APPENDIX 5

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Seán Crowe, Tom McEllistrim and David Stanton.

[In private session]

3.Item discussed in private session.

4.Item discussed in private session.

5.Item discussed in private session.

[In public session]

6.Meeting with representatives of LYNS: Learning for Young International Students, the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) and the Department of Education and Science to discuss the provision of educational services in a multi-ethnic/multi cultural society.

Before welcoming the representatives of LYNS, NCCRI and the Department of Education and Science to the meeting, the Chairman indicated that the committee had thought it particularly appropriate to consider the issue of the provision of educational services in a multi-ethnic/multi cultural society at the committee meeting on 11 March 2004 as it was close to the International Day Against Racism on the 21 March. He said that the committee also noted that an interesting report was produced last year called Intercultural Education Guidelines for Schools, which was an initiative of the Joint Managerial Body (JMB) and the Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools (ACCS) and said that all members had been circulated with a copy of the report.

The Chairman welcomed, from LYNS, three members of the National Executive of LYNS, Mr. Mick Finnucane, Headmaster of O’Connell’s CBS School, Ms. Ann Dinan, Director of Education with the Joint Managerial Body (JMB) and Mr. Liam Ryder, Assistant General Secretary of the association of Community and Comprehensive Schools (ACCS). He further welcomed from the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI), Ms Anastasia Crickley, Chairperson and her colleagues Mr Philip Watt, Director and Ms Anna Visser, Research Officer and from the Department of Education and Science, Mr. Matt Ryan, Principal Officer, Post Primary Section and his colleagues Ms Audrey Scott, Inspector and Mr. Johnny Bracken, Principal Officer Primary Section.

Before commencement of the presentation, the Chairman drew attention to the fact that whereas members of the Committee had absolute privilege, the same privilege did not apply to witnesses appearing before the Committee.

Members were reminded of the long standing Parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Ms. Dinan, Mr. Ryder, Ms Crickley, Mr Watt and Mr. Bracken then made presentations to the committee. There followed a question and answer session.

On conclusion of the question and answer session, the Chairman thanked Ms Dinan and her colleagues, Ms Crickley and her colleagues and Mr. Bracken and his colleagues for making the presentations to the committee and answering the questions of the committee members.

7.Any Other Business

It was agreed that the Clerk would draft a short report, outlining in brief the following seven issues and recommendations with regard to the provision of educational services in a multi-ethnic/multi cultural society and that it would be agreed by the committee at the next meeting.

1.Additional Language Support

Recommending that the current cap of a maximum of 2 whole time teacher equivalents per school for additional language support should be abolished and that schools should receive an additional allocation of 1.5 hours per week for each additional student above 28, who require these services and who are enrolled in the school. In addition, where a student requiring this support arrives at a time other than the beginning of the school year, provision should be made for language support for that student. .

2.Use of Dictionaries in Examinations

Recommending that dictionaries, from their native language into English, should be provided to students for whom English is not their first language and that consideration also be given to the provision of dictionaries to all students.

3.Appointment of a National Coordinator

Recommending that the Department of Education and Science appoint a National Coordinator, with full administrative backup, to support and facilitate schools in facing the challenges of the increasing diversity of Irish Society and in the development and implementation of intercultural education.

4.Provision of Training

Recommending that the Department of Education and Science needs to examine, as a matter of urgency, the increasing need for additional training for teachers, in order to allow them to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population.

5.Separated Children

Recommending that separated children, in their final year of preparation for the Leaving Certificate, should not be moved into direct provision, even if they reach their eighteen birthday during that year, until after they have completed the Leaving Certificate.

6.Enrolment Policies

Recommending that the Department of Education and Science would monitor the implementation of school admission policies, in particular with regard to informal policies of disencouraging enrolment of non-nationals.

7.Youth Services, Adult and Non-Formal Education

Recommending that the Department of Education and Science, when drafting policy and plans with regard to these areas, should include consideration of addressing the issue of interculturalism within these areas.

8.Adjournment

There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 1.33 p.m. until Thursday, 25^th March 2004 at 11.30 a.m.

___________________

Tony Killeen T.D.

Chairman

25 March 2004.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday, 25^th March, 2004

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.34 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Seán Crowe and David Stanton.

In the unavoidable absence of the Chairman, the Vice-Chair, Deputy Jan O’Sullivan took The Chair from 12.23 p.m. until 12.43 p.m.

[In private session]

3.Item discussed in private session.

4.Item discussed in private session.

5.Item discussed in private session.

