Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004
55 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding funding made available by his Department to parental representative groups in the education sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5204/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra76 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will increase resources to parents’ representative organisations to ensure that they can participate as an equal partner in the educational process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5241/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 76 together.
My Department's commitment to fund the national parents' councils began with a proposal in the programme for economic and social progress to pay an annual grant of €31,743 to each council. My Department has provided an allocation of €165,000 for the National Parents Council — post primary — and €230,000 for the National Parents Council — primary — for 2004.
In 2003, I commissioned a review of State financial support for and recognition of parental organisations at post-primary level. My Department provided a copy of the review to all of the interested parental groups in late October 2003. Each organisation was invited to consider the report and to forward written observations or alternatively to meet officials of my Department to discuss their response to the report. My Department has received written submissions from the National Congress of Catholic Secondary School Parent Associations, CPSA, the Parents' Associations of Community and Comprehensive Schools, PACCS, and the Federation of Christian Brothers Schools Parents Council, FCBSPC. In addition, meetings have taken place between officials of my Department and representatives of the National Parents' Council — post primary — CPSA, PACCS and FCBSPC. The most recent of these, with the FCBSPC, was held on the 28 January 2004. To date, none of the other parental organisations have chosen to take up my Department's invitation to forward a submission or meet with officials.
In deciding on the issues addressed in the review, such as recognition and grant aid, I must take account of the matter of value for money and the need to avoid unnecessary duplication. The review in question emphasised the fact that many of the issues of concern to parents with children at second level are common across the different sectors. It is important, therefore, that any State funding should promote cohesion to the greatest degree possible as this will best serve to increase the voice of parents in education. In considering what action to take on foot of the review, my officials and I will take stock of the submissions received and views expressed at the meetings referred to.
