Vol. 535 No. 2
219 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made regarding the obligations of schools for their enrolled pupils; the benefits of sections 9 and 15 of the Education Act, 1998, in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12429/01]
The Education Act, 1998, has established a statutory basis for the operation and continuing development of education at primary and post-primary level. The Act clarifies the respective roles of school patrons, boards of management, principals, teachers, parents and the Minister and provides a framework for the development of a supportive and dynamic environment for teachers and school managers. The Act places considerable emphasis on the principle of partnership, whether at local level in management and operation of schools, or at national level in the development of education policy.
Sections 9 and 15 of the Education Act provide clear legislative statements on the functions that schools and boards of management are obliged to carry out. These functions are wide-ranging but are primarily aimed at ensuring that schools and boards of management provide an appropriate education for all pupils.
Many of the provisions of the Education Act, including sections 9 and 15, essentially codify and standardise what is already happening within schools. However, this serves an important purpose in providing transparency and clarity as regards the rights and responsibilities of each of the stakeholders, as well as facilitating best practice and the effective and efficient use of resources.
My Department assists schools and boards of management in carrying out their functions as outlined in these and other sections of the Act by ensuring that adequate financial and teaching resources are available to them.
