Vol. 562 No. 3
56 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to inspectors in second level schools; the number involved; the powers, duties and responsibilities of the inspectors; and his proposals for reform in this area. [5743/03]
There are 72 post-primary inspectors in my Department. The main functions of the inspectorate in the Department of Education and Science are described in section 13(3) of the Education Act 1998. Arising from the report by Mr. Sean Cromien on the operations systems and staffing of the Department of Education and Science, the Government undertook a number of measures in relation to the implementation of the programme of structural reform of the Department. The Government decision included the establishment of a State examinations commission as a body independent of the Department to which responsibility for the administration of the State certificate examinations is being transferred. When the remaining procedures in relation to the vesting of the State examinations commission are concluded, up to 31 post primary inspectors will transfer to or be assigned to the commission. Four further inspectors have transferred to senior management positions in the commission. The present functions of post primary inspectors in relation to the State certificate examinations will then be carried out by the examinations commission. It is my intention to recruit additional post primary inspectors on a phased basis to replace those transferring to the commission.