6.[In public session]

Meeting with representatives of the Department of Education and Science and IBEC.

The meeting had been convened for the purpose of discussing transition year programmes in second level schools.

The Chairman, on behalf of the members of the Joint Committee, welcomed Ms. Caroline Nash, Assistant Director of Education from IBEC and her colleague Mr. Michael Gillen, Secretary of the Science Innovation and Technology Committee to the meeting.

The representatives of the Department of Education and Science Mr. Christopher McCamley, Assistant Principal, Curriculum Assessment and National Qualifications Section, Ms. Doreen Mc Morris, Assistant Chief Inspector and Ms. Patsy Sweeney, National Co-ordinator for Transition Year, Second Level Support Service were also welcomed.

Before commencement of the presentation, the Chairman drew attention to the fact that whereas members of the Committee had absolute privilege, the same privilege did not apply to witnesses appearing before the Committee.

Members were also reminded of the long standing Parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Ms. Mc Morriss was then called upon to make the presentation on behalf of the Department.

Ms. Nash then made a presentation on behalf of IBEC.

A question and answer session with Members followed.

On conclusion of the question and answer session, the Chairman thanked Ms. Mc Morris and her colleagues Mr. Christopher McCamley and Ms. Patsy Sweeney. He also thanked Ms. Caroline Nash and her colleague Mr. Michael Gillen for their presentations to the Committee and for answering the questions of the committee members.

7.Adjournment

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned until Thursday, 8th April, 2004 at 11.30 a.m.

___________________

Tony Killeen T.D.

Chairman

08 April 2004.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday, 8 April, 2004

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.34 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputy Andrews took the Chair at 12.08 p.m. The Vice Chair, Deputy Jan O’Sullivan took the Chair at 12.41 p.m.

[In private session]

3.Item discussed in private session.

4.Item discussed in private session.

5.Item discussed in private session.

6.Item discussed in private session.

7.Item discussed in private session.

8.SOS

The committee suspended from 11.41 a.m. to 12.08 p.m.

9.Item discussed in private session.

[In public session]

10.Meeting with representatives of the Department of Education and Science and the School Transport Appeals Board.

On behalf of the members of the Joint Committee the Chairman welcomed the representatives of the Department of Education and Science, Mr. Johnny Bracken, Principal Officer in the Teacher/Administration Section and his colleagues Mr. Camillus Hogan, Assistant Principal, and Mr. Adrian Healy, Higher Executive Officer, School Transport Section. The Chairman also welcomed from the School Transport Appeals Board, Mr. Emmet Cotter and his colleagues Mr. John Falvey and Mr. Tom D’Arcy.

Before commencement of the presentation, the Chairman drew attention to the fact that whereas members of the Committee had absolute privilege, the same privilege did not apply to witnesses appearing before the Committee.

Members were also reminded of the long standing Parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Mr. Bracken was then called upon to make the presentation on behalf of the Department.

Mr. Emmet Cotter then made a presentation on behalf of the School Transport Appeals Board.

A question and answer session with Members followed.

On conclusion of the question and answer session, the Chairman thanked Mr. Bracken and his colleagues and Mr. Cotter and his colleagues for their presentations to the Committee and for answering the questions of the committee members.

7.Adjournment

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 1.04 p.m. until Thursday, 22nd April, 2004 at 11.30 a.m.

___________________

Tony Killeen T.D.

Chairman

22 April 2004.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday, 22 April, 2004

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.30 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

In the unavoidable absence of the Chairman, the Vice-Chair, Deputy Jan O’Sullivan, took the Chair at 1.17 p.m.

[In Private Session]

3.Item discussed in private session.

4.Item discussed in private session.

5.Item discussed in private session.

6.Item discussed in private session.

[In Public Session]

Meeting with representatives of the Department of Education and Science and Science Foundation Ireland.

The meeting had been convened for the purpose of discussing developments in the area of investment in academic researchers in the education sector and related issues.

On behalf of the members of the Joint Committee the Chairman welcomed the representatives of the Department of Education and Science, Mr. Kevin McCarthy Principal Officer in the Higher Education division and Dr. Eucharia Meehan, Director of Research at the HEA.

He also welcomed from Science Foundation Ireland Dr. Patrick Fottrell, Chairperson, Dr. William C Harris, Director General, Mr Mattie McCabe, Director of Corporate Affairs and Mr. Seán Murphy, Manager, Communications and Public Relations.

The Chairman drew Members’ attention to the fact that members of the Committee have absolute privilege, but this same privilege does not apply to witnesses appearing before the Committee.

