Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 October 2004
160 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the proposals advanced by IBEC in July 2004 in relation to the future of education here, particularly regarding part-time working by secondary school students during exam years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26108/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe proposals put forward by IBEC last July are very wide ranging in scope and involve all levels of education. Since last January, a year long national public consultation process on the development of education in Ireland for the future, Your Education System, has been under way. The outcomes of that process will be reported on early next year. The Deputy specifically referred to the issue of part-time work for second level exam students.
IBEC undertook to actively discourage part-time work for second level students in exam years as part their ten point action plan included in the education policy document it issued in July 2004. I believe this is a responsible position. I am aware that it reiterated its call to businesses not to employ second level exam students at the start of this school year.
I support the position that young people should avoid engaging in employment to an extent that adversely affects their studies. There is an onus on legislators, employers, teachers and parents to encourage young people to avoid damaging their long-term economic, social and personal prospects by sacrificing the attainment of their full academic potential for the immediate gain of paid employment. There is legislation in this area. The employment of young people is legislated for under the Protection of Young Persons Act 1996, the implementation of which is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Education Welfare Act 2000 provides legislation in connection with the attendance of children and young people at school or other places of education.
161 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if there will be a change in her policy or increase in investment at primary and second level in view of the recent report published by the National Competitiveness Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26057/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recent report of the National Competitiveness Council makes a number of important recommendations in relation to key elements of the education system in Ireland. These recommendations will be of benefit to policy makers and specialists in the education sector and will be carefully considered within my Department.
I am committed to improving the funding position of primary and secondary schools in the light of available resources.
Significant improvements in the levels of direct funding of schools have been made in recent years.
The standard rate of capitation grant for primary schools has been increased from €57 in 1997 to €121.58 per pupil from 1 January last, an increase of almost 113%.
In the case of secondary schools, the standard per capita grant now amounts to €274 from 1 January last as against the rate of €224.74 that applied in 1997. In the case of disadvantaged schools this increase has brought the total per capita grant to €312.
In addition, the support grant that was introduced under the school services support initiative was also increased from 1 January last and now stands at €131 per pupil. This increase is in addition to the range of equalisation grants of up to €15,554 per school per annum that was approved in December 2001.
Further increases in the levels of direct funding payable to first and second level schools will be considered as part of the normal Estimates process.
