Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
265. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education for an update on timings of the promised citizens assembly on education; whether it will cover the goal to achieve 400 multi denominational schools by 2030, divestment from current patrons and pre-school education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9987/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to establishing a Citizens’ Assembly on the Future of Education ensuring that the voices of young people and those being educated are central.
The establishment of the Citizens’ Assembly on the Future of Education and its Terms of Reference, including any questions to be discussed will be the subject of a Government decision and resolutions of the Dáil and Seanad at the appropriate time. Citizens’ Assemblies operate independently of the Government with secretariat support provided by the Department of the Taoiseach.
My published Statement of Strategy 2023-2025 sets out the framework for the Department’s work for this period, including advancing education commitments in the Programme for Government.
In this regard, it specifically mentions exploring the scope for a Citizens’ Assembly on the Future of Education and my officials are working on this.
This work includes liaison with the Department of the Taoiseach.
In this context, my Department supports a Citizens’ Assembly that will address the relevant topics and key issues facing the education system. Our primary goal in this should be to deliver the best outcome that will support school communities into the future.
