Committee Reports::Report - Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Education and Science 1999::01 January, 2000::Appendix


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Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 3 November 1998

1.The Joint Committee met at 5.02 pm in Room G.2., Kildare House and went into private session.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:-

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (in the Chair), Richard Bruton, Pat Carey, Mary Hanafin, Cecilia Keaveney, John Moloney, Denis Naughten, Brian O’Shea, Trevor Sargent and Eddie Wade
Senators:	Labhrás Ó Murchú and Ann Ormonde

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy John V. Farrelly and Senator Máirín Quill.

3.Minutes

The Minutes of the meeting of 20 October 1998 were agreed to. There were no matters arising.

4.School Transport

The meeting was attended by Mr. Niall O’Dea, Assistant Principal, accompanied by Gráinne Whelan, HEO, School Transport Section. Mr O’Dea made an oral presentation to the Committee in relation to School Transport.

Following the presentation a question and answer session ensued in which Ms Whelan participated.

5.Other Business

It was agreed that the Committee would continue its consideration of the issue of School Transport at its next meeting on 17 November 1998, and the following would be invited to attend on that date:-

Bus Éireann

PAMBO (Private Association Motor Bus owners)

FOTO

Malahide Coaches

Dublin Cycling Campaign (safe routes)

6.Adjournment

The Committee adjourned at 6.32 p.m. until Wednesday 11 November, 1998.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday, 11 November 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.40 pm in Room G.24, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:-

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (in the Chair), Pat Carey, John V. Farrelly, Cecilia Keaveney, Paul McGrath, Brian O’Shea, Trevor Sargent and Eddie Wade
Senators:	Fintan Coogan, Ann Ormonde and Máirín Quill

3.Visiting Delegation of the Standing Committee on Education of the South African North-West Province Legislature.

The South African delegation consisted of:-

Hon. R. De Wet-Ramon (Chairperson of Education Standing Committee)

Hon. E. Mayisela (Deputy Chairman)

Hon. P. Malan

Ms. D. Mooketsi (Committee Administrator)

and were accompanied by:-

His Excellency Pierre Dietrichsen, South African Ambassador

Mr. Hugo Lambrechts, First Secretary

The delegation wished to know about the Irish education system as their research had indicated it was one of the most successful education systems. The Members outlined the background, present states including strengths and weaknesses, and future direction of Irish education in an exchange of views with the visiting delegation.

4.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 3.40 p.m. until Tuesday, 17 November, 1998.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday, 17 November 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in at 5.05 pm in Room G.2., Kildare House and went into private session.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:-

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (in the Chair), Richard Bruton, Pat Carey, John Ellis, Mary Hanafin, Cecilia Keaveney, John Moloney, Denis Naughten, Brian O’Shea, Trevor Sargent and Eddie Wade
Senators:	Labhrás Ó Murchú and Ann Ormonde

Apologies were received. from Senators Joe O’Toole and Máirín Quill

3.Private Session

4.School Transport

The following groups were represented at the meeting:-

Bus Éireann	Bill Lilley, Managing Director
	Tim Hayes, Manager Business Development
	Denis Feely
	John Sheehy
PAMBO	Richard O’Byrne, Chairman
	Mike Goodliffe, Chief Executive
FOTO	John Dunne, Director / or Peter Christian
	Pat Bartin, President
	Frank King, Consultant

Dublin Cycling Campaign, Éamonn Ryan, Chairman

Apologies were received from Mr. Jimmy Kavanagh, Malahide Coaches, who had been invited but could not attend.

