Vol. 544 No. 2
10 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education and Science if the composition of the educational disadvantage committee as required under the Education Act, 1998, has been finalised; the reasons for the delay in establishing this committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28228/01]
Following a detailed consultation process, arrangements are being finalised regarding the composition of the educational disadvantage committee to be established under the Education Act, 1998. The size and composition of the committee will be structured with a view to ensuring it can do its work in the most effective way possible, fulfilling its role of advising me on the policies and strategies best adopted to identify and correct educational disadvantage. I will be making an announcement shortly regarding the committee.
I have also decided to establish a larger and related forum to address educational disadvantage. This forum, which will have a broader representation than the committee, will meet twice a year. It will have a vital role in advising the committee on broader issues relating to disadvantage and exclusion from the full benefits of education.
We have been hearing that same reply from the Minister for over a year now. Under the Act there is a clear requirement on him to establish the committee. It is now almost four years since the Act was passed. Will the Minister now give us a clear timescale for the establishment of the committee? He has been telling us for a long time that he is looking at it. When does he expect the committee to be up and running and has he made final decisions on its composition?
There was a consultation process and the letter seeking nominations issued in April 2001.
That is seven months ago.
There is a problem because of the huge number of bodies to be represented. The only effective way to solve it is to have a committee and a wider forum and to allow those who cannot be represented on the committee to contribute through the wider forum.
Let us get the committee first.
We should have it in the next two weeks or so. We are waiting on two groups for their nominees.
