Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:265 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education if he will set out the legislative and administrative priorities of his Department following his appointment as Minister, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Ministerial Policy.
Major administrative and legislative reforms will arise from proposals which will be contained in the forthcoming Green Paper on Education.
In the meantime I propose to introduce any appropriate legislative or administrative changes as may be necessary.
As the Deputy will be aware, I will be proceeding as a priority with the new legislation for the vocational education committee third level colleges and with the legislative changes required to implement the Government's decisions in relation to improved arrangements for student support at third level.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:266 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the precise actions he intends to take now to promote equality within his Department in general and in particular to promote qualified women to higher posts within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am fully committed to the principle of equality for all staff in my Department. Promotion is on the basis that the most suitable person is promoted at all times regardless of gender.
Staff training and development programmes within my Department fully reflect Civil Service policy on equal opportunities. In this context, particular attention is paid to the training needs of women. The Civil Service policy on equal opportunities will continue to be fully implemented and such support arrangements as career breaks, job sharing, special leave and flexible working hours will remain in place.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:267 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education if he will define the new and existing responsibilities of the Minister of State within his Department following the recent changes in the Government, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The principal responsibilities of the Minister of State at my Department, Deputy Liam Aylward, relate to youth, sport, primary and post-primary buildings, school transport and special education.
Additional duties may be allocated to the Minister of State from time to time.