Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2004
112 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made to date by the working group to promote student councils in post-primary schools; when he expects the working group to publish a report on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19496/04]
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.
In March, as part of the ongoing work of the working group, my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, Deputy Brian Lenihan, launched a website and a national leaflet and poster campaign to encourage and support the establishment and operation of student councils. 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 of State by December 2004.
