, in order to allow students claw back the time lost during the teachers' strike; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4087/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.

I am pleased that both the ASTI and Government teams were able to reach agreement on a way forward. The progress now agreed can contribute greatly to improved industrial relations between the parties. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment on the broader issues while the Labour Court process is continuing.

I am fully committed to ensuring that the certificate examinations will proceed without any diminution in either their integrity or validity. In general terms, this has always been, and will continue to be, the approach where there is any threat to the national examinations. Resolution of any dispute must remain the top priority. However, preparation of alternative arrange ments is always prudent in the interests of students.

The position on time lost because of the dispute and the holding of mock examinations is that I am prepared to explore with the school representative bodies how the time available for tuition can be maximised for all examination candidates over the balance of the school year. I would encourage students to remain at school for tuition to the very end of the final term and thereby get the benefit of all available class time rather than engage in the usual practice of absenting themselves from school during the final days of term.

The question of when parent-teacher meetings are held is a matter for each school. While schools are entitled to conduct these activities within the 167 days I would encourage schools to hold the meetings at times convenient to parents. The structure of the parent teacher meetings is, similarly, a matter for each school. My Department actively encourages parental involvement in the education of their children and will continue to do so. As the recognised primary educators of the child, parents have a right to be assured that the child's needs are being met by the school. Parents should be given as much information as possible on all aspects of the child's progress and development.

A number of measures have been taken or encouraged by my Department to enhance the role of parents in their children's education. These include: the setting up of the National Parents' Council, Post-Primary, to facilitate participation by parents in consultations with the Government about the development of educational policies; the payment of an annual grant towards the expenses of the council; representation of parents on the boards of management of schools and on vocational education committees; close consultation with parents in the development of each school's behaviour and discipline policies; parents are entitled to receive copies of any reports on the operation and performance of the school produced by the board of management, and will have the same access to school accounts as my Department; parents have a right of access to their children's records; parents have a right of involvement in the preparation of the school plan, copies of which will also be circulated to them.