Vol. 562 No. 3
123 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the serious concern among the teaching profession in County Kildare Education Centre and to the fact that teachers are stating that such a change is unacceptable, economically and timewise, due to extra travel involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5974/03]
124 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has had meetings with the teaching unions in regard to the proposed closure of the Kildare Education Centre; if agreement has been reached; if such meetings have taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5975/03]
125 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason education centres are being regionalised; the way in which his Department will deal with the staff of such centres that are to be closed; the reason County Kildare will lose such valuable services as the library and computer in service; if the changes occur, if County Kildare will have special dates, times and provision, for using the Portlaoise facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5976/03]
126 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the Kildare Education Centre is facing closure; if his attention has been drawn to such proposals and the effect they will have on the teaching profession in County Kildare, the director and staff of the centre; the reasons which are being put forward to change the centre to Portlaoise in view of the fact that such a change would have a major effect and loss to the town of Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5977/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 to 126, inclusive, together.
The role of the Education Centre Network has expanded greatly since the first centres were set up in the late 1970s. The 1998 Education Act outlined their role as "providing services for schools, teachers, parents, boards and other relevant persons which support them in carrying out their functions in respect of the provision of education".
The centres, therefore, have become major players in the provision of in-career development in the education system.
Due to the expanding nature and complexity of their role, my Department agreed with the Association of Teacher Education Centres Ireland, ATECI, the representative body for the Education Centre Network, to commission a review of the education centres to clarify their role, functions and developmental potential as a strategic part of the education system nationally, regionally and locally. The Centre for Management Organisation and Development of the Department of Finance was commissioned to undertake the review. This review has been a detailed process including wide-ranging research and consultation with the key stakeholders.
The recommendations contained in the report are being considered by my Department as part of a comprehensive review of delivery structures for in-career development generally. I have also agreed with the ATECI to set up a consultative process to commence as soon as possible.
