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Appendix 6
TITHE AN OIREACHTAISAn Comhchoiste um Oideachas agus EolaíochtCLÁR OIBRE 2006Aibreán 2006HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTASJoint Committee on Education and ScienceWORK PROGRAMME 2006April 20061. BACKGROUNDThe Joint Committee on Education and Science was established following Orders of Dáil Éireann on 16 October 2002 and of Seanad Éireann on 17 October 2002. Standing Orders 84(4) (Dáil Éireann) and 69(4) (Seanad Éireann) require that — “As soon as may be following its appointment and thereafter at annual intervals, each Select Committee shall prepare a work programme and shall lay such programme before [Dáil[Seanad] Éireann”. 2. ORDERS OF REFERENCEParagraph 2 (a) of the Order of Dáil Éireann on 16 October 2002 and paragraph 1 (a) of the Order of Seanad Éireann on 17 October 2002 empowers the Joint Committee to consider — “(i)such public affairs administered by the Department of Education and Science as it may select, including, in respect of Government policy, bodies under the aegis of that Department; (ii)such matters of policy for which the Minister for Education and Science is officially responsible as it may select; (iii)such related policy issues as it may select concerning bodies which are partly or wholly funded by the State or which are established or appointed by Members of the Government or by the Oireachtas; (iv)such Statutory Instruments made by the Minister for Education and Science and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas as it may select; (v)such proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues as may be referred to it from time to time, in accordance with Standing Order 81(4)[Dáil Éireann] and 65(4)[Seanad Éireann]; (vi)the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister for Education and Science pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and the Joint Committee shall be so authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act; (vii)such annual reports or annual reports and accounts, required by law and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies specified in paragraphs 2(a)(i) and (iii) [Dáil Éireann] and paragraphs 1(a)(i) and (iii)[Seanad Éireann], 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 concerned or by the Minister for Education and Science; and (viii)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.” Accordingly, the items listed in this Work Programme will be considered by the Joint Committee within the parameters defined by these Orders of Reference, as amended from time to time. 3. OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITYThe Joint Committee on Education and Science is committed to making a constructive contribution to the committee system in the Houses of the Oireachtas and to continuing to assert the proper oversight and accountability role of the Legislature in respect of the Executive. It will endeavour to do this by properly exercising the functions and powers which have been conferred on it by both Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. 4. FLUIDITY OF WORK PROGRAMMEThe items listed for consideration in this Work Programme are not in any order of priority. The Joint Committee will decide on individual items for review in light of its assessment of a particular need during the year. The Joint Committee is of the opinion that to accord a strict priority and agree a timetable for consideration of the various items would impose too rigid a structure and would not enable the Joint Committee to respond to evolving events during the year. In response to a particular evolving event or an urgent unforeseen matter, it shall, if it deems it necessary to do so, amend this Work Programme to include further items or delete or revise existing items for consideration. The Joint Committee has also agreed that, should it not have sufficient time during 2006 to consider an item detailed in this Work Programme, it may include it in next year’s Work Programme should the issue continue to retain its importance and relevance. 5. JOINT COMMITTEE — GENERAL AREAS FOR CONSIDERATION(a) EU ScrutinyIn light of the increasing importance and influence of the European Union (EU) on national affairs and legislative matters, the Joint Committee will give ongoing priority to EU issues and, in particular, will promptly examine any EU legislative proposal referred to the Joint Committee by the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny. The Joint Committee will endeavour to have ongoing meetings with the Minister for Education and Science in advance of EU Education Youth Culture Council meetings to enable the Joint Committee to enhance effective oversight of Government policy thinking and to have an input into, and an exchange of views on, topics arising on the agendas of those Council meetings. (b) Statutory InstrumentsThe Joint Committee will endeavour to monitor Statutory Instruments (SIs) made by the Minister for Education and Science which are laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas and, where it considers it necessary, will discuss particular SIs and matters arising with the Minister at an appropriate time. (c) Strategy Statement and Departmental Policy DocumentationThe Joint Committee will endeavour to consider the ongoing progress made by the Department of Education and Science on its commitments in the strategy statement and other general related policy documentation (vis. Annual Reports, Corporate Plans, etc.) relating to the Department’s remit in discussion with the Minister or appropriate Departmental officials. (d) Oversight of bodiesThe Joint Committee will endeavour during 2006 to consider, inter alia, policy matters, annual reports or annual reports and accounts, overall operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of certain bodies as it may select which are listed in the Addendum attached to this Work Programme. (e) Referral of matters by Dáil Éireann and Seanad ÉireannIn addition to those issues detailed in this Work Programme, the Joint Committee may be required, from time to time, to consider matters referred to it jointly by Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann (e.g. Motions re. International Agreements, Conventions, draft SIs, etc.). 