Vol. 497 No. 6
227 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science the developments, if any, in the legislative context for the delivery of education at pre-school, primary, secondary, tertiary and adult levels since the formation of this Government. [25900/98].
The period since the formation of this Government has seen an unprecedented level of activity in legislation relating to education.
In December of last year the Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund Act, 1997, was enacted. That Act established a fund to provide for educational and vocational training and research in the fields of science and technology. The Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund (Amendment) Bill, which provides for an increased allocation to that fund, has recently been drafted. It is my intention that this legislation will be in place before the end of the year.
The Education (No. 2) Bill, 1997, yesterday completed Report Stage in the Seanad and it is likely that the Bill will be enacted before the end of 1998. The Bill will provide a statutory framework for education at primary and post-primary levels for the first time. It will also make provision for the roles and relationships of the partners in the education system.