Members were reminded of the long standing Parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Dr. Patrick Fottrell, Chairperson of Science Foundation Ireland addressed the meeting before Dr. Harris made the presentation on behalf of Science Foundation Ireland.

[On conclusion]

Mr. Mc Carthy then made the presentation on behalf of the Department.

A Question and Answer session with Members followed.

The Chairman thanked the guests for their presentations and for answering Members’ questions. He said that it had been a very informative meeting.

7.Any Other Business

Members were reminded that the Select Committee would meet on Thursday, 6th May 2004 to discuss Revised Estimates. It was agreed that the meeting would commence at 11 a.m. to facilitate the Minister who has an engagement early that afternoon.

8.Adjournment

The Joint Committee was adjourned until Thursday, 20th May 2004.

______________________

Tony Killeen T.D.

Chairman

20 May 2004.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday 20 May, 2004

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.33 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

2.Attendance

The following members were present:

[In Private Session]

3.Item discussed in private session.

4.Item discussed in private session.

5.Item discussed in private session.

[In Public Session]

6.Meeting with representatives of the National Disability Authority and the Department of Education and Science.

The meeting had been convened for the purpose of discussing developments in the area of the provision of further education for people with disabilities.

On behalf of the members of the Joint Committee the Chairman welcomed the representatives of the NDA Ms.Claire O’Connor, Director, Mr. Donie O’Shea Senior Policy and Public Affairs Advisor and Mr. Emmet Bergin Policy and Public Affairs Advisor and from the Department of Education and Science, Ms. Pauline Gildea, Principal Officer in the Further Education Section and her colleague, Mr. Peter Kelly, Assistant Principal.

The Chairman drew Member’s attention to the fact that members of the Committee had absolute privilege, but this same privilege did not apply to witnesses appearing before the Committee.

Members were reminded of the long standing Parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Ms. O’Connor then made the presentation on behalf of the NDA.

Ms. Gildea then made the presentation on behalf of the Department.

A Question and Answer session with Members followed

A division was called in the Dáil at 1 p.m.. The Committee decided that, in order to deal fully with the issues raised by Members, another meeting would be scheduled at a future date. The Chairman advised the delegations that if they wished to forward written answers to some of the issues raised, they could do so in advance of a future meeting.

The Chairman thanked the guests for their presentations.

7.Adjournment

There being no other business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 1.05 p.m. until Thursday, 27th May 2004.

_______________________

Tony Killeen T.D.

Chairman.

3 June 2004.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday 3 June, 2004

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.33 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

2.Attendance

The following members were present:

Apologies for inability to attend has been received from Deputy David Stanton.

[In Private Session]

3.Item discussed in private session.

4.Item discussed in private session.

5.Item discussed in private session.

6.Item discussed in private session.

[In Public Session]

7.Meeting with representatives of the Irish Vocational Education Association, the Teachers Union of Ireland and the Department of Education and Science to discuss the McIver Report and current developments with regard to numbers attending PLC courses.

On behalf of the members of the Joint Committee the Chairman welcomed the representatives of the IVEA , Mr. Michael Moriarty, General Secretary, Mr. John Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, Dun Laoghaire VEC, Mr. Larry Kavanagh, CEO, Co. Carlow VEC and Mr. Tony Breen, CDVEC. He also welcomed from the Teachers Union of Ireland, Mr. Jim Dorney, General Secretary, Ms. Annette Dolan, Assistant General Secretary and Mr. Don Ryan, member of the Executive then welcomed from the Department of Education and Science Ms. Pauline Gildea, Principal Officer in the Further Education Section and her colleague, Mr. Peter Kelly, Assistant Principal.

The Chairman then drew Member’s attention to the fact that members of the Committee had absolute privilege, but this same privilege did not apply to witnesses appearing before the Committee.

Members were reminded of the long standing Parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Mr. Michael Moriarty and Mr. John Ryan then made presentations on behalf of the IVEA, Mr. Jim Dorney and Ms. Annette Dolan made presentations on behalf of the TUI and Ms. Gildea made a presentation on behalf of the Department.

A Question and Answer session with members followed

The Chairman thanked the guests for their presentations.

[In Private Session]

8.Item discussed in private session.

9.Adjournment

There being no other business, The Joint Committee was adjourned at 1.39 p.m.until Thursday, 17th June, 2004.

___________________

Jan O’Sullivan T.D.

