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School Management.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 March 2004

Tuesday, 30 March 2004

Ceisteanna (47, 48)

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

159 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of funding to be allocated by his Department towards the training of members of school boards for 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9685/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

183 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason his Department chose to cut funding to the Congress of Catholic Secondary Schools Parents Association; his response to the CSPA’s claims that it will not be able to train parental representatives on school boards as a result of the decision; the alternative training he will provide to parental representatives on school boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9771/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 183 together.

My Department has reviewed the process whereby it supports a range of inservice activities, including board of management training, for schools at primary and post-primary levels. In the past, limited financial support was provided to a range of course providers-organisers for elective programmes of inservice to the extent that resources permitted and having regard to other commitments and priorities such as curricular reform and special needs. In addition, my Department funds a national network of 21 full-time and nine part-time education centres to deliver in-service support for schools and their personnel.

To rationalise matters and to make the best use of available resources, direct support to the range of bodies and groups who wish to be involved in inservice provision is no longer being made by my Department. Such groups and bodies are advised to contact their local education centre whose role it is to provide local inservice and support and to provide advice and assistance to schools and their personnel in these matters.

The education centres are providing board of management training courses, usually in conjunction with other bodies and groups. To ensure consistency of provision, my Department will be liaising with appropriate bodies at central level and this will include the National Parents Council at both primary and post-primary levels.

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