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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 Feb 2003

Vol. 562 No. 3

Written Answers - Education Centres.

Phil Hogan

Question:

40 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the full time education centre at Kilkenny city and part-time education centre at Carlow will remain open and continue to provide a valuable service to teachers in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5733/03]

The role of the Education Centre Network has expanded greatly since the first centres were set up in the late seventies. The 1998 Education Act outlined their role as "providing services for schools, teachers, parents, boards and other relevant persons which support them in carrying out their functions in respect of the provision of education". The centres, therefore, have become major players in the provision of in-career development in the education system.

Due to the expanding nature and complexity of their role, my Department agreed with the Association of Teacher Education Centres Ireland, the representative body for the Education Centre Network, to commission a review of the education centres to clarify their role, functions and developmental potential as a strategic part of the education system nationally, regionally and locally. The centre for management organisation and development of the Department of Finance was commissioned to undertake the review. This review has been a detailed process including wide-ranging research and consultation with the key stakeholders.
The recommendations contained in the report are being considered by my Department as part of a comprehensive review of delivery structures for in-career development generally. I have also agreed with the ATECI to set up a consultative process to commence as soon as possible. Decisions in regard to the retention of education centres in Kilkenny and Carlow and the education centre network in general will be taken following the fullest consideration of all the relevant issues.
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