Each group gave a presentation and this was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

4.Other Business

It was agreed that the Committee would continue its consideration of the issue of School Transport at its next meeting on 1 December 1998, and the following would be invited to attend on that date:-

National Parents’Council Primary and Post Primary Branches

Mr Joe Langan, Transport Liaison Officer, Co. Mayo VEC

Representative from the Department of the Environment re: Road worthiness of vehicles etc

5.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6.40 p.m. until Tuesday, 1 December, 1998.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday, 1 December 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in at 5.10 pm in Room G.2., Kildare House in public session.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:-

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (in the Chair), Pat Carey, Mary Hanafin, Paul McGrath, John Moloney, Denis Naughten, Brian O’Shea, Trevor Sargent and Eddie Wade
Senators:	Labhrás Ó Murchú and Tom Fitzgerald (in substitution for Senator AnnOrmonde).

3.School Transport

The following groups were represented at the meeting:-

National Parents Council Primary Branch

Ms. Geraldine Braiden

Ms. Lyn McDonald

Ms. Fionnuala Kilfeather

National Parents Council Post Primary Branch

Mr. Seán Grehan

Mr. John White.

Mr. Joe Langan, Transport Liaison Officer, Co. Mayo V.E.C.

Mr. Des Coppins, Vehicle Control Section, Dept. of the Environment.

Each group gave a presentation and this was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

4.Other Business

It was agreed that the Committee would resume its consideration of Early School Leavers at its next meeting on 15 December 1998, and the following would be invited to attend on that date:-

Mr. Scott Bolt, Marino Institute of Education

Sr. Teresa McCormack, Conference of Religious in Ireland.

5.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6.33 p.m. until Tuesday, 15 December, 1998.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday, 15 December 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in at 5.06 pm in Room G.2., Kildare House in public session.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:-

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (in the Chair), Richard Bruton, Pat Carey, Mary Hanafin, Cecilia Keaveney, and Eddie Wade
Senators:	Senator Joe O’Toole.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Brian Hayes and Brian O’Shea and Senators Fintan Coogan, Ann Ormonde and Máirín Quill

4.Minutes

The Minutes of the meeting of 1 December, 1998 were agreed to. There were no matters arising.

5.Early School Leavers

Presentations were made by Sr Theresa McCormack, CORI (who was accompanied by Dr Peter Archer, who participated) and Mr Scott Boldt, Marino Institute of Education (who was accompanied by Ms Mandy Douglas, who participated). The presentations were each followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

6.Other Business

It was agreed that the Committee would meet on Tuesday 12 January 1999 at 2.30pm to continue its discussions in relation to Early School Leavers. The work programme for 1999 would also be discussed on that date.

7.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6.35 p.m. until Tuesday, 12 January, 1998.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 12 January 1999

1.The Joint Committee met at 2.35 pm in private session and at 2.45 pm in public session in Room G5, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (Chairman), Richard Bruton, Pat Carey, John Ellis, John V. Farrelly, Mary Hanafin, Brian Hayes, Cecilia Keaveney, John Maloney, Paul McGrath, Denis Naughten, Trevor Sargent and Eddie Wade.
Senators:	Labhras Ó Murchu and Ann Ormonde.

An apology for inability to attend was received from Deputy Brian O’Shea

3.Minutes

The minutes of meeting of 15 December, 1999 were agreed to.

4.Early School Leavers

The following representatives of the teaching trade unions attended the meeting:-

Mr. Michael Corley, President, ASTI

Mr. Charles Lennon, General Secretary, ASTI

Mr. John White, Deputy General Secretary, ASTI

Ms. Deirbhile Ní Craith, Equality and Education Policy, INTO

Mr. Tony Bates, INTO

Mr. Jim Dorney, General Secretary, TUI

Mr. Billy Fitzpatrick, Education/Research Officer, TUI

Mr. Joe Carolan, President, TUI

Mr. John MacGabhann, Vice-President, TUI

The first two representatives of each union made oral presentations to the Members and these were followed by a question and answer session between the Members and the representatives.

5.Private Session

6.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 4.15 pm until 2.30 pm on Tuesday, 26 January, 1999

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 26 January 1999

1.The Joint Committee met at 2.30pm in public session and at 2.33pm in private session in Room G5, Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (Chairman), Richard Bruton, Pat Carey, John V. Farrelly, Mary Hanafin, Brian Hayes, Cecilia Keaveney, Paul McGrath, John Moloney and Denis Naughten.
Senators:	Jarlath McDonagh* (in substitution for Fintan Coogan), and Labhras Ó Murchú.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Senators Ann Ormonde, Joe O’Toole and Máirín Quill.

