asked the Minister for Education whether he proposes to establish a pupil transfers committee; when such a committee will report; and whether such a committee will include any parents.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pupil Transfers Committee.
27.
It is my intention, in accordance with the manifesto, to establish a pupil transfers committee at an early date to examine the problems of transition from primary to post-primary schools. The precise composition of the committee has not yet been decided upon. It would not be feasible at this stage to indicate a date by which the committee would furnish their report.
First of all, could I ask the Minister to be more specific about the date for the creation of such a committee? Secondly, could I ask him whether or not he is aware of the existence of a national organisation for the elected parent representatives to primary schools and whether he will accept a nominee of that organisation to such a committee?
When I come to select the members of the committee of course I will have to look at all the representative bodies for membership. But I will, naturally, rely heavily on practising teachers and other educationalists, as I stated in the manifesto.
Would the Minister not accept that it is very important to have parents represented on such a committee? Can he still not give us any further information as to the date of the establishment of such a committee? The Minister has been in office for almost half a year now.
Question No. 28.
Half a year will be January, in fact. I could not possibly conceive of any committee without a parent on it. The thing is ridiculous.
(Interruptions.)
Deputies should have a bit of sense.
When is it likely to be established?
(Interruptions.)
If we had not parents we could not have children.
Really?
The Minister is getting wiser by the hour.
Thanks.