Vice-Chairman

17 June 2004

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday 17 June, 2004

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.32 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

2.Attendance

The following members were present:

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Paul Gogarty and Senator Burke.

[In Private Session]

3.Item discussed in private session.

4.Item discussed in private session.

5.Item discussed in private session.

6.Item discussed in private session.

[In Public Session]

7.Meeting with representatives of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education (CECDE) and IPPA-the Early Childhood Organisation, and the Department of Education and Science to discuss Early Childhood Education

The meeting had been convened for the purpose of discussing Early Childhood Education

On behalf of the members of the Joint Committee the Chairman welcomed the representatives of

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA),

Ms. Anne Looney, Chief Executive and Mr. Cathal DePaor, Education Officer;

The Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education (CECDE), Mr. Heino Schonfeld, Director and Ms. Noirin Hayes, Chairperson of the Board;

The IPPA-the Early Childhood Organisation,

Mrs. Irene Gunning, Chief Executive Officer and Ms. Carmel Brennan, Assistant Director of Quality;

And

The Department of Education and Science,

Ms. Breda Naughton, Principal Officer, Central Planning Unit and Mr. Alan Wall, Assistant Principal.

The Chairman drew the attention of members and witnesses to the fact that members of the Committee had absolute privilege, but this same privilege did not apply to witnesses appearing before the Committee.

Members were reminded of the long standing Parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Ms. O Looney then made a presentation on behalf of the NCCA. This was followed by a presentation from Mr. Heino Schonfeld on behalf of the CDCDE, a presentation by Mrs. Irene Gunning on behalf of the IPPA and a presentation by Ms Breda Naughton on behalf of the Department of Education and Science.

A Question and Answer session with Members followed

On conclusion of the Question and Answer session, the Chairman thanked the guests for their presentations. It was agreed that the many issues which arise with regard to Early Childhood Education needed to be further discussed by the committee.

9.Adjournment

There being no other business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 1.30 p.m. until Thursday, 24th June 2004.

___________________

Michael Moynihan T.D.

Chairman.

27 January 2005.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday 1 July 2004

1.The Joint Committee met at 9.33 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

2.Attendance

The following members were present:

Apologies for inability to attend was received from Deputy Paul Gogarty and Senator Ulick Burke.

[In Private Session]

3.Item discussed in Private Session

4.Item discussed in Private Session

5.Item discussed in Private Session

6.Item discussed in Private Session

7.Item discussed in Private Session

8.Adjournment

There being no other business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 9.44 a.m. until Thursday, 8 July 2004 at 11.30 a.m.

___________________

Michael Moynihan T.D.

Chairman

27 January 2005

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday 8 July, 2004

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.33 a.m.in Committee Room 3 LH2000

2.Attendance

The following members were present:

[In Private Session]

3.Item discussed in private session.

3.Item discussed in private session.

4.Item discussed in private session.

[In Public Session]

5.Meeting with representatives of Planet - the Partnership network.

On behalf of the members of the Joint Committee the Chairman welcomed the representatives of Planet - the Partnership Network

Ms. Aileen O’Donoghue, Chairperson of PLANET, Chair of Planet’s Education Policy Group and Manager of Clondalkin Partnership, Dublin, Ms. Mary Lynne, Education Co-ordinator, South Kerry Development Partnership, Ms. Catherine Durkin, Education Co-ordinator, Blanchardstown Area Partnership and Mr. Brian Carty, National Co-ordinator, PLANET.

The Chairman then drew Member’s attention to the fact that members of the Committee had absolute privilege, but this same privilege did not apply to witnesses appearing before the Committee.

Members were reminded of the long standing Parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Mr. Carty, Ms. O’Donoghue, Ms. Lynne and Ms. Durkin then made a presentation to the committee.

A Question and Answer session with members followed

The Chairman thanked the guests for their presentations.

It was agreed to write to the Minister for Education and Science

○Commending all those involved in the excellent work that has been done by the education co-ordinators to-date and in particular congratulating the Department of Education and Science for having initiated the funding for these positions;

○Expressing the concern of the committee, that any uncertainty with regard to the funding of these positions would negatively impact on the work being carried out by the co-ordinators and therefore urging that the Minister would, as soon as possible, make the necessary provision to ensure all secondments are confirmed up to the end of 2006, the continued part-payment of non-seconded staff and the filling of all vacant positions.

○Indicating that the committees understanding that there had been difficulties with getting mainstreamed, innovative programmes, developed by the co-ordinators and which had proven to have a positive effect in tackling educational disadvantage and indicating the concern of the committee that the funding from the Department would be sufficiently flexible to allow for the mainstreaming and funding of such programmes.