3.Minutes

The minutes of meeting of 12 January 1999 were agreed to.

4.Next meeting

It was agreed that the Joint Committee would meet at 5.00 pm on 9 February 1999 to take oral evidence from representatives of the National Parents’ Councils in relation to early school leavers.

5.Private Session

6.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned to 5.00pm on Tuesday, 9 February 1999.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 9 February 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 5.05pm in Room G2 Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (Chairman), Richard Bruton, Pat Carey, John Ellis, John V. Farrelly, Mary Hanafin, Brian Hayes, Cecilia Keaveney, John Maloney, Trevor Sargent and Eddie Wade.
Senators:	Paddy Burke(in substitution for Fintan Coogan), Labhrás Ó Murchú and Ann Ormonde.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Senators Fintan Coogan and Máirín Quill.

3.Minutes

The minutes of meeting of 26 January 1999 were agreed to.

4.Early School Leavers, Presentations by National Parents Councils.

The following representatives of the National Parents Councils made oral presentations on the topic of Early School Leavers:-

Ms. Fionnuala Kilfeather, National Co-ordinator, National Parents Council - Primary

Ms. Geraldine Graydon, National Parents Council - Primary

Ms. Rose Tully, President, National Parents Council - Post Primary

Mr. Michael O’Regan, President, Parents - Post Primary Association for Vocational School and Community Colleges

The presentations were followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

5.Correspondence

A letter from the Managing Director, Bus Éireann was discussed and the reply was agreed to.

6.Items for next meeting

It was agreed that representatives of the Higher Education Authority would be invited to the next meeting of the Committee on 23 February 1999 to discuss recent developments, current work and future plans and that the Special Education report would also be discussed.

7.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6.45pm until 5.00pm on Tuesday, 23 February 1999.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 9 March 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 5.05 pm and in private session from 5.07 pm to 5.15 pm in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (Chairman), Richard Bruton, Pat Carey, John Ellis, Mary Hanafin, Michael D. Higgins, Paul McGrath, John Moloney and Eddie Wade.
Senators:	Mick Lanigan (in substitution for Labhras Ó Murchú) and Ann Ormonde.

An apology for inability to attend was received from Deputy John V. Farrelly. Deputy Mattie Brennan also attended the meeting.

3.Minutes

The minutes of meeting of 9 February 1999 were agreed to.

4.Higher Education Authority Presentation

The following representatives of the Higher Education Authority attended the meeting:-

Dr. Don Thornhill, Chairman

Mr. John Hayden, Secretary/Chief Executive

Ms. Mary Kerr, Deputy Secretary

Ms. Triona Dooney, Assistant Secretary

Mr. Stewart Roche, Management Accountant

Mr. Padraic Mellett, Senior Executive Officer

Mr. Gerry O’Sullivan, Senior Executive Officer

Ms. Jennifer Gygax, Senior Executive Officer

Dr. Thornhill made an oral presentation to the Members which was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

5.Correspondence

The Joint Committee agreed to a meeting with the Language, Culture and Training Sub-Committee of Údarás na Gaeltachta to discuss education on the Gaeltacht on a date to be announced.

The Joint Committee also agreed the reply to a letter from TSSA, the union for people in transport and travel, requesting a meeting and sight of submissions and records of Committee proceedings on School Transport.

6.Private Session

7.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6.30 pm until 5.00 pm on Tuesday 23 March 1999 for meeting with Minister for State, Willie O’Dea, T.D. to discuss the Green Paper on Adult Education and the policies proposed therein.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 23 March 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 5.15 p.m. in Room G2 Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies:	John V. Farrelly (Vice Chairman in the Chair), Pat Carey, Mary Hanafin, Brian Hayes, Cecilia Keaveney, Michael D. Higgins, John Moloney, Paul McGrath, Denis Naughten, and Eddie Wade.
Senators:	Frank Chambers (in substitution for Labhrás Ó Murchú).

