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HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS

Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Education and Science 2001

January, 2002

Contents

Joint Committee on Education and Science

ORDERS OF REFERENCE

Dáil Éireann

13th November, 1997, (** 28th April, 1998),

Ordered:

(1) (a)That a Select Committee, which shall be called the Select Committee on Education and Science, consisting of 14 members of Dáil Éireann (of whom 4 shall constitute a quorum), be appointed to consider such—

(i)Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the Department of Education and Science, and

(ii)Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of that Department,

as shall be referred to it by Dáil Éireann from time to time.

(b)For the purpose of its consideration of Bills under paragraph (1)(a)(i), the Select Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 78A(1), (2) and (3).

(c)For the avoidance of doubt, by virtue of his or her ex officio membership of the Select Committee in accordance with Standing Order 84(1), the Minister for Education and Science (or a Minister or Minister of State nominated in his or her stead) shall be entitled to vote.

(2) (a)The Select Committee shall be joined with a Select Committee to be appointed by Seanad Éireann to form the Joint Committee on Education and Science to consider—

(i)such public affairs administered by the Department of Education and Science as it may select, including bodies under the aegis of that Department in respect of Government policy,

(ii)such matters of policy for which the Minister in charge of that Department is officially responsible as it may select,

(iii)the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister in charge of that Department pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and shall be authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act,

** (iv)such Annual Reports or Annual Reports and Accounts, required by law and laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies under the aegis of the Department(s) specified in paragraph 2(a)(i), and the overall operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select.

Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993.

Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the body or by the Minister in charge of that Department; and

(v)such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas,

and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

(b)The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be 5, of whom at least 1 shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a member of Seanad Éireann.

(c)The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 78A(1) to (9) inclusive.

(3)The Chairman of the Joint Committee, who shall be a member of Dáil Éireann, shall also be Chairman of the Select Committee.

SEANAD ÉIREANN

19th November, 1997, (** 30th April, 1998),

Ordered:

(1) (a)That a Select Committee consisting of 5 members of Seanad Éireann shall be appointed to be joined with a Select Committee of Dáil Éireann to form the Joint Committee on Education and Science to consider—

(i)such public affairs administered by the Department of Education and science as it may select, including bodies under the aegis of that Department in respect of Government policy,

(ii)such matters of policy for which the Minister in charge of that Department is officially responsible as it may select,

(iii)the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister in charge of that Department pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and shall be authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act,

** (iv)such Annual Reports or Annual Reports and Accounts, required by law and laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies under the aegis of the Department(s) specified in paragraph 1(a)(i), and the overall operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select.

Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993.

Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the body or by the Minister in charge of that Department; and

(v)such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas,

and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

(b)The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be 5, of whom at least 1 shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a member of Seanad Éireann.

(c)The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 62A(1) to (9) inclusive.

(2)The Chairman of the Joint Committee shall be a member of Dáil Éireann.

* subsequently renumbered as Standing Order 65

Powers of Dáil Select Committee

Text of Dáil Standing Order 78A referred to in Dáil Select Committee’s Orders of Reference:

“78A.Without prejudice to the generality of Standing Order 78, the Dáil may confer any or all of the following powers on a Select Committee:

(1)power to take oral and written evidence and to print and publish from time to time minutes of such evidence taken in public before the Select Committee together with such related documents as the Select Committee thinks fit;

(2)power to invite and accept written submissions from interested persons or bodies;

(3)power to appoint sub-Committees and to refer to such sub-Committees any matter comprehended by its orders of reference and to delegate any of its powers to such sub-Committees, including power to report directly to the Dáil;

(4)power to draft recommendations for legislative change and for new legislation and to consider and report to the Dáil on such proposals for EU legislation as may be referred to it from time to time by any Committee established by the Dáil (whether acting jointly with the Seanad or otherwise) to consider such proposals and upon which has been conferred the power to refer such proposals to another Select Committee;

(5)power to require that a member of the Government or Minister of State shall attend before the Select Committee to discuss policy for which he or she is officially responsible: provided that a member of the Government or Minister of State may decline to attend for stated reasons given in writing to the Select Committee, which may report thereon to the Dáil: and provided further that a member of the Government or Minister of State may request to attend a meeting of the Select Committee to enable him or her to discuss such policy;

