Vol. 542 No. 4
216 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to establish a commission on teaching; the proposed membership; the person who will chair the commission; its terms of reference; and when he expects it to produce its first report. [24795/01]
I initially proposed the establishment of a commission on education and learning earlier this year and work is now at an advanced stage within my Department on draft terms of reference for the commission. These will cover a wide range of issues, including legal and management structures, developments in education and learning, the role of the teacher, teacher training and accreditation, support systems for schools and teachers and lifelong learning.
I will consult shortly with the education partners on the terms of reference, composition and timescale of the commission. It is my intention that the commission would be established once these consultations are completed and I will announce the chairperson and members of the commission at that time, as well as the timeframe for the completion of the commission's report.