6. JOINT COMMITTEE — SPECIFIC ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATIONThe Joint Committee intends to review specific major areas of policy falling within the remit of the Minister for Education and Science as outlined below in this section and in section 5 above. As part of that process, the Minister (and Departmental officials) may be invited to appear before the Joint Committee to outline policy decisions/thinking and respond to detailed questions. Where necessary, the Joint Committee may also seek submissions from the public and may, if the need arises, engage persons with specialist or technical knowledge to advise and assist it in its work. The Joint Committee will have ongoing periodic follow-up with the Minister (or Departmental officials as appropriate) on progress made on implementation of recommendations made in Reports published by the Joint Committee during the 29th Dáil. It is also intended that the following specific items will be considered during 2006 by the Joint Committee:- •Educational Disadvantage — evaluation of the policies of the Department of Education and Science. •Curriculum Development — consideration of relevant matters. •Standards of Literacy and Numeracy. •Review progress regarding the implementation of the recommendations of the Cromien Report. •Pupil — Teacher Ratio in primary and secondary Schools. •Provision of Educational Services in a multi-ethnic/multi cultural society. •Equity of Access to Third Level Education. •Consider the methods of teaching and learning of the Irish language at primary and secondary level. Consider the methods used in the teaching of European languages in schools for comparative purposes; Examine how the teaching of Irish in the Six Counties can be encouraged by co-operation between the two Departments. •EU awareness campaign — monitor progress of recently launched initiative. Provision of EU Programmes at Primary Level. •Review, on a six monthly basis, matters relevant to reports on specific topics, which have been published by the Joint Committee to see if any action followed on foot of recommendations made. •Scrutiny of EU business (when appropriate). •Research and Development in Third level Colleges •Consideration of Transition Year Programme in Second Level Schools •Pre-School Education •Support for Teachers. •Programmes/support available to gifted students. •Universities Ireland. •Youth Affairs including Scouting in Ireland •Scientific Culture and Heritage and how that influences the Society of Tomorrow •New online primary teaching course at Hibernia college •Recruitment and appointment of Special Needs Organisers (SNO’s) •Future Plans with regard to Teacher Education for the Teaching of Home Economics, including proposed closure of St Catherine’s College of Education for Home Economics •Resourcing for the teaching of children from disadvantaged areas •Funding of Third level education •An Scrúdú le hAghaidh Cáilíochta Sa Ghaeilge •Investment in academic researchers in the areas of Bio technology and ICT and future strategic direction of SFI •The role of Area Partnership Boards in tackling educational disadvantage. •Alfa Project for early school leavers in Clare. •McIver report and numbers on PLC courses •Work of National Safety Council with regard to implementation of education programmes, media campaigns and public relations activities to influence public attitude and behaviour in relation to Road and Fire Safety issues. •Work of Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre UCC. •Presentation from Dyspraxia/DCD Association in Cork. •Presentation by The Digital Hub on its work in the area of Education. •Visit to some of the rural and urban Education projects established by Planet- the Partnership Network. •The role of education with regard to issues related to domestic violence and sexual abuse and Women’s Support Services. •Briefing by Minister or Minister of State in advance of the relevant European Council meeting as required. •Consideration of the Summary of the Immigrant Council of Ireland’s Briefing Paper on Proposals for an Immigration and Residence Bill. •Update from National Disability Authority, on its work. •Update from the Department of Education and Science concerning the the All Ireland Centre of Excellence for Autism in Middletown, Co Armagh and a visit to the Centre. •Further consideration of the issue of provision of psychological services and other services to children with autistic spectrum disorders. •Provision of supports for children whose first language is other than English and NCCA report on Intercultural education and curriculum for schools at Primary level. •Discussion with the Childhood Development Initiative about the report entitled “A Place for Children Tallaght West” •In depth look at Special Education Schools, with the assistance of groups, such as the National Association of Boards of Management In Special Education Schools in addition to visiting some schools. •Discussion with Breaking Through Network about the work of the Network •Review of operation of aid for schoolbooks grant and other student support schemes. •Consideration of the promotion of excellence and the measurement of achievement in education and how the agencies of the State can intervene to assist teachers. •Enhancement of Play in Schools. •Current and future developments with regard to Boards of Management of Primary and Secondary schools. •Report entitled ‘An Enquiry into Special Needs Educational Provision in Britain and Ireland, with Special Reference to Autism’, which was drawn up by a group of members from the BIIPB. •Classification of schools as disadvantaged