(6)power to require that a member of the Government or Minister of State shall attend before the Select Committee to discuss proposed primary or secondary legislation (prior to such legislation being published) for which he or she is officially responsible: provided that a member of the Government or Minister of State may decline to attend for stated reasons given in writing to the Select Committee, which may report thereon to the Dáil: and provided further that a member of the Government or Minister of State may request to attend a meeting of the Select Committee to enable him or her to discuss such proposed legislation;

(7)subject to any constraints otherwise prescribed by law, power to require that principal office holders in bodies in the State which are partly or wholly funded by the State or which are established or appointed by members of the Government or by the Oireachtas shall attend meetings of the Select Committee, as appropriate, to discuss issues for which they are officially responsible: provided that such an office holder may decline to attend for stated reasons given in writing to the Select Committee, which may report thereon to the Dáil;

(8)power to engage, subject to the consent of the Minister for Finance, the services of persons with specialist or technical knowledge, to assist it or any of its sub-Committees in considering particular matters; and

(9)power to undertake travel, subject to—

(a)such rules as may be determined by the sub-Committee on Dáil Reform from time to time under Standing Order 91(3)(b);

(b)such recommendations as may be made by the Working Group of Committee Chairmen under Standing Order 92(2)(a); and

(c)the consent of the Minister for Finance, and normal accounting procedures.“

Powers of Seanad Select Committee

Text of Seanad Standing Order 65, formerly Standing Order 62A and referred to as such in Seanad Select Committee’s Orders of Reference:

“65.Without prejudice to the generality of Standing Order 64, the Seanad may confer any or all of the following powers on a Select Committee:

(1)power to take oral and written evidence and to print and publish from time to time minutes of such evidence taken in public before the Select Committee together with such related documents as the Select Committee thinks fit;

(2)power to invite and accept written submissions from interested persons or bodies;

(3)power to appoint sub-Committees and to refer to such sub-Committees any matter comprehended by its orders of reference and to delegate any of its powers to such sub-Committees, including power to report directly to the Seanad;

(4)power to draft recommendations for legislative change and for new legislation and to consider and report to the Seanad on such proposals for EU legislation as may be referred to it from time to time by any Committee established by the Seanad (whether acting jointly with the Dáil or otherwise) to consider such proposals and upon which has been conferred the power to refer such proposals to another Select Committee;

(5)power to require that a member of the Government or Minister of State shall attend before the Select Committee to discuss policy for which he or she is officially responsible: provided that a member of the Government or Minister of State may decline to attend for stated reasons given in writing to the Select Committee, which may report thereon to the Seanad: and provided further that a member of the Government or Minister of State may request to attend a meeting of the Select Committee to enable him or her to discuss such policy;

(6)power to require that a member of the Government or Minister of State shall attend before the Select Committee to discuss proposed primary or secondary legislation (prior to such legislation being published) for which he or she is officially responsible: provided that a member of the Government or Minister of State may decline to attend for stated reasons given in writing to the Select Committee, which may report thereon to the Seanad: and provided further that a member of the Government or Minister of State may request to attend a meeting of the Select Committee to enable him or her to discuss such proposed legislation;

(7)subject to any constraints otherwise prescribed by law, power to require that principal office holders in bodies in the State which are partly or wholly funded by the State or which are established or appointed by members of the Government or by the Oireachtas shall attend meetings of the Select Committee, as appropriate, to discuss issues for which they are officially responsible: provided that such an office holder may decline to attend for stated reasons given in writing to the Select Committee, which may report thereon to the Seanad;

(8)power to engage, subject to the consent of the Minister for Finance, the services of persons with specialist or technical knowledge, to assist it or any of its sub-Committees in considering particular matters; and

(9)power to undertake travel, subject to—

(a)such rules as may be determined by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges from time to time under Standing Order 84(1)(e);

(b)such recommendations as may be made by the Working Group of Committee Chairmen under Standing Order 89; and

(c)the consent of the Minister for Finance, and normal accounting procedures.“

Joint Committee on Education and Science

List of Members

2000 Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Education and Science

Foreword

The Joint Committee on Education and Science is pleased to report to Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann on the work which it carried out during 2000.

Some of this work culminated during the year in the publication of four reports, three of them substantial reports on key areas of educational policy. A further report commissioned this year is expected to be published next year. Additional areas for examination will be identified by the Committee in the context of its revised Work Programme. The Committee expects that these reports will contribute in a very positive way to the formulation and development of Government policy. The level of productivity is evidence of a vigorous and active Committee and is a tribute to the enthusiasm and expertise of its members.