It was agreed to write to the Minister for Education and Science concerning the work of the Irish Centre for Talented Youth in Dublin City University, recommending that the Minister would visit the Centre at the earliest opportunity and would consider increasing the level of financial support made available to the Centre.

7.Adjournment

There being no other business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 13:16 p.m. until Thursday, 15 July 2004 at 11:30 a.m.

________________________

Michael Moynihan T.D.

Chairman

27 January 2005.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday 15 July, 2004

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.31a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

2.Attendance

The following members were present:

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Paul Gogarty.

[In Private Session]

4.Item discussed in Private Session.

5.Item discussed in Private Session.

[In Public Session]

6.Meeting with representatives of CHOICE, INTO, IFUT, USI and APT to discuss Online Courses for Training Primary Teachers.

On behalf of the members of the Joint Committee the Chairman welcomed the following to the committee:

Representing CHOICE - the Conference of Heads of Irish Colleges of Education;Dr.Peadar Cremin- President of Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick and Mr. Pauric Travers -President St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dublin

Representing the INTO - The Irish National Teachers Organisation

Mr. John Carr - General Secretary and Mr. Austin Corcoran - President

Representing IFUT - the Federation of University Teachers

Mr. Daire Keogh - Vice President and Ms Philomena Donnelly - Member of IFUT

Representing the Union of Students in Ireland

Mr. Rory Hearne - Vice-President and Ms. Heledd Fychan - Education Officer

Representing APT - the Alliance for Professionalism in Teaching

Ms Alison Passmore - President and Mr. P.J. O’Meara - Vice-President

The Chairman drew the attention of members and witnesses to the fact that members of the Committee had absolute privilege, but this same privilege did not apply to witnesses appearing before the Committee.

Members were reminded of the long standing Parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Dr. Pauric Travers, Mr. Austin Corcoran, Mr. John Carr, Mr Daire Keogh, Ms. Heledd Fychan and Ms. Alison Passmore and Mr. P.J. O’Meara then made presentations to the committee.

A Question and Answer session with Members followed

On conclusion of the Question and Answer session, the Chairman thanked the guests for their presentations.

[In Private Session]

Item discussed in Private Session.

9.Adjournment

There being no other business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 14.28 p.m. until Thursday, 22 July 2004 at 11.30 a.m.

___________________

Michael Moynihan T.D.

Chairman

27 January 2005

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday 22 July, 2004

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 11.35 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

2.Attendance

The following members were present:

Apologies were received from Deputy Olwyn Enright and Deputy Paul Gogarty.

[In Private Session]

3.Item discussed in private session.

4.Item discussed in private session.

[In Public Session]

5.Meeting with representatives of the CDVEC Curriculum Development Unit and the Department of Education and Science.

The meeting had been convened for the purpose of discussing EU Awareness Campaigns and Programmes at Primary and Secondary Level Education.

The Joint Committee heard presentations from officials of the Department of Education and Science and from the Curriculum Development Unit of the City of Dublin V.E.C. respectively.

The presentations outlined the subjects within the curricula at both first and second levels in which study of the E.U. was included; the different competitions organised; the various programmes introduced; and the course concepts now in operation to increase student awareness of the European Union.

In the question and answer session that followed members raised such matters as participation levels, evaluation of the programme, whether E.U. awareness should be introduced compulsorily on the curriculum and the impact of a students sense of ‘Irishness’ within an expanding European Union. Following the question and answer session the Chairman thanked both delegations for meeting with the Joint Committee.

6.Adjournment

There being no other business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 1.16 p.m. until Thursday, 29th July 2004.

____________________________

Michael Moynihan T.D.

Chairman

10 February 2005.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday 29th July, 2004

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 11.35 a.m. in Committee Room 2, LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following members were present:

Apologies were received from Deputies Paul Gogarty and Jan O’Sullivan; and from Senator John Minihan.

[In Private Session]

3.Item discussed in private session.

4.Item discussed in private session.

[In Public Session]

5.Online training courses for primary school teachers

The Joint Committee heard a presentation from officials of the Department of Education and Science on the subject of online courses for primary school teachers. A question and answer session followed the presentation during which a number of issues were raised, namely, the role of the Department in relation to teacher training particularly vis a vis the role of HETAC; the number of places available for teacher training; the possibility of providing teacher training places in locations other than Dublin and Limerick; the numbers of teachers currently on career break; and the number of those currently teaching who are not fully qualified. Following the question and answer session the Chairman thanked the officials for attending the meeting and for dealing so comprehensively with the matters raised by members.

