Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 February 2010
655 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the action he has taken following Educate Together’s request to be recognised as a patron for second level schools; when a decision on this issue will be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4761/10]
View answerMy Department is considering a number of broad policy issues relating to the recognition process for second level schools and the application from Educate Together to be recognised as a patron body at second level is being fully examined within the context of the relevant legal, financial and other factors. At a meeting last year between officials from my Department and representatives from Educate Together, there was a wide-ranging and constructive discussion about the issues associated with Educate Together's application to become a patron at second level. The discussion also focussed on the blueprint for post-primary education published by Educate Together in June of last year. This blueprint outlines the approach by Educate Together to providing an inclusive education where all young people, whatever their ability, will be provided with learning opportunities and classroom practices that explicitly take account of the different ways students learn. In view of the range of issues involved, it has not been possible to bring this matter to a conclusion as quickly as I would have liked. However, it is my intention to finalise this matter and convey a decision to Educate Together at the earliest date possible.