The members are committed to tackling the many issues in the field of education policy and believe that scrutiny by the Committee of Government policy is particularly important at the present time when Ireland is undergoing rapid change and now has the resources to respond imaginatively to both new and existing challenges. The Committee will be vigorous in the coming year in fulfilling its role within the parliamentary process and looks forward to co-operating constructively with all those involved in the process.

The Committee acknowledges the contribution which various individuals and organisations have made to its work and wishes to thank, in particular, the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Michael Woods, the Ministers of State, Deputies Willie O’Dea and Noel Treacy, the Department’s Secretary-General, Mr. John Dennehy and his officials: their co-operation and interaction with the Committee is greatly appreciated.

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.,

Chairman.

Annual Report for 2000 of the Joint Committee on Education and Science

1. Procedural Context.

Dáil Standing Order 79A(6) and Seanad Standing Order 69(6) provide, inter alia, that -

“..such Select Committee shall, on the anniversary of its appointment in each year following the year of such appointment, make an annual report to Dáil Éireann (Seanad Éireann) which shall detail -

(i)the work carried out by the Select Committee; and

(ii)the work in progress by the Select Committee,

and may include, if the Select Committee deems appropriate, the report on its procedures and its role (in which case, a copy of the annual report shall be forwarded to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges), the work programme and minutes of proceedings referred to in paragraphs (3), (4) and (5) respectively of this Standing Order.“.

Paragraphs (3), (4) and (5) of these Standing Orders require each Select Committee -

-to review its procedures, and its role generally, on an ongoing basis and to report at least once in each year to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges on these matters,

-at annual intervals, to prepare a work programme and to lay such programme before the Dáil/Seanad, and

-from time to time, as the Select Committee sees fit, to lay minutes of its proceedings before the Dáil/Seanad.

2. Procedural Report.

The Joint Committee has reviewed its procedures, and its role generally, and is satisfied with these.

3. Work of the Committee.

The Joint Committee on Education and Science was established following orders of the Dáil of 13 November, 1997 and of the Seanad of 19 November, 1997 which provided for the establishment of Select Committees of each House.

During 2000, the Joint Committee met on seventeen occasions. The work of the Joint Committee during the year was governed by an agreed Work Programme which reconciled the needs to be both carefully focused and sufficiently comprehensive. The Work Programme is appended to this Report.

The Dáil Select Committee met on eleven occasions. The work of the Dáil Select Committee was driven by the referral to it by the Dáil of bills and estimates for public services.

(i) Matters considered by the Joint Committee.

Report on the Educational Research Centre

The Committee heard a presentation by Dr. Thomas Kelleghan, Director of the Educational Research Centre at St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, and discussed matters pertaining to the role, operations and funding of the Centre. The Committee subsequently prepared a report on the Centre. Following discussion over two meetings on the draft, the Report was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, published, and sent to the Minister for Education and Science.

Report on Music in Education

In the course of two meetings, the Joint Committee considered a draft Report on Music in Education which had been prepared by its rapporteur on the topic, Deputy Brian Hayes. Having been agreed by the Joint Committee, the Report was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, printed and published, and sent to the Minister for Education and Science. The process leading to the preparation of the draft Report was dealt with in the Annual Report for 1999.

Report on Science and Technology

In the course of five meetings, the Joint Committee (i) met representatives of eight organisations to discuss issues relating to its Report on Science and Technology, and (ii) considered drafts of the Report which were prepared by the Committee’s rapporteurs on the topic, Deputies Richard Bruton and Denis Naughten. The rapporteurs consulted a wide range of expert organisations and individuals on the issues involved.

Having been agreed by the Joint Committee, the Report was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, printed and published, and sent to the Ministers for Education and Science and for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and to the Minister of State at those Departments with responsibility for Science and Technology. The Government Chief Whip and the Leader of the Seanad were asked to arrange for the Report to be debated in each House and the Minister for Education and Science was asked to support these requests.

A delegation of three members of the Committee represented the Joint Committee at a conference in Gdansk, Poland, on the subject of science and technology in Europe.

