asked the Minister for Education if an OECD committee is at present preparing a report on aspects of Irish educational policy; if officials from her Department have made submissions to the committee; if she will facilitate the submissions, to the OECD committee, of submissions from different groups interested in education and the political parties.
Written Answers. - OECD Review of Irish Educational System.
164.
The OECD, with the agreement of the Minister for Education, is to carry out a review of the Irish educational system, with particular reference to teacher education and supply. The first stage in the review consists of the preparation by my Department of a background report setting out an overview of relevant aspects of our educational system, including recent developments. OECD then appoints a team of examiners to whom the background report will be made available. The examiners, following a visit to this country, will prepare their own report and this is followed by a review meeting arranged at OECD headquarters in Paris.
Preparation of the background report was put in hand by my Department some months ago. Work on the report, including consultation with major interest groups, is continuing. It is envisaged that the report, together with any written submissions relevant to the main theme received from interested parties, will be submitted to OECD towards the end of the year.