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Michael P. Kitt, Richard Bruton and Senators Ann Ormond and Máirín Quill.

3.Minutes

The minutes of meeting of 9 March 1999 were agreed to.

4.Green Paper on Adult Education.

The following representatives of the Department of Education and Science attended the meeting:

Mr. Jack O’Brien, Assistant Secretary,

Ms. Margaret Kelly, Principal Officer.

Mr. O’Brien made an oral presentation to the members which was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

5.Next Meeting

It was agreed to invite representatives of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment to the next meeting.

6.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 6.00 p.m. sine die.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 20 April 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in private session at 5.10 p.m. and in public Session at 5.20 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (Chairman), Richard Bruton, Pat Carey, Michael D. Higgins, Paul McGrath, John Moloney, Denis Naughten, and Eddie Wade.
Senators:	Labhrás Ó Murchú and Ann Ormonde.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Trevor Sargent and Senator Joe O’Toole.

3.Minutes

The minutes of meeting of 23 March 1999 were agreed to.

4.Presentation by National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (N.C.C.A.) Representatives.

The following representatives of N.C.C.A. attended the meeting:

Dr. Caroline Hussey, Chairperson,

Mr. Albert Ó Ceallaigh, Chief Executive.

Dr. Hussey and Mr. Ó Ceallaigh made oral presentations to the members covering the brief of the Council and a progress report on its activities. This was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

5.Next Meeting

It was agreed to invite representatives of the Language, Culture and Training sub-Committee of Udarás na Gaeltachta and the National Dyslexia Association to the next meeting of the Committee on Wednesday, 5 May 1999 at 5.00 p.m..

6Private Session

7.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 6.32 p.m. until 5.00 p.m. on 5 May 1999.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday, 5 May 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 5.05 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street and went into private session at 5.06 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (Chairman), Richard Bruton, Pat Carey, John Farrelly Mary Hanafin, Michael D. Higgins, Paul McGrath and Eddie Wade.
Senators:	Camillus Glynn (in substitution for Labhrás Ó Murchú) and Mairin Quill.

Deputy Dinny McGinley also attended the meeting.

3.Minutes

The minutes of meeting of 20 April 1999 were agreed to.

4.Presentation by the Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities (A.C.L.D.).

The following representatives of A.C.L.D. attended the meeting:

Ms. Mary Mahon, National President A.C.L.D.

Ms. Anne Hughes, Administrator,

Mr. Alan Sayles, Education Consultant,

Ms. Aisling Oman.

Ms. Hughes, Ms. Oman and Mr. Sayles made oral presentations to the members. This was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

5.Presentation by Fhochoiste Teanga, Cultúir agus Oiliúna Údarás na Gaeltachta

The following representatives of the Fhochoiste attended the meeting:

Bort an Údaráis - Ionadaíocht.

Micheál Ó Scanaill, Cathaoirleach an Fhochoiste.

Connie Ní Fhátharta, Leas-Cathaoirleach an Fhochoiste.

Pádraig Ó Dochartaigh

Sorcha Nic Dhonnacha

Feidhmeanniagh an Údaráis

Sorcha Nic Dhonncha, Bainisteoir Forbartha Cultúir agus Teanga.

Fionbarra Ó Muirí, Bainisteori Seirbhísí Oiliúna.

Micheál Ó Scanaill, Connie Ní Fhátharta and Pádraig Ó Dochartaigh made oral presentations to the members. This was followed by a question and answer session with the members.