Report on the Availability of Teaching Staff in Primary Schools

In the course of five meetings, the Joint Committee (i) met representatives of eight organisations to discuss issues relating to its Report on the Availability of Teaching Staff in Primary Schools, and (ii) considered drafts of the Report which were prepared by the Committee’s rapporteur on the topic, Deputy Trevor Sargent. The rapporteur conducted a broadly based survey of nearly one thousand primary schools throughout the State and had direct discussions on the issues involved with a number of teachers and principals.

Having been agreed by the Joint Committee, the Report was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, printed and published, and sent to the Minister for Education and Science.

Report on Physical Education

The Joint Committee appointed Deputy Enda Kenny as its rapporteur on the status of physical education. Terms of reference for a report were agreed and the Joint Committee will commence taking evidence on the topic in 2001.

Other matters

The Joint Committee also met during 2000 with the following:

(a)Mr. Pat Dowling, Principal Officer of the International Affairs section of the Department of Education and Science, and officials Mr. John Quinlan and Mr. John Bracken, on the work of the Education Sectoral Council of the North/South Ministerial Council. The group dealt with the background to the establishment of, and the remit of, the institution, progress which had been made since its establishment and the implications for the institution of the recent suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly. The group also dealt with the way in which North/South co-operation also took place outside the framework of the Council.

(b)The Joint Committee heard presentations by the Combat Poverty Agency and by the Department of Education and Science on a range of matters relating to educational disadvantage. The Committee discussed the issues involved with representatives of both organisations.

(ii) Matters considered by the Dáil Select Committee.

During 2000 the Select Committee met eleven times for the purposes of carrying out the following work, which it completed:

(a)consideration of Committee Stage of the Education (Welfare) Bill, 1999. [Seanad];

(b)consideration of Committee Stage of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Bill, 2000;

(c)consideration of Revised Estimates for Public Services in respect of Votes 26 to 29 inclusive;

(c)consideration of Supplementary Estimates in respect of Votes 26 to 29 inclusive.

The only work carried forward by the Select Committee is consideration of Committee Stage of the Teaching Council Bill, 2000, which was referred to the Select Committee by Dáil Éireann on 15 December, 1999.

(iii) Visits by the Joint Committee.

From 9th to 11th October, 2000 a delegation of three members, Deputies Simon Coveney and Paul McGrath and Senator Fintan Coogan, represented the Joint Committee at a conference in Gdansk, Poland on the prospects for the 21st century for science and technology in Europe. The aim of the conference was to bring together the main European partners in science and technology for a constructive dialogue between parliamentarians and representatives of research funding agencies, universities, scientists and industry. It was hoped that the conference would lead to a new impetus for the development of a European science and technology policy framework. The outcome of the conference will be reported to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

(vi) Work Programme 2001.

The Joint Committee’s Work Programme for 2001 will be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas.

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.,

Chairman.

16 January, 2001.

Work Programme 2000

A. Joint Committee

1.Continue the work of the Sub-Committee on Educational Disadvantage in relation to the evaluation of the policies of the Department of Education and Science designed to combat educational disadvantage at pre-school and primary school levels and the implementation of those policies.

2.Continue the work of the Sub-Committee on Educational Disadvantage in relation to the consideration of the policies of the Department of Education and Science in relation to the provision of education for young offenders and extremely disruptive children and the implementation of those policies.

3.Completion of the Committee’s report on the role of music in education.

4.Consideration of matters relevant to curriculum development.

5.Consideration of the work of specified agencies under the aegis of the Department of Education and Science.

6.Consideration of progress on issues within the remit of the Minister for Education and Science which have been identified as matters for co-operation to be dealt with by the Education Sectoral Council of the North/South Ministerial Council together with consideration of issues of concern emanating from Northern Ireland in relation to educational policies in this jurisdiction.

7.Consideration of, and completion of, the Committee’s report on the adequacy of science and technology research programmes in the context of the interaction between education and industry.

8.Consideration of the policies of the Department of Education and Science in relation to the provision of educational services in a multi-ethnic/multi-cultural society.

9.Consideration of the promotion of excellence and the measurement of achievement in education.

10.Consideration of the lack of availability of teaching staff for primary schools.

11.Consideration of progress to date in relation to issues identified in the Strategy Statement of the Department which was published in June 1998

12.Such other matters as the Committee may decide.

13.The Committee will undertake such travel as it considers necessary to further the aims of the Work Programme, subject to financial and procedural constraints.

B. Dáil Select Committee

1.Consideration of Bills referred to the Committee by Dáil Éireann.

