Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 5

Written Answers. - Teaching Council.

Ben Briscoe

Ceist:

201 Mr. Briscoe asked the Minister for Education if she will set up the promised teacher's council on a statutory basis; if she will make amendments to the Education Bill to include recognition for the Teacher's Council and the NCCA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9669/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to establish a teaching council on a statutory basis.

As the Deputy may be aware, I announced recently the establishment of a committee, which will be representative of the concerned interests, to examine the legal, constitutional and operational issues associated with the establishment of a teaching council and to propose responses to these issues. Following completion of the work of the committee, I will publish a draft legislative framework for the establishment of the council.

For this reason, I do not intend to include recognition for a teaching council in the Education Bill, 1997.

I also announced recently that it is my intention to bring forward a Committee Stage amendment which will reflect, in the Education Bill, the advisory role of the National Council for curriculum and assessment in relation to the school curriculum.