6.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 1.37 p.m.

___________________

Tony Killeen, T.D.,

Chairman.

9 September 2004.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday 9 September, 2004

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.30 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Senator Joanna Tuffy. Deputy Jan O’Sullivan sent apologies for the start of the meeting as she had a prior commitment.

[In Private Session]

3.Item discussed in private session.

4.Item discussed in private session.

[In Public Session]

5.Meeting with representatives of the Council of Directors of Institutes of Technology and the Conference of Heads of Irish Universities.

The meeting had been convened to discuss research and development in third level institutions which is an item in the Work Programme of the Committee. On behalf of

the members the Chairman welcome From the Council of Directors of Institutes of Technology;

Mr. Paul Hannigan Chairperson COD [and Director Letterkenny IT]

Dr. Tom Collins Chairperson COD Research Committee [and Director Dundalk IT]

Mr. Michael Delaney, Head of Development Cork IT

Also in attendance were —

Mr. Joe Mc Garry, Secretary General COD

Dr. Patricia Mulcahy, Head of Development, Carlow IT

Dr. Willie Donnelly, Head of Research, Waterford IT

From the Conference of Heads of Irish Universities

Dr. John Hegarty, Provost, Trinity College Dublin

Dr. Ferdinand von Prondzynski, Vice-Chair, C.H.I.U. and President Dublin City University

Dr. John Hughes, President NUI Maynooth

Also in attendance were —

Mr. Michael McGrath, Director C.H.I.U.

Dr. Conor O’Carroll, Assistant Director (Research) C.H.I.U

Before the discussion commenced, the Chairman drew Members’ attention to the fact that members of the Committee had absolute privilege, but this same privilege did not apply to witnesses appearing before the Committee.

Members were reminded of the long standing Parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The Chairman then invited Mr. Paul Hannigan, Chairperson to make the presentation on behalf of the Council of Directors of Institutes of Technology

Dr. John Hegarty was then called upon to make the presentation on behalf of the Conference of Heads of Irish Universities.

A question and answer session with Members followed.

On conclusion of the question and answer session the Chairman thanked the guests for their presentations and for answering Members questions. He said that it had been a very informative and interesting meeting.

6.Adjournment

There being no other business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 1.27 p.m. until 11.30 a.m. on Thursday, 16th September 2004.

_________________

Tony Killeen T.D.

Chairman

16 September 2004.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday 16 September, 2004

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.30 a.m. in Committee Room 3 LH2000

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Senator Joanna Tuffy and Deputy Michael Mulcahy.

[In Private Session]

3.Item discussed in private session.

4.Item discussed in private session.

[In Public Session]

5.Meeting with representatives of the National Adult Literacy Agency.

The meeting had been convened to discuss developments in the area of adult literacy in Ireland.

On behalf of the members the Chairman welcomed -

Ms. Inez Bailey, Director of NALA

Ms. Frances Ward, Chairperson of NALA

Before the discussion commenced, the Chairman drew Members’ attention to the fact that members of the Committee had absolute privilege, but this same privilege did not apply to witnesses appearing before the Committee.

Members were reminded of the long standing Parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Ms. Bailey made the presentation on behalf of the National Adult Literacy Agency.

A question and answer session with Members followed the presentation.

On conclusion of the question and answer session the Chairman thanked the guests for their presentation and for answering Members’ questions.

6.Adjournment

There being no other business, the Joint Committee was adjourned until Thursday, 30th September 2004.

_________________________

Jan O’Sullivan T.D.

Vice-Chair

30 September 2004.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday, 30 September, 2004.

The Joint Committee met in public session at 11.39 a.m. in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, a quorum being present.

1.Attendance:

The following members were present:-

Apologies were received from Deputy Olwyn Enright and Senator Joanna Tuffy.

The Vice-Chairperson congratulated the former Chairman, Deputy Tony Killeen, on his appointment as Junior Minister and wished him well in his new portfolio. Congratulations were also extended to Deputy Mary Hanafin on her appointment as Minister for Education and Science. These sentiments were agreed to by the members.

Due to a division in the Dáil, the meeting was suspended at 12.46p.m. and resumed at 1.04 p.m.

In Private session:

2.Item discussed in private session.

3.Item discussed in private session.

4.Item discussed in private session.

5.Item discussed in private session.