2.Consideration of Estimates for Public Services under the aegis of the Department of Education and Science referred to the Committee by Dáil Éireann.

The above work programme was agreed by the Joint Committee at its meeting on 18 January 2000.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 18th January, 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 2.32 p.m. in Room G24, Kildare House.

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Richard Bruton, Mary Hanafin, Michael D. Higgins and Cecilia Keaveney and Senators Ann Ormonde and Joe O’Toole.

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

In Private Session

3.Minutes.

4.Annual Report of the Joint Committee for 1999.

5.Work Programme of the Joint Committee for 2000.

6.Any Other Business.

7.Adjournment.

It was agreed, in view of the possibility that consideration of the Education (Welfare) Bill, 1999 [Seanad] might continue on 1st February, that the next meeting of the Joint Committee take place on 15th February. The meeting adjourned at 3 p.m.

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.

Chairman.

15th February, 2000.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 15th February, 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 5 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Richard Bruton and Mary Hanafin, and Senators Ann Ormonde and Máirín Quill.

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.

In Private Session

3.Minutes.

In Public Session

4.Presentation by Mr. Pat Dowling, Department of Education and Science, on the work of the Education Sectoral Council of the North/South Ministerial Council and related matters.

The Committee heard a presentation by Mr. Pat Dowling, Principal Officer of the International Affairs section of the Department of Education and Science, on the work of the Education Sectoral Council of the North/South Ministerial Council. Mr. Dowling dealt with the background to the establishment of, and the remit of, the institution, progress which had been made since its establishment and the implications for the institution of the recent suspension of the Assembly. He outlined the way in which North/South co-operation also took place outside the framework of the Council. Questions from members were responded to by Mr. Dowling and his colleagues, Mr. John Quinlan and Mr. John Bracken.

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

In Private Session

5.Arrangements for the examination for the examination of the adequacy of science and technology research programmes in the context of the interaction between education and industry.

6.Any Other Business.

7.Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 5.50 p.m.

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.

Chairman.

29th February, 2000.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 29th February, 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 5.07 p.m. in Room G5, Kildare House.

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

Apology for inability to attend was received from Senator Joe O’Toole.

In the unavoidable absence of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, Deputy Pat Carey took the Chair at 6.00 p.m.

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.

In Private Session

3.Minutes.

In Public Session

4.Report on the adequacy of science and technology research programmes in the context of the interaction between education and technology.

The Joint Committee heard presentations on Science and Technology Research from:

the COUNCIL OF DIRECTORS OF INSTITUES OF TECHNOLOGY,

Dr. Seán McDonagh, Director of Dundalk Institute of Technology,

Dr. Pat Timpson, Head of the School of Science at Sligo Institute of Technology,

Dr. Brendan Goggin, Registrar of Cork Institute of Technology,

Dr. Tim Creedon, Head of the School of Science at the Tallaght Institute of Technology,

Mr. Joe McGarry, Secretary General of the Council of Directors of the Institutes of Technology

the CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF IRISH UNIVERSITIES,

Dr. Patrick Fottrell, President of NUI Galway,

Professor Albert Pratt, Director General of DCU,

Professor David McConnell, Vice Provost of TCD,

Professor Frank Hegarty, Vice President for Research, UCD, and

Professor Paul Brint, UCC.

Mr. Michael McGrath, Director of the Conference of Heads of Irish Universities.

FORFÁS;

Mr. Colm Regan, Executive Director,

Dr. Noel Gillatt, Science and Technology Division, and

Dr. Jacqueline Allan, Science, Technology and Innovation Division.

In view of the wide range of issues raised in the discussions with the three groups it was agreed that all three groups be invited to submit any further material they felt would be of use to the Committee in its consideration of this question.

5.Correspondence

The Joint Committee noted a letter from Mr. Seamus Brennan T.D., Minister for State and Joint Chief Whip concerning the arrangements for travel abroad by Committees and agreed to advise the Minister of State of this.

6.Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 6.47 p.m. until Tuesday, 28 March, 2000

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.

Chairman.

28th March, 2000.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 28 March, 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 5 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

Due to a division in the Dáil, the meeting was suspended from 6.07 p.m. to 6.24p.m.

2.Attendance

The following Members attended:

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.

In Private Session

3.Minutes

In Public Session

4.Report on the adequacy of science and technology research programmes in the context of the interaction between education and technology.

