Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004
43 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of his Department on the recent discussions regarding the holding of parent-teacher meetings outside school hours; his views on the agreement reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5203/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the new agreement on parent-teacher meetings which delivers on the commitment required under Sustaining Progress in preserving the integrity of the school year. In future, schools will not have to close either for full days of half days when parent-teacher meetings covered by this agreement are being held. This has proved a serious concern for parents and school management in the past. The other key objective was to make the arrangements more convenient for parents. From now on most parents of post-primary school children will have an opportunity to attend parent-teacher meetings on the way home from work. An essential part of the new arrangements is the agreement that parents waiting to be seen at the formal finish time of 6.45 p.m. will be accommodated within reason. This is preferable to having any defined finish time. Furthermore, arrangements must be made to facilitate parents who, for whatever reason, cannot make the formal meeting at all.
At primary level tuition time is also secured and a highly parent-friendly model has been agreed that builds on existing good practices within the sector. Parents will be offered an appointment either within the formal period set for the meeting or, where this does not suit the parents, they will be offered a suitable alternative.
