Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2004
104 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reasons behind the establishment of a working group to promote student councils in post-primary schools; the powers and remit of the proposed student councils; when he expects the working group to publish a report on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14335/04]
View answerThe working group on student councils, which is chaired by the National Children's Office and is representative of students and all the partners in education was set up to encourage the establishment of effective and democratic student councils in all post-primary schools in the country. This is in accordance with the Education Act 1998, which encourages the establishment of student councils in all post-primary schools and with goal 1 of the national children's strategy which is to give children and young people a voice in matters that affect their lives.
Under section 27 of the Education Act 1998, students in a post-primary school may establish a student council, the role of which is to promote the involvement of students in the affairs of the school in co-operation with the board of management, parents and teachers. This development originated in my Department's recognition that students have a voice and a contribution to make to their school and these councils can play an integral and important role in the school community by providing a representative structure through which students can debate issues of concern and undertake initiatives of benefit to the school and the wider community.
In 2002 my Department issued comprehensive guidelines on student councils to all second level schools. The guidelines, entitled "Student Councils: A Voice for Students" provide practical guidance to school management, teachers and students on the establishment and operation of student councils.
In a recent survey, conducted by my Department, it emerged that student councils have been established in 558 of the 743 post-primary schools surveyed.
The working group will report on its findings, including a proposed three year strategy to support the establishment and development of student councils, to the Minister with responsibility for children by December 2004.
