Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 2

Written Answers. - Student Councils.

David Stanton

Ceist:

836 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the merits of establishing student councils in second level schools; the assistance available from his Department in this regard; the progress which has been made in establishing student councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26688/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

The Education Act, 1998 makes provision for the establishment of student councils in post-primary schools. The function of a student council is to promote the interests of the school and the involvement of students in the affairs of the school in co-operation with the board of management, parents and teachers. A student council can play an integral and important role in the school by providing a positive environment where students can explore issues and undertake initiatives of benefit to the school community and wider society.

Student councils are an opportunity for students to contribute to the development of their school and, while student councils have already been established in several schools, it is my wish that as many post-primary schools and students as possible avail of this opportunity. Accordingly, in line with the provisions of the Act, I have asked my Department to prepare guidelines to assist boards of management in drawing up appropriate rules for the establishment of a student council having regard to the particular needs and circumstances of the school. Following recent consultations with the partners in education, the guidelines are now at an advanced stage of preparation and I expect to be in a position to issue them to schools in the near future.