Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 8 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 6

Written Answers. - Whole School Evaluation.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

90 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, he is taking to implement the recommendation made in the 1999 report of the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights that Ireland should adequately supervise the quality of education received by students at the primary school level and who are enrolled in the formal education system in order that the educational system be in conformity with articles 13 and 14 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3182/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Articles 13 and 14 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights refer to the agreement of the signatories that primary education shall be compulsory and available free to all.

The Department of Education and Science has been developing a new system of inspection of schools, whole school evaluation, in consultation with the education partners. This new system of inspection will help to assure the quality of the education provided for pupils in primary schools. This inspection system has been piloted in a number of schools at primary and second levels and a circular on the matter will issue to schools shortly. The introduction of the new system of inspection is being supported by an initiative to assist schools with self-review and school development planning.

A comprehensive Education Act was enacted in 1998 and the Education (Welfare) Bill is progressing through the Houses of the Oireachtas at present. All of the above initiatives and other significant improvements of the system such as reduced pupil ratios, expanded services in remedial and special education, improved ser vices for the socially disadvantaged and the implementation of the revised primary curriculum will ensure that the quality of education at primary school level is in conformity with articles 13 and 14 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.