Michael Joe Cosgrave
Ceist:36 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has for devolving power from his Department. [16683/97]
Written Answers - Education Bill.
Proinsias De Rossa
Ceist:98 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is expected that the new Education Bill will be published; the way in which his proposals differ from those in the Education Bill which lapsed with the ending of the previous Government; the proposals, if any, he has to ensure democratic structures in education at first and second levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16581/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 98 together.
My aim is to have the new Education Bill published before Christmas 1997. Drafting of the Education (No. 2) Bill, 1997, is as yet at a very early stage and I do not wish to pre-empt the drafting process and the procedures for publication of Bills by outlining in detail the provisions of the Bill at this stage. However, I am prepared to outline, in a general way, my key proposals for the Bill.
The establishment of an intermediate administrative tier in the form of education boards, as proposed in the lapsed Bill, is unnecessary and would not deliver advantages commensurate with its cost. I do not intend to proceed with this proposal. My priority is to channel the resources available for education directly into the schools and other education institutions.
The provision in the previous Bill that public funding would be frozen where schools did not establish boards of management will not be found in the new Bill. Any element of compulsion in the setting up of boards of management runs counter to the principle of partnership and the building of consensus in this key area of school management.
On the issue of school governance, the partners in education should have a meaningful say in the management of schools and partnership and consensus are important principles which should underpin in-school management. These important principles will be given practical effect in the legislation. The aim of my proposals will be to support and encourage the education partners to find agreement among themselves on how schools are to be managed.
I propose that the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment will be established on a statutory basis, in the interests of giving the council greater status and autonomy.
It is also my intention to bring forward proposals to address certain important matters relating to the State certificate examinations and the protection of their integrity. In addition, I propose that the Bill will remove some of the provisions of the earlier Bill which could have placed a much increased administrative burden on schools.