and additional funding schemes available to schools. •Child Protection. •Work of National Educational Welfare Board, including issue of school attendance and the need for its adequate financing. •Adult Literacy Report. •The methods of teaching English to the children of immigrant workers given the importance of language in the integration process. •Visit to St. Mark’s National School in Springfield, Tallaght. •Report entitled - Skills Needs in the Irish Economy: The Role of Migration - Forfás •Report entitled - In-Employment Education and Training in Ireland - Forfás •Report entitled - A Plain English Guide to Citizenship Terms - NALA •Chapter on Education of NESC Strategy 2006 — People, Productivity and Purpose •Reports entitled - Eurostudent Survey II: Irish Report on the Social and Living Conditions of Higher Education Students 2003/2004 and Eurostudent Report 2005 —Social and Economic Conditions of Student Life in Europe 2005 •Report entitled - Building on Success- An Evaluation of the Junior Certificate School Programme — Department of Education and Science •Scrutiny of COM(2005)705 — Proposal for a Regulation laying down the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities in actions under the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) and for the dissemination of research results (2007-2013) •Department of Education and Science policy with regard to the Supply of Education Centres •Discussion with the National Council for Special Education with regard to the Operation of the Council and the Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs). •Funding of New Schools and recently setup Schools •The role of Boards of Management in tackling Bullying •Plans relating to the Future Location of the College of Art and Design •Additional Costs associated with going to School •Report entitled ‘The Junior Certificate School Programme. Building on Success’ 7. TRAVELSubject to Standing Order 81(9) [Dáil Éireann] and Standing Order 65(9) [Seanad Éireann], the Joint Committee may decide, subject to financial, administrative and procedural constraints, to undertake travel as it considers necessary to further progress the Work Programme. Such travel may include fact finding visits, attendance at conferences or meetings, etc. within the remit under the Orders of Reference. Reports will be completed for all travel undertaken. 8. INCOMING PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATIONSThe Joint Committee will meet incoming Parliamentary Delegations, as required. 9. DAIL SELECT COMMITTEE — ORDERS OF REFERENCEThose members of Dáil Éireann who are members of the Joint Committee on Education and Science also constitute the membership of the Select Committee on Education and Science. In accordance with paragraph 1(a) of the Order of Dáil Éireann, the Select Committee is appointed to consider — “(i)such Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the Department of Education and Science; (ii)such Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of the Department of Education and Science; and (iii)such proposals contained in any motion, including any motion within the meaning of Standing Order 157 concerning the approval by the Dáil of international agreements involving a charge on public funds, as shall be referred to it by Dáil Éireann from time to time.” The matters referred to the Select Committee will be considered in tandem with the ongoing work of the Joint Committee but may have a practical effect on the capacity of the Joint Committee to complete its consideration of the items identified in the Work Programme. 10. NUMBER AND FREQUENCY OF MEETINGSTaking account of the resources and facilities available and the commitments of members, it is anticipated that the Joint Committee will meet fortnightly in the course of 2006. In view of the specific functions of the Select Committee, it is not possible to anticipate the number of meetings required during 2006. However, the Select Committee will convene as necessary to consider such matters as are referred to it (see above) within the prescribed timeframe. 11. AGREEMENT OF WORK PROGRAMMEThis Work Programme for 2006 was agreed by the Committee at its meeting on 6 April 2006. In accordance with Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann, it was agreed that the Work Programme be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. ______________________ Michael Moynihan, T.D. Chairman 6 April 2006 ADDENDUMBodies under the aegis of the Departments of Education and Science•Advisory Council for English Language Schools •An Chomhairle um Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta •Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education •Commission on School Accommodation Needs •Commission to Inquire into child abuse •Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies •Education (Former Residence of Certain Institutions for Children) Finance Board •Further Education and Training Awards Council •Higher Education and Training Awards Council •Higher Education Authority •Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann •Integrated Ireland Language and Training Ltd •International Education Board of Ireland •Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology •Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences •Léargas - The Exchange Bureau •National Adult Learning Council •National Centre for Technology in Education •National Centre for Guidance in Education •National Council for Curriculum and Assessment •National Council for Special Education •National Education Welfare Board •National Qualifications Authority of Ireland •Residential Institutions Redress Board •Residential Institutions Redress Review Committee •Royal Irish Academy of Music •Royal Irish Academy/Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann •State Examinations Commissions •The President’s Award — Gaisce •The Teaching Council |
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