In Public Session:

Meeting with representatives of HETAC and Hibernia College

The meeting had been convened to discuss online training courses for primary teachers.

Before the discussion commenced, the Chairman drew Members’ attention to the fact that members of the Committee had absolute privilege, but this same privilege did not apply to witnesses appearing before the Committee.

Members were reminded of the long standing Parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The Committee heard presentations from representatives of HETAC and Hibernia College regarding on-line training courses for post-graduate training of primary school teachers. HETAC was represented by Mr. Séamus Puirséil, Chief Executive; Ms. Orlaith

McCaul, Head of Quality Assurance, Joe Cox, Head of Programme Validation and Tadhg Ó hÉalaithe, Secretary to the Council.

Hibernia College was represented by Professor Thomas Mitchell, Academic Chairman; Dr. Sean Rowland, Executive Chairman; Sara McDonnell, Director of Operations; Dr. Toni McManus, Director, Higher Diploma in Primary Teaching and Dr. Nicholas Breakwell, Chief Knowledge Officer.

After two very comprehensive presentations there was a detailed question and answer session with both institutions, after which the Chairperson thanked everyone for the valuable contributions.

6.Any Other Business:

As there was no other business, the Committee adjourned at 2.38p.m. until Thursday 7 October at 11.30 a.m.

_________________

Jan O’Sullivan T.D.

Vice-Chair

7 October 2004.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday 7^th October, 2004

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.30 a.m. in Committee Room 3 LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Seán Crowe and Olwyn Enright and Senator Joanna Tuffy.

As the meeting was mainly about housekeeping matters before a visit to the Grangegorman site, it was agreed to go into private session.

[In Private Session]

3.Item discussed in private session.

4.Item discussed in private session.

5.Item discussed in private session.

6.Item discussed in private session.

7.Item discussed in private session.

8.Item discussed in private session.

9.Adjournment

There being no other business, the Joint Committee was adjourned until Wednesday, 13th October at a time to be confirmed.

______________________

Jan O’Sullivan T.D.

Vice-Chair

4 November 2004.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday 13^th October, 2004

1.The Joint Committee met at 3.03 p.m. in Committee Room 1 LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Senator Joanna Tuffy.

[In Public Session]

3.Motion concerning Draft Order entitled - Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 (Additional Institutions) Order 2004

As this was the Minister’s first appearance before the Committee, on behalf of Members, the Vice-Chair, Deputy Jan O’Sullivan, welcomed her, congratulated her on her appointment and wished her well in her new portfolio. The Minister’s officials were also welcomed the to the meeting.

The meeting had been convened to consider a Motion concerning Draft Order entitled - Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 (Additional Institutions) Order 2004 which was laid before Dáil and Seanad Éireann on 4^th October and referred for consideration to the Joint Committee by both Houses with a requirement to report back to both Houses not later than 19^th October.

The Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Mary Hanafin, made a presentation on the subject matter of the Motion.

A question and answer session with Members followed.

Messages to Dáil and Seanad:

The Vice-Chair informed Members that, as the Joint Committee had concluded its consideration of the proposal, the Clerk would send a message to that effect to the Clerk of the Dáil in accordance with Standing Order 85 and the Clerk of the Seanad in accordance with Standing Order 67 (Seanad). Under Dáil Standing Order 84(2) and Standing Order 69(2) (Seanad) the message is deemed to be the report of the Committee.

The Vice-Chair thanked the Minister and her officials for attending the meeting.

Members were informed that following the meeting, a draft report - which would be before the Committee for approval the following day - would be prepared and put in their pigeon holes.

4.Adjournment

There being no other business the Joint Committee meeting was adjourned at 3.38 p.m.until Thursday, 14^th October at 11.30 a.m.

_________________________

Jan O’Sullivan, T.D.

Vice-Chair

4^th November 2004

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday 14 October, 2004

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.30 a.m. in Committee Room 4 LH2000

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Deputy Eamon Gilmore attended pursuant to Dáil Standing Order 90 (3)

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Máire Hoctor and Senator Joanna Tuffy.

[In Private Session]

3.Item discussed in private session.

4.Item discussed in private session.

5.Item discussed in private session.

6.Item discussed in private session.

7.Item discussed in private session.