6Private Session

7.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 7.10 p.m. until 5.00 p.m. on Tuesday, 18 May 1999, for presentation by Department Representatives on the role of Music in Education.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 18 May 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 5.15 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (Chairman), Pat Carey, John V. Farrelly, Mary Hanafin, Brian Hayes, Ceilia Keaveney, Paul McGrath, John Moloney, Denis Naughten and Eddie Wade.
Senators:	Dan Kiely (in substitution for Labhrás Ó Murchú) and Joe O’Toole.

3.Minutes

The minutes of meeting of 5 May 1999 were agreed to.

4.Presentation on the Role of Music in Education

The following representatives of the Department of Eduction and Science attended the meeting:

Mr. Pat Kitterick, Senior Inspector,

Mr. Jerome Leonard, Post-Primary Inspector.

Mr. Kitterick made an oral presentation to the members on Music Education at Primary level and

Mr. Leonard made a presentation tot he Members on Music Education at Post-Primary level.

These presentations were followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

5.Any other Business

(i) Draft Report on Early School Leavers

It was agreed to meet in Private Session on Tuesday 25 May 1999 in G24 to approve the report on Early School Leaving.

(ii) Meeting on 1 June 1999

It was agreed that RTE be invited to the meeting on Tuesday 1 June 1999 to discuss the Role of Music in Education.

(iii) Meeting with Roscommon Partnership Committee

It was agreed that the committee would meet with the Roscommon Partnership Committee on Tuesday 15 June 1999 to discuss its survey on Primary Schools in County Roscommon.

(iv) Meeting with members of State Parliament of the German Federal State of Baden Wurttemberg

It was agreed to meet the German State Parliament Representatives on Thursday, 24 June 1999 at 12.00 noon in Room G24 to discuss the Education System in Ireland.

6.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 6.30 p.m. until 5.00 p.m. on Tuesday, 25 May 1999

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 25 May 1999

1.The Joint Committee met at 5.00 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Members Present

The following Members were present:-

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (Chairman), Richard Bruton, Pat Carey, John Moloney.
Senators:	Fintan Coogan, Camilus Glynn and Labhras Ó Murchú.

3.Draft Report on Early School Leaving

The Chairman brought forward the Draft Report for consideration.

Draft Report agreed to.

Ordered:

To report accordingly.

4.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 5.10 p.m. until 5.00 p.m. on Tuesday, 1 June, 1999.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 1 June 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 5.07 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (Chairman), Richard Bruton, Pat Carey, Mary Hanafin, Brian Hayes, Denis Naughten and Eddie Wade.
Senators:	Wille Farrell (in substitution for Labhrás Ó Murchú) and Joe O’Toole.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Senator Fintan Coogan.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 18 May 1999 were agreed to.

4.Private Session:

5.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 5.50 p.m. until 5.00 p.m. on Tuesday, 15 June 1999

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 15 June 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 5.11 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (Chairman), Richard Bruton, Pat Carey, Michael D. Higgins, John V. Farrelly, Mary Hanafin, Cecilia Keaveney, Denis Naughten and Eddie Wade.
Senators:	Fintan Coogan, Labhrás O’Murchú, Ann Ormonde

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 1 June 1999 were agreed to and signed by the Chairman.

4.Presentation by the Roscommon Partnership Company Ltd

Ms. Eileen Fahey, Ms. Eithne Drudy, Ms. Patricia Murphy-Byrne, Mr. Michael Fahey, Ms. Mary O’Connell, Ms. Dympna Lambert and Ms. Nicola Moran attended on behalf of the Roscommon Partnership Company.

They presented the results of a survey which had been carried out on the primary schools in Roscommon covering issues including remedial teaching, drop out rates, accommodation. A question and answer session followed with the members covering issues including early school leavers, dual enrolment, use of computers, remedial services and the problems caused by time taken travelling for specialist teachers in a large rural area.

It was agreed that the Joint Committee would send a copy of the Report on the survey carried out by the Roscommon Partnership Company to the Minister for Education and request his comments on it.

The delegation presented the Joint Committee with letters from parents in the area.

