Michael Noonan
Ceist:28 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to publish targets in relation to primary education as recommended in the recent review of primary education. [16164/00]
Written Answers. - Primary Education.
The setting of targets for policy programmes and interventions is, in my view, vital for effective policy in any sphere. The absence of clear objectives and targets constrains our capacity to measure the effectiveness of policies.
In keeping with the philosophy of the strategic management initiative and the Public Service Management Act, my Department is increasingly focusing on the development of clear objectives and of indicators as measures of progress towards achieving those objectives. As in the case of other areas of educational policy, the setting of targets for primary education interventions is, as far as possible, being undertaken. All new initiatives introduced in my term of office will be accompanied by clear aims and objectives.