Vol. 558 No. 3
114 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a standard annual registration fee charged to students at Maynooth post primary school and that this is not a voluntary contribution; the action he proposes to take to prevent this unauthorised charging of fees at this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24154/02]
115 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science whether the policy of the post primary school, Maynooth, on the academic ability and teaching of children is in direct conflict with the Education Act, 1998; the action he proposes to take to ensure that the school policy in such matters is brought into line with the terms of the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24155/02]
116 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that a simple two tier system of education as implemented by Maynooth post primary school is in conflict with the terms of the Education Act, 1998, and denies the provision of the appropriate education for each student, in particular for students of mixed ability as guaranteed by the Act; the person who is responsible for the enforcement of the Education Act, 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24156/02]
117 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that students at Maynooth post primary school are obliged to carry out cleaning duties in the school on a roster basis, and in particular, that they are required to use electrical cleaning equipment without the necessary training or protective clothing; his views on such practice; if it is in accordance with the health and safety regulations and legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24157/02]
118 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if every school must comply with the Education Act, 1998; and the person who is responsible for enforcing the Act. [24158/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 to 118, inclusive, together.
The issues raised by the Deputy relate to a difference of opinion between an individual parent of a student and Maynooth post primary school. The issues raised have been the subject of extensive correspondence between officials of my Department, County Kildare Vocational Education Committee and the parent involved. The Deputy will also be aware that the issues he raised previously were comprehensively dealt with in a letter from an official of my Department.
I am satisfied that as a result of my Department's inquiries with County Kildare Vocational Education Committee, that the registration fee referred to by the Deputy is a voluntary contribution and that there is no question of compulsion to pay. I am also satisfied that in relation to the school's academic and teaching policy, nothing has been brought to my attention which suggests that the school's policies are in material conflict with the provision of the Education Act, 1998.
In relation to the issue of cleaning duties, my Department has been assured that the type of cleaning duties referred to in the school plan, are light and are designed to assist in character formation and the development of a sense of civic duty in the students and that the electrical equipment in use is a vacuum cleaner of standard design.
In summary, I do not share the view that the policies of Maynooth post primary school are in conflict with the Education Act, 1998. The Education Act, 1998, sets out a clear statutory framework within which the Irish education sector can operate and continue to develop. All schools recognised for the purposes of the Act are required to comply with the provisions of the Act. The Act identifies the key participants in the relevant areas of the education system and assigns the appropriate functions, rights and responsibilities to each participant. By virtue of section 6 of the Act, every person concerned in its implementation has an obligation to have regard to the objects in pursuance of which the Oireachtas enacted the Education Act. Therefore, all partners in education have a responsibility in ensuring that this happens.