5.Correspondence

The correspondence received from Mr. William Stewart was discussed and it was agreed to send this letter to the Minister for Education and request his observations on it.

6.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6.35 until 24 June 1999 at 12.00 noon.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday, 24 June 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 12.08 p.m. in Room G24, Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (Chairman), Pat Carey, Mary Hanafin, Ceilia Keaveney and Eddie Wade.
Senators:	Fintan Coogan and Ann Ormonde

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies John V. Farrelly and Trevor Sargent.

3.Visiting Delegation

The Members met with Members of the Committee for School, Youth and Sport of the State Parliament of the German Federal State of Baden - Wurttemberg who were visiting Ireland as part of an information tour through European Member States for a discussion on the Education System in Ireland.

4.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 1.00 p.m. until 5.00 p.m. on Tuesday, 29 June, 1999.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 29 June 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in private session at 5.05 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (Chairman), Richard Bruton, Pat Carey, Mary Hanafin, John Moloney, Denis Naughten, Eddie Wade.
Senators:	Labhrás O’Murchú, Ann Ormonde

3.Private Session

4.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 5.17 p.m. until 2.00 p.m. on Tuesday, 13 July, 1999.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 13 July, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met at 2.05 p.m. in Room G24, Kildare House.

In the unavoidable absence of the Chairman, the vice-Chairman, Deputy Farrelly, took the Chair.

It was agreed to go into private session.

2.Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies:	John V. Farrelly (vice-Chairman in the Chair), Richard Bruton, Pat Carey, John Ellis, Mary Hanafin, Denis Foley (in substitution for Michael P. Kitt), John Moloney, Denis Naughten and Martin Brady (in subsitution for Eddie Wade).
Senators:	Paddy Burke (in subsitution for Fintan Coogan), Labhrás O’Murchú and Ann Ormonde.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Michael P. Kitt (Chairman), Michael D. Higgins, Paul McGrath, Trevor Sargent, and Senator Fintan Coogan.

3.Private Session

4.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 3.05 p.m. sine die.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 7 September, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met at 3.00 p.m. in Room 114, Kildare House.

It was agreed to go into private session for the duration of the meeting.

2.Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (in the Chair), Pat Carey, John Ellis, John V. Farrelly, Mary Hanafin, Michael D. Higgins, Paul McGrath, John Moloney, Denis Naughten, Trevor Sargent and Eddie Wade.
Senators:	Fintan Coogan, Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ann Ormonde and Joe O’Toole.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Richard Bruton, Brian Hayes and Cecilia Keaveney and Senator Máirín Quill.

3.Private Session

4.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 3.30 p.m. sine die.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 12th October, 1999

1The Joint Committee met at 5.33 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (in the Chair), Pat Carey, John V. Farrelly, Mary Hanafin, Brian Hayes, Michael D. Higgins, Cecilia Keaveney, John Moloney, Denis Naughten, Trevor Sargent and Eddie Wade.
Senators:	Frank Chambers (in subsitution for Labhrás Ó Murchú) and Fintan Coogan.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Richard Bruton and Senators Joe O’Toole and Máirín Quill.

3.Minutes.

The minutes of the meeting of 7th September, 1999, were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

4.Presentation on the role of music in education by representatives of the National Concert Hall.

The Joint Committee heard presentations on the role of music in education by the following representatives of the National Concert Hall -

Ms. Judith Woodworth, Director,

Ms. Lucy Champion, Education and Outreach Manager, and

Ms. Jacqui Mahon, Public Relations and Marketing Manager.

The representatives dealt with the policy and practice of the National Concert Hall in relation to music in education, the way in which the NCH interacted with children and teachers and pointed to the limitations imposed by insufficient State funding. The visitors dealt with issues raised by Members.

It was agreed to go into private session in order to deal with the remaining items on the agenda.

5.Private Session.

