Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 May 2018
65. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the independent review of existing career guidance tools and career information for students and adults will include special schools in its terms of reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22905/18]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the views of special schools will be included in this review.
The purpose of the review of career guidance is to ensure that high quality, relevant career guidance information is provided to students from post–primary level up to further and higher education. The review will examine, inter alia, the quality of information available to students and adults in relation to career guidance, the sources of this information and how the system is organised to support students and adults in this area.
The review is being carried out by independent consultants and will be guided and informed by a Steering Group. As an integral part of the consultants' proposed methodological approach to the review, my Department has invited submissions from all interested stakeholders to assist in shaping the review by highlighting key issues to be considered in the course of carrying out the review. Drawing on the results of the consultation and further consideration by the Steering Group the question of the specific role and objectives of career guidance in supporting students in special schools will be assessed further.
The closing date for receipt of submissions is Friday 25 May 2018. Details surrounding the consultation process have been published on the Department’s website (www.education.ie).
As I indicated in the House this week, if there is a particular group that needs to make a submission, and it believes it will not be able to do so by 25th May, I will make sure that the submission is accommodated. I am pleased that we have already received a significant number of submissions from special schools.