8.[In Public Session]

Meeting with representatives of the Department of Education and Science, CHoICE and St. Catherine’s College

The meeting had been convened to discuss the decision to close St. Catherine’s College of Education for Home Economics. On behalf of the Members of the Joint Committee the Vice-Chair welcomed

From St. Catherine’s College

Madeleine Mulrennan, President

Sr. Celine Mangan, Governor

From CHoICE

Sr. Darina Hosey, President, Froebel College of Education, Blackrock

From the Department

Paul Ryan - Principal Officer, Teacher Education Section

Barry Conroy - Assistant Principal Officer, Teacher Education Section

Tony Dalton - Principal Officer, Third Level Building Unit

Aidan Marsden - Assistant Principal Officer, Third Level Building Unit

Before the discussion commenced, the Chairman drew Members’ attention to the fact that members of the Committee had absolute privilege, but this same privilege did not apply to witnesses appearing before the Committee.

Members were reminded of the long standing Parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long standing Parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable

Ms. Madeleine Mulrennan made the presentation on behalf of St. Catherine’s.

Sr. Darina Hosey made the presentation on behalf of ChoICE.

Mr. Paul Ryan made the presentation on behalf of the Department.

A question and answer session with Members followed the presentation.

On conclusion of the question and answer session the Chairman thanked the guests for their presentation and for answering Members’ questions.

Two proposals had been put forward one by Deputy Barry Andrews and one by Deputy Olwyn Enright. The Chairman suggested that the these be discussed at the next meeting of the Committee on 4^th November. This was agreed by the Committee.

9.Adjournment

There being no other business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 1.39 p.m. until Thursday, 4th November 2004 at 11.30 a.m.

_________________________

Jan O’Sullivan T.D.

Vice-Chair.

4 November 2004.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday, 4th November, 2004

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.37 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Senator John Minihan.

The Chairman welcomed Deputy Damien English to the Committee.

The Committee agreed to go into Private Session.

[In Private Session]

3.Item discussed in private session.

4.Item discussed in private session.

5.Item discussed in private session.

[In Public Session]

Meeting with Representatives of the National Educational Welfare Board

The meeting had been convened to discuss the issue of school attendance, the work of the board and the need for its adequate financing. The Chairman, on behalf of the Members of the Joint Committee, welcomed

Dr. Ann Louise Gilligan, Chairperson NEWB,

Mr. Eddie Ward, Chief Executive NEWB and

Mr. Frank Smith the Director of Educational Services.

Dr. Ann Louise Gilligan made the presentation on behalf of the Board.

A question and answer session with Members followed the presentation.

Before the meeting concluded, Deputy Crowe suggested that the committee write to the Minister for Education and Science seeking information regarding sanction for the 10 educational welfare officer posts, which had been raised in the course of the discussion. This was agreed. The Chairman suggested that the Committee might meet with the delegation again in a year’s time for an update on their work.

7.Adjournment

There being no other business, the Joint Committee adjourned at 1.32 p.m. until Thursday, 18^th November, at 11.30 a.m.

________________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.,

Chairman

18 November 2004.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday 18 November, 2004

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.35 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Barry Andrews and Damien English and Senators Ulick Burke and Joanna Tuffy.

[In Public Session]

3.Election of Chairman

The Vice-Chair, Deputy Jan O’Sullivan, invited nominations for the Chair.

Deputy Michael Moynihan was proposed by Deputy Thomas McEllistrim and seconded by Deputy Máire Hoctor. As there were no other nominations, Deputy Moynihan was deemed elected and took the Chair.

The Chairman thanked the members for electing him and paid tribute to the work of the former Chairman, Minister of State Tony Killeen.

The Committee agreed to go into private session.

[In Private Session]

4.Item discussed in Private Session.

5.Item discussed in Private Session.

6.Item discussed in Private Session.

7.Item discussed in Private Session.

[In Public Session]

8.Meeting with representatives of the Committee on Science, Education, Arts Youth and Sports of the Parliament of the Czech Republic.

The Chairman welcomed the delegation representing the Committee on Science, Education, Arts Youth and Sports of the Parliament of the Czech Republic.

Mr. Zeman, the leader of the delegation, introduced the members of the delegation.

and outlined the areas of the interest of the delegation.

A comprehensive exchange of views between Members and the delegation followed.

Topics discussed included the financing and independence of universities, private schools, the school building programme, literacy, the participation of women in science,gaelscoileanna, youth affairs, pre-school education, pupil teacher ratios, education for persons with disabilities, early school leavers and educational disadvantage.

9.Adjournment

The Chairman reminded Members that the Select Committee would meet to consider the Grangegorman Development Agency Bill, 2004 on Thursday, 2nd December 2004.

The meeting was adjourned at 1.06 sine die.

_________________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.

Chairman

13 January 2005.