Vol. 548 No. 2
402 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to promote a new independent inspectorate for schools who can properly assess changes being made within education, reporting to Government, schools, parents, and school boards of management and the general public (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4205/02]
My Department already has an inspectorate of schools that was placed on a statutory basis in the Education Act, 1998. This legislation also defines the main functions of the inspectorate, which may be categorised broadly as the evaluation of the educational sector, particularly at primary and second level, the provision of advice and the contribution to educational policy development. There are no plans, therefore, to establish another inspectorate.
However, a major reorganisation of the inspectorate has been undertaken so that a more effective service can be delivered to schools and the educational sector generally. Details of this reorganisation will be published and forwarded to schools and the wider educational community shortly. The Deputy should also note that, in summer 2001, the Government accepted recommendations from me to implement a major restructuring of the Department of Education and Science. The Government decision to establish a special education council, an examinations commission and regional offices of the Department will further alter the role of the inspectorate and allow it to focus more effectively on its evaluation and quality assurance role.
