Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 May 2004
149 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the costs relating to Your Education Service under headings (details supplied); and the policy initiatives arrived at as a result of the deliberations of YES. [14810/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom the outset I have indicated that this is a year long process with the purpose of gathering material that will inform education policy in the medium and longer term.
I launched the process in January with the publication of the discussion document Your Education System. A series of 17 public meetings took place in February and March and since then a number of organisations have held sessions for their members. A number of major elements of the process have still to take place. These include the focus meetings that will allow some topics, including disadvantage and special education, to be treated in some depth and four meetings for young people of school going age. A major survey, which will provide statistical data on public attitudes to the education system, is also being planned.
The website, www.youreducation.ie, has been available since January. It contains information on the process, including details of progress and costs to the end of April. The information on costs is being updated at present and this will be forwarded to the Deputy very shortly. Reports on events that have taken place as part of the process, comments/observations and suggestions submitted by members of the public and a number of longer papers can also be accessed on the website. The website is being updated on a regular basis and will remain open throughout 2004.
The secretariat for the process will produce its report at the end of the year, drawing together all of the material gathered through the process. This will provide a blueprint for policy makers now and into the future, while giving us a standard against which education policy can be measured.
