Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 14 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 6

Written Answers. - White Paper on Education.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

122 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education the progress, if any, made regarding the action plan to arrange for the implementation of the proposals contained in the White Paper on Education; the timescale for such implementations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21498/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The White Paper on Education, Charting our Education Future, outlines a comprehensive process for change and development. All aspects of the education system — from pre-schooling to third-level education, from developing teacher skills to enhancing the role of parents and from organisational issues to cultural issues — are dealt with coherently and in detail. The White Paper also indicates the manner in which an appropriate legislative framework will be provided for key aspects of educational provision in the future.

Implementing the strategy set out in the White Paper is a major undertaking. An action plan for the implementation of the proposals contained in the White Paper is currently being prepared in my Department.

I am not in a position at present to provide a precise timescale for the implementation of the measures which are set out in the White Paper. While I would be anxious to advance matters as speedily as possible, I must have regard to the realities of resource availability and the need to proceed on a basis and at a pace which has the support of the partners in education.