asked the Minister for Education when he proposes to publish a White Paper on future educational development; if he will be carrying on consultations with educational interests in relation to, and prior to, the publication of the White Paper and, if so, which interests; and when he proposes to introduce legislation based on such a White Paper.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Education Development.
30.
It is my intention to set out in a White Paper the lines for future education development. This will be done after such consultations with educational interests as may be necessary. As the Deputy will understand, it is not possible to list at this stage the interests which may be concerned or to make any forecast as to the date of subsequent legislation.
Can I take it that the Minister will, at a later date, list the interests concerned? Can I ask him if we can have any greater hope of a White Paper from his administration than there was from a previous administration about ten years ago that promised the same White Paper?
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's supplementary is yes. The Deputy is a little selective in his memory because we were promised a White Paper, a Green Paper and a pre-legislative document by the previous Government and we saw none of them.
Does the Minister not agree that his predecessor, Deputy Brian Lenihan, once promised a White Paper on education?
I know that whatever Deputy Brian Lenihan promised he delivered.
Could I ask the Minister whether the White Paper will be followed by legislation?
Certainly.