Vol. 576 No. 5
255 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the consultation process in which his Department is engaged with management and staff representatives regarding the McIver report on the PLC review. [29776/03]
256 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of meetings that have taken place with management and staff representatives regarding the McIver report on the PLC review. [29777/03]
257 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the timescale by which he expects to have the consultation process in which his Department is engaged with management and staff representatives regarding the McIver report on the PLC review completed; and if he will make public a report on that consultation. [29778/03]
258 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received a copy of the report of the steering group to the PLC review; and his views on its conclusions and proposals. [29779/03]
266 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to put in place the recommendations of the McIver report for PLC colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29839/03]
285 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the McIver report on PLC colleges; when he intends to launch this report; his views on its recommendations; the plans he has to implement its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30168/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 255 to 258, inclusive, and 266 and 285 together.
The post leaving certificate review was commissioned by my Department to examine the sector and make recommendations as necessary regarding the organisational, support, development, technical and administrative structures and resources required in schools with large scale post leaving certificate, PLC, provision. The final report was completed in April 2003.
The recommendations in the report are wide-ranging and encompass proposals which extend beyond PLC provision, including issues which impact on the shaping of structures for the delivery of further and adult education into the future, and on other sectors of the education system. During October 2003, in separate meetings, officials in my Department met with the management and staff representative interests in the sector to examine their respective priorities and to consider issues surrounding a number of the recommendations of the report as well as areas of common interest, having regard to the implications for other areas of the education system. Each side has agreed to review their position with regard to prioritisation of the recommendations. Further exploratory meetings with relevant stakeholders in the sector will be necessary in the period ahead in connection with this report.
Question No. 258 answered with Question No. 255.
