Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 October 2004
279 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the priorities of her Department following the recent Cabinet changes; the programme being followed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25689/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe priorities of my Department are informed by the programme for Government and are reflected in the statement of strategy. As the Deputy will be aware, there is a statutory requirement that a new statement of strategy be prepared within six months of a Minister assuming office. In that context, the areas of capital projects, special education needs, advancement towards a knowledge economy and response to related skills needs, together with the area of educational disadvantage, are amongst those which I believe must receive attention. I would also emphasise that expenditure decisions must be fair and balanced in dealing with the wide range of demands across the education sector.
