P. J. Sheehan
Ceist:42 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Education if she will re-state the Government's commitment to the principle of free primary education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Free Primary Education Commitment.
Jim Higgins
Ceist:48 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education if she will re-state the Government's commitment to the principle of free primary education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Peter Barry
Ceist:109 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Education if she will re-state the Government's commitment to the principle of free primary education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 48 and 109 together.
I can assure the Deputies of this Government's full and ongoing commitment to the principle of providing for free primary education as enshrined in the Constitution.
I take it that the Deputies questions are prompted by the recent High Court judgement relating to educational provision for a child with profound mental handicap.
If such is the case, I can assure the Deputies and this House that any action which may be taken on foot of this lengthy and complex judgement will be directed solely at ensuring absolute clarity regarding the extent of the State's Constitutional obligations to provide for free primary education for all children, including those with disabilities. The issues are being examined at present by my Department.