Vol. 559 No. 5
236 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reforms outlined in the Deloitte and Touche and Cromien reports that have been implemented concerning the administration of his Department; the reforms which are in the process of being implemented or are yet to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26817/02]
Arising from the Cromien report, my Department has embarked on a major programme of structural reform which has five core elements to it viz.: a focused movement of certain functions from the Department; specifically examinations, delivery of special education and transfer of the Department's current role in relation to the institutes of technology to the Higher Education Authority; the establishment of a regional office structure; regulatory reform and appellate processes to under-pin key allocation functions; implementation of a wide range of efficiency measures designed to bring the Department's procedures and processes more into line with modern administrative practice; and arising from the above, a greater focus on core functions, with particular emphasis on policy and planning.
In line with a Government decision of June 2001 work is proceeding on the establishment of a State examinations commission, a national council for special education, a network of regional offices and the transfer of responsibilities relating to the institutes of technology to the Higher Education Authority.
It is proposed that the State examinations commission will be established in early 2003 with a view to assuming responsibility for the 2003 certificate examinations. The rollout of the network of regional offices will commence in spring 2003 and work is progressing on the establishment of the National Council for Special Education and the transfer of responsibility relating to the institutes of technology to the Higher Education Authority.
