asked the Minister for Education the precise plans, if any, she has for continuing and expanding the programme for eliminating sexism and sex stereotyping in education introduced in 1984; and the financial allocation for the programme in 1987 as compared to 1986 and 1985.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sexism in Education.
3.
I can assure the Deputy that the importance of removing barriers to gender equality in the education system is one of the Government's highest priorities. My own Department are very conscious of the continuing need to highlight this problem and take every opportunity, through the inspectorate, special projects, inservice training etc., to draw attention to the problem in order to increase the awareness of all concerned — educators, parents and young people themselves.
I am pleased to say that provision of £60,000 has been made in the 1987 estimates in order to promote a programme of equality of educational opportunity during the current financial year. I feel that this allocation compares very favourably with the figure of £30,000 provided in 1986, while no special allocation was made for this area in 1985.
We have planned, and already initiated, activities at both national and international levels for 1987 despite the critical financial constraints within which the Government are working, and of which the Deputy is aware.
At the national level, I have agreed to extend the scheme of pilot intervention projects in the physical sciences. The aim of these projects is to increase the number of girls studying in this area. In September 1987 the scheme will be initiated in two additional regions, viz. the south-east and in Cork city. In effect this means that in the second year 1987-88 there will be six project schools each in a different region and about 15 associated schools, that is, schools acquiring advice /assistance from the project schools, within the scheme. I arranged for my inspectorate to conduct a monitoring and evaluation of the progress of the scheme recently and the results to date have been most encouraging.
Indications are at this stage that the Department are moving in the right direction with regard to the promotion of the physical sciences in girls' schools.
All management training provided by the Department for senior school staffs will incorporate specific study of the role of school management in the elimination of gender inequality in educational provision.
In welcoming wholeheartedly the Minister's statement that this programme remains a priority, I would like to ask one question. If, as a result of the falling numbers of teachers because of the vice-principal cutback science subjects are affected in girls' schools, will she take steps to ensure that girls will not lose the training in science they need?
That is the subject of a later question on the Order Paper. I have taken steps in my Department to reactivate the working group on equality and have requested the committee to report to me outlining possible strategies which might be implemented to bring about greater equality of educational opportunities. In 1986 my predecessor expended the sum of £14,000 approximately on the equality programme and this year I intend to expend £60,000 on this provision and on the examination of equality opportunities. This is a programme in which I have taken an enormous personal interest, which is evidenced in my reply.
While I am very glad to hear the Minister in times of scarce funds has been able to increase the allocation for the elimination of gender stereotyping, can I take it in view of the reduced allocation for adult literacy she gives a greater priority to the elimination of gender stereotyping than to the promotion of adult literacy?
No. I am very glad to be able to tell the House that there has been an increase in the amount of money allocated for the programme for adult literacy, as is evidenced in the budget estimate for that Department and also in a reply which I will give to a later question. The amount provided this year for adult literacy over last year's provision remains at a plus figure.
Would the Minister contact the County Longford Vocational Education Committee and explain to them why they had to cut back on the adult literacy programme?
The amount the County Longford Vocational Committee wish to give to adult literacy is for the chief executive officer to decide. The overall budget to the vocational education committees for programmes of this kind has been increased over the amount allocated last year.
Will the Minister tell the House what definite plans she has to pursue the recommendations of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Women's Rights which reported on sex education and eliminating sex stereotyping?
The report of the Oireachtas committee of which Deputy Taylor-Quinn and I were members will be forming the basis of an agenda for a programme of action equality in the Department of Education, particularly the recommendations which related to the elimination of sexism. Deputy Hussey when Minister initiated very useful programmes in this area and we will be building and expanding on them.
A few months ago the Minister gave a similar reply when she said this would be forming the basis for an agenda in her Department. Has she got any further than preparing an agenda?
Yes. As I outlined in my earlier answer — the Deputy may not have been in the House — my broad strategy for education will be outlined in the Estimates speech next week when I will make a comprehensive statement on that matter.