The Joint committee heard presentations on Science and Technology Research from:

Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland

-Mr. Charlie Lennon

-Ms. Moira Leydon

Irish National Teachers Organisation

-Ms. Maria McCarthy

-Mr. Donal O'Loinsigh

Teachers Union of Ireland

-Mr. Billy Fitzpatrick

-Mr. Tom Fennell

The Irish Vocational Education Association

-Mr. John Blunny

The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals

-Ms. Mary McGlynn

-Mr. Seán Ashe

The presentations were followed by a question and answer session following which it was agreed that the groups could submit further material which they felt would be of use to the Committee in its consideration of this issue.

In Private Session

5.Correspondence

6.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 7.12 p.m.

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.

Chairman

9 May 2000

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 9th May, 2000

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

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

Deputy Jackie Healy-Rae attended in accordance with Standing Order 84(3).

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Michael D. Higgins and Senator Ann Ormonde.

The Chairman announced for the information of the Committee that Deputy Seán Fleming had been appointed by order of the Dáil on 11th April as a member of the Committee in substitution for Deputy Mary Hanafin and that Deputy John Moloney had replaced Deputy Hanafin as a Whip.

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 and to deal with arrangements in relation to item 2 on the agenda.

In Private Session

3.Minutes.

4.Correspondence.

In Public Session

5.Report on the availability of teaching staff for primary schools.

Presentations in relation to the availability of teaching staff for primary schools, on which topic Deputy Sargent had been appointed rapporteur, were made by the following:

(i)Sr. Eileen Randles, Catholic Primary School Managers Association,

(ii)Rev. John McCullagh, Church of Ireland Board of Education,

(iii)Mr. Dónal Ó Loinsigh, I.N.T.O., and

(iv)Ms. Deirdre O’Donoghue, Educate Together.

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

In Private Session

6.Any Other Business.

7.Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 6.30 p.m. until 5 p.m. on 23rd May.

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.

Chairman.

23rd May, 2000.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 23rd May, 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 5 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

In the unavoidable absence of the Chairman, the vice-Chairman, Deputy Farrelly, took the Chair at 6 p.m.

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 and to deal with arrangements in relation to item 2 on the agenda.

In Private Session

3.Minutes.

4.Next meeting.

In Public Session

5.Report on the availability of teaching staff for primary schools.

Presentations in relation to the availability of teaching staff for primary schools, on which topic Deputy Sargent had been appointed rapporteur, were made by the following:

(i)Ms. Anne Maguire, Irish Learning Support Association,

(ii)Ms. Anne Colgan, National Parents’ Council,

(iii)Mr. Gerry Malone, Standing Committee of Primary School Principals of the INTO, and

(iv)Mr. Diarmuid Ó Riain, Primary Education Branch, Department of Education and Science.

Following the presentations, the visitors dealt with questions put by members.

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

In Private Session

6.Any Other Business.

7.Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 6.33 p.m. until 1 p.m. on 6th June.

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.

Chairman.

6th June, 2000.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 6th June, 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 1.05 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Denis Naughten and 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.

In Private Session

3.Minutes.

4.Correspondence.

In Public Session

5.Presentation by Dr. Thomas Kelleghan, Director of the Educational Research Centre.

Dr. Thomas Kelleghan, Director of the Educational Research Centre at St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, made a presentation on the role and work of the Centre. Dr. Kelleghan dealt with the history and structure of the Centre, the resources available to it, the scope of its research and the relationship between the Centre and the Department of Education and Science.

Following the presentation, Dr. Kelleghan dealt with questions put by members.

It was agreed that a short report be prepared for transmission to the Minister for Education and Science concerning the need for a more independent structure for the Centre, the size of the budget available to it, the need for the Centre to initiate more of its work and the need for the results of its research to be published more freely.

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

In Private Session

6.Any Other Business.

7.Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 2.25 p.m. until 5 p.m. on 20th June.

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.

Chairman.

20th June, 2000.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 20th June, 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 5.05 p.m. in Room G5, Kildare House.

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

3.Suspension.

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 5.06 p.m.

The meeting resumed at 5.20 p.m.

4.Membership of the Committee.

The Chairman announced for the information of the Committee that Deputy Róisín Shortall had been appointed by order of the Dáil on 7th June as a member of the Committee in substitution for Deputy Michael D. Higgins and that she had replaced Deputy Higgins as a Whip.