6.Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 6.36 p.m. until 5 p.m. on 9th November.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 9th November, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met at 5.04 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (in the Chair), Richard Bruton, Pat Carey, John V. Farrelly, Mary Hanafin, Brian Hayes, Michael D. Higgins, Denis Naughten, Trevor Sargent and Eddie Wade.
Senators:	Fintan Coogan, Ann Ormonde and Labhrás Ó Murchú.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Senator Joe O’Toole.

It was agreed to go into private session in order to deal with the minutes of the last meeting and any matters arising from them.

3.Private Session

4.Presentation by the Union of Students in Ireland on priority areas for third level education.

The Joint Committee heard presentations on priority areas for third level education from Mr. Philip Madden, President and Mr. Ian Russell, Education Officer, of the Union of Students in Ireland. Mr. Darren McCallig, the USI’s Communications and Research Executive, also attended.

A division having been demanded in the Dáil, it was agreed to suspend the meeting until immediately after the declaration of the result of the division. Accordingly, the meeting was suspended at 5.32 p.m.

The meeting resumed at 5.47 p.m.

A further division having been demanded in the Dáil, it was agreed to suspend the meeting until immediately after the declaration of the result of the division. Accordingly, the meeting was suspended at 5.48 p.m.

The meeting resumed at 6.25 p.m.

The delegation dealt with questions put to them by members.

It was agreed to go into private session in order to deal with the remaining items on the agenda.

5.Private Session.

6.Private Session.

7.Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 6.55 p.m. until 5 p.m. on 23rd November.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 23rd November, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met at 5.04 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (in the Chair), Pat Carey, John Ellis, John V. Farrelly, Brian Hayes, Michael D. Higgins, Paul McGrath, John Moloney, Denis Naughten and Eddie Wade.
Senators:	Rory Kiely (in substitution for Labhrás Ó Murchú) and Ann Ormonde.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Richard Bruton and Senators Fintan Coogan and Joe O’Toole.

It was agreed to go into private session in order to deal with the minutes of the last meeting and any matters arising from them.

3.Private Session.

The minutes of the meeting of 9th November, 1999, were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

4.Presentation by representatives of the Mol an Óige project on their research into early school leaving.

The Joint Committee heard a presentation by Mr. Dan Condren, Project Manager, on the research and findings of the Mol an Óige project, an EU funded project promoted by North Tipperary VEC in partnership with a number of other agencies, which aimed to examine the causes of early school leaving in North Tipperary and to develop a model of interventions for dealing with this problem. Mr. Luke Murtagh, CEO of North Tipperary VEC, Mr. Philip Mudge, Community Resource Facilitator, and Ms. Rose Tully, Ms. Norberta O’Gorman and Ms. Mary Slattery, Project Development Officers, also attended. The visitors dealt with questions put to them by members.

It was agreed to go into private session in order to deal with the remaining items on the agenda.

5.Private Session.

6.Private Session

7.Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 6.35 p.m. until 5 p.m. on 7th December.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 7th December, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met at 5.15 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

Deputies:	Michael P. Kitt (in the Chair), Richard Bruton, Pat Carey, Mary Hanafin, Brian Hayes, John Moloney, Trevor Sargent and Eddie Wade.
Senators:	Ann Ormonde, Labhrás Ó Murchú and Mary Henry (in substitution for Joe O’Toole).

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Senator Joe O’Toole.

It was agreed to go into private session in order to deal with the minutes of the last meeting and any matters arising from them.

3.Private Session.

4.Presentation by representatives of RTÉ on the role of music in education.

The Joint Committee heard a presentation by the following representatives of RTÉ on the role of music in education:

Mr. Niall Doyle, Director of Music,

Mr. Kevin Healy, Director of Public Affairs, and

Mr. Adrian Moyne, Special Assistant to the Director General.

The visitors dealt with questions put to them by members.

It was agreed to go into private session in order to deal with the remaining items on the agenda.

5.Any Other Business.

There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 6 p.m. until 18th January. It was agreed that the Annual Report for 1999 and the Work Programme for 2000 be considered on that date.

5.Any Other Business.