Vol. 577 No. 4
161 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in implementing the McIver report on further education; the time schedule for the implementation of the recommendations; and if he will appoint a team to co-ordinate the implementation. [31420/03]
The post leaving certificate review was commissioned by my Department to examine the sector and make recommendations as necessary regarding the organisational, support, development, technical and administrative structures and resources required in schools with large scale post leaving certificate, PLC, provision. The final report was completed in April 2003.
The recommendations in the report are wide-ranging and encompass proposals that extend beyond PLC provision, including issues which impact on the shaping of structures for the delivery of further and adult education into the future, and on other sectors of the education system.
During October 2003, in separate meetings, officials in my Department met with the management and staff representative interests in the sector to examine their respective priorities and to consider issues surrounding a number of the recommendations of the report as well as areas of common interest, having regard to the implications for other areas of the education system. Each side has agreed to review their position with regard to prioritisation of the recommendations.
Further exploratory meetings with relevant stakeholders in the sector will be necessary in the period ahead in connection with this report.
