Vol. 469 No. 1
437 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Education the reason she has postponed the constitution of new boards of management until at least December 1996; the expected date for new boards to be constituted; her views on whether the delay is unusual in view of the long lead in period for the required negotiations to be concluded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16696/96]
I understand that substantial progress has been made in the discussions on the governance of primary schools, but that no final agreement has yet been reached. I also understand that the prospects for overcoming the outstanding issues in these discussions are encouraging.
In the circumstances, and given the time needed to make the practical arrangements for the putting in place of new governance structures. I have extended the mandate of the existing board of management for a maximum period of three months, or until the next general election of school boards, if such an election can take place sooner.
