Róisín Shortall
Ceist:344 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the pro gress to date in establishing the promised forum or commission on teaching; and the proposed timescale planned. [14630/01]
Written Answers. - Commission on Education and Learning.
The recent Labour Court recommendation and subsequent clarification proposed that a forum be put in place to conduct an expert review of education. At the root of this recommendation was the considered view of the court that, in the context of the changed and still rapidly changing educational environment, there is a need for a fundamental examination of all aspects of learning and teaching.
The Commission on Education and Learning, which I propose to establish, will involve the partners in education and will have terms of reference covering a wide range of issues, including legal and management structures, developments in education and teaching, the role of the teacher, teacher training and accreditation, support systems for schools and teachers and lifelong learning.
I will be consulting the partners in relation to the composition, terms of reference and timescale of the review group over the coming weeks. It is my intention that the group will be established as soon as possible.