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

In Private Session

5.Minutes.

6.Correspondence.

[Note for the information of members: This page has been corrected and supersedes page A17 in the draft Annual Report. The corrected page will be incorporated fully in the final report as agreed by the Committee.]

7.Consideration of draft Report on the Educational Research Centre.

8.Any Other Business.

9.Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 5.36 p.m. until 1 p.m. on 4th July.

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.

Chairman.

4th July, 2000.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 4th July, 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 1.01 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

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

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

In Private Session

3.Membership of the Committee.

4.Minutes.

5.Consideration of draft Report on the Educational Research Centre.

6.Consideration of draft Report on Music in Education.

7.Any Other Business.

8.Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 1.41 p.m. until 1 p.m. on 18th July.

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.

Chairman.

18th July, 2000.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 18th July, 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 1.04 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Trevor Sargent and Róisín Shortall.

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

In Private Session

3.Next meeting of the Committee.

4.Conference on Science and Technology in Europe.

5.Minutes.

6.Consideration of second draft Report on Music in Education.

7.Presentation of first draft of Report on Science and Technology.

8.Any Other Business.

9.Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 2.05 p.m. until 1 p.m. on 5th September.

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.

Chairman.

12th September, 2000.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 12 September, 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 12:32 p.m. in the Dáil Chamber, Leinster House.

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Simon Coveney and Paul McGrath and Senator Ann Ormonde.

In Public Session

3.Minutes.

The minutes of the meeting of 18th July, 2000, were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

4.Presentation from the Combat Poverty Agency and the Department of Education and Science in relation to Educational Disadvantage.

The Combat Poverty Agency was represented by:

Ms Margaret Barry, Projects Manager,

Mr Neil Haran, Co-Ordinator, Demonstration Programme,

Ms Angela Daly, Co-Ordinator, the Killinarden Educational Network,

Ms Kathi Dillon, Co-Ordinator, Network for Education Support, Tuam Area and

Ms Rita Swan, Network Member, Drogheda Youth Educational Network

The Department of Education and Science was represented by:

Mr Eddie Ward, Principal, Special Education,

Mr Colm O’Maolain, Assistant Chief Inspector,

Mr. Des O’Loughlin, Assistant Principal Officer, Further Education.

Ms Margaret Barry from the Combat Poverty Agency made a presentation on the Agency’s Demonstration Programme on Educational Disadvantage. Mr Eddie Ward and Mr Colm O’Maolain, from the Department of Education and Science made a presentation on the Department’s approach to Educational Disadvantage.

Following the presentation, Ms Barry, Mr Eddie Ward and their colleagues dealt with questions put by members.

5.Any Other Business.

It was agreed that Deputy Naughten would present the second draft of the report on Science and Technology at the next meeting.

6.Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 2:00p.m. until 1 p.m. on 26th September.

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.

Chairman.

26th September, 2000.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 26th September, 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 1.05 p.m. in the Dáil Chamber, Leinster House.

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

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

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

In Private Session

3.Minutes.

4.Presentation of first draft of Report on Science and Technology.

5.Any Other Business.

6.Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 1.50 p.m. until 10th October.

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.

Chairman.

10th October, 2000.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 10th October, 2000

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

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Shortall.

Deputies Coveney and McGrath and Senator Coogan were unable to attend as they were abroad on the business of the Committee.

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

In Private Session

3.Minutes.

4.Consideration of third draft of Report on Science and Technology.

5.Any Other Business.

6.Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 5.20 p.m. until 24th October.

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.

Chairman.

24th October, 2000.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 24th October, 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 7.04 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

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

In Private Session

3.Minutes.

4.Correspondence.

5.First draft Report on the Availability of Teaching Staff for Primary Schools.

6.Appointment of rapporteur in relation to Report on Physical Education.

7.Any Other Business.

8.Adjournment.

It was agreed that, at the next meeting, the Committee consider the second draft of the Report on the Availability of Teaching Staff in Primary Schools.

The meeting adjourned at 8.05 p.m. until 7th November.

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.

Chairman.

7th November, 2000.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 7th November, 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 5.14 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

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

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

In Private Session

3.Minutes.

4.Correspondence.

5.First draft Report on the Availability of Teaching Staff for Primary Schools.

6.Report on Physical Education - terms of reference.

7.Any Other Business.

8.Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 5.25 p.m. until 21st November.

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.

