Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2004
209 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to the reply of the Minister of State of 19 May 2004, the progress to date on the implementation of the McIver report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19326/04]
View answerThe recommendations in the McIver report are wide-ranging and encompass proposals that extend beyond post leaving certificate provision. During the past 12 months, officials in my Department have had meetings 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. Further meetings with all the relevant stakeholders in the sector will be necessary in the period ahead in connection with this report.
One of the recommendations in the report envisaged the formation of a council of further education colleges to engage with the National Adult Learning Council and the Department of Education and Science on policy and research, provide for a leadership mechanism within the sector, animate inter-college planning processes and co-ordinate joint initiatives among colleges. As an initial step, on Tuesday, 4 May 2004, my Department facilitated a meeting of the stakeholders in the sector with a view to having them prepare proposals about the composition and remit of the council. In June 2004, the Department asked the parties involved to reflect again on the issue of the composition of the council in the light of recent discussions. My Department is continuing to facilitate discussions between the sides on this matter.
210 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on progress in the implementation of the Donnellan report on a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 11; when he proposes to recruit a new director; if the situation will not be allowed to drift, thereby causing uncertainty and instability among staff and residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19328/04]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware my Department issued the review of the Finglas child and adolescent centre, carried out by Mr. Michael Donnellan, to all the stakeholders at the centre and sought their views on the recommendations and conclusions contained in the report. Most of the stakeholders have responded and a number of meetings have taken place between my officials and the relevant parties. This consultation process will be completed this week and I expect to be in a position to make a statement on the future of the centre in the near future.
