Vol. 577 No. 3
76 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the process that is to be used in the promised wide-ranging public consultation process regarding the future shape and direction of education here which is due to begin in January 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30925/03]
96 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science the precise make-up in personnel and sectors of the new independent consultative committee on education policy; the date of its establishment; the likely timeframe from initial set-up, through to public meetings and consultations, through to final report; the funding earmarked by his Department for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30971/03]
112 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to establish a consultative committee, and convene a series of public meetings, to discuss the future education policies of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30981/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 76, 96 and 112 together.
It is my intention to launch this process of national consultation in January. While elements of the process, including issues of precise costing, have yet to be finalised, in outline it will involve an initial paper designed to promote public debate, a series of public meetings to be held throughout the country and meetings focused on particular issues. I also intend to seek contributions from a number of commentators to bring an independent perspective and oversight to the process.