Chairman.

21st November, 2000.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 21st November, 2000

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

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

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

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

In Private Session

3.Minutes.

4.Second draft Report on the Availability of Teaching Staff in Primary Schools.

5.Any Other Business.

6.Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 6.17 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. on 5th December.

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.

Chairman.

5th December, 2000.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 5th December, 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 5.35 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance.

The following Members attended:

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

In Private Session

3.Minutes.

4.Third draft Report on the Availability of Teaching Staff in Primary Schools.

5.Any Other Business.

There was no other business.

6.Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 5.49 p.m. until 16th January.

Michael P. Kitt, T.D.

Chairman.

16th January, 2001.

IMEACHTAÍ AN ROGHCHOISTE

PROCEEDINGS OF THE DÁIL SELECT COMMITTEE

Minutes of the proceedings of the following meetings of the Select Committee are being prepared by the Committees’ Procedural Section and will be published when finalised:

Attendance - Joint Committee on Education and Science

AApologies Sent

*Substitute for all/part of meeting.

(1)Sean Fleming appointed in substitution for Mary Hanafin on 11/04/00

(2)Róisin Shortall appointed in substitution for M. D. Higgins on 07/06/00

(3)Appointed in substitution for Deputies Richard Bruton and Brian Hayes on 29/06/00

Attendance - Joint Committee (continued)

AApologies Sent

*Substitute for all/part of meeting

(1)Sean Fleming appointed in substitutin for Mary Hanafin on 11/04/00

(2)Róisín Shortall appointed in substitution for M. D. Higgins on 07/06/00

(3)Appointed in substitution for Deputies Richard Bruton and Brian Hayes on 29/06/00.

Attendance List

Dáil Select Committee

AApologies sent.

*Substitute for all/part of meeting.

(1)Séan Fleming appointed in substitution for Mary Hanafin on 11/04/00

(2)Róisín Shortall appointed in substitution for Michael D. Higgins on 07/06/00

(3)Appointed in substitution for Deputies Richard Bruton and Brian Hayes on 29/06/00

Dáil Select Committee - Attendance List (Continued)

AApologies sent.

*Substitute for all/part of meeting.

(1)Séan Fleming appointed in substitution for Mary Hanafin on 11/04/00

(2)Róisín Shortall appointed in substitution for Michael D. Higgins on 07/06/00

(3)Appointed in substitution for Deputies Richard Bruton and Brian Hayes on 29/06/00

* Sean Fleming appointed in substitution for Mary Hanafin on 11/04/00

* Róisin Shortall appointed in substitution for Deputy Michael D. Higgins on 07/06/00

# Appointed in substitution for Deputies Brian Hayes & Richard Bruton on 29/06/00

* Deputies Brennan and Collins substituted for Deputies John Moloney and Mary Hanafin respectively.

* In substitution for Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú.

* Deputy Brennan substituted for Deputy Seán Fleming.

* Senator Farrell substituted for Senator Máirín Quill.

* Deputies Brennan, Killeen and Shortall substituted for Deputies Eddie Wade, Seán Fleming and Michael D. Higgins respectively.

** Senator Farrell substituted for Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú.

* Senators Callanan, Farrell and Kett substituted for Senators Máirín Quill, Labhrás Ó Murchú and Ann Ormonde respectively.

* Deputies Bruton, Hayes and Killeen substituted for Deputies Enda Kenny, Simon Coveney and Seán Fleming respectively.

** Senator Kiely substituted for Senator Ann Ormonde.

* Deputies Hayes and Naughten attended in accordance with Standing Order 84(3) and in their capacities as rapporteurs to the Committee.

** Senators Coghlan and Farrell substituted for Senators Coogan and Quill respectively.

* Deputy Brady and Senator Farrell substituted for Deputy Eddie Wade and Senator Ormonde respectively.

* Deputies Brennan and Bruton substituted for Deputies Keaveney and Farrelly respectively.

** Senator McDonagh substituted for Senator Coogan respectively.

* Deputies Bruton and Upton substituted for Deputies Coveney and Shortall respectively.

** Senators McDonagh and Burke substituted consecutively for Senator Coogan.

* Senator Farrell substituted for Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú.

* Senator Farrell substituted for Senator Máirín Quill.

* Deputy Bradford substituted for Deputy Simon Coveney.

** Senator Chambers substituted for Senator Ann Ormonde.