Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
1351. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to get second level students more involved in policy changes; and the ways in which this will differ from the current set up. [33857/14]
View answerThe voice of second level students is important. Schools have student councils so that the voice of the student has a formal opportunity for being heard. The latest data, taken from the 'Lifeskills' survey of 2012, is that approximately 97% of second level schools have a student council.
More and more the voice of students is informing policy making by my Department. For example, in the work of the Transition Reform Group, which is looking to strengthen the transition from second-level to higher education, and also for the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism there was a consultation process with students to obtain their views on these very important issues.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment also sought the views of students in relation to proposed reforms in Junior Cycle. The outcome of this consultation process was published in 2011 as 'A consultation with young people on reform of the Junior Cycle'.
My Department also funds the Irish Second-level Students' Union (ISSU), who published a report of their views on Transition Year (May, 2014) which is very informative.
The National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) which was published by my Department in July 2014 recognises the key role that ESD can play in developing and enhancing participatory democracy, particularly among young people.
One of the 7 priorities in the Strategy is on 'Promoting participation by young people' in policies and decisions that affect them. The Strategy contains a number of recommendations that are intended to strengthen the voice of children and young people within the education system.
