APPENDIX 5

[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 Department of Education and Science to discuss Science and Maths Education at second level, in particular at Leaving Certificate level.

On behalf of the Joint Committee the Chairman welcomed the following representatives of the Department of Education and Science to the meeting:

Ms. Margaret Kelly, Principal Officer, Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Policy Unit and Ms. Doreen Mc Morris, Assistant Chief Inspector.

Ms Doreen Mc Morris made the presentation on behalf of the Department of Education and Science.

A question and answer session with members followed.

After the question and answer session the Chairman thanked the representatives of the Department of Education and Science for their attendance at what had been a very informative meeting.

10.Adjournment

There being no further business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 1.39 p.m. until Thursday 26^th January, at 11:30a.m.

____________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.

Chairman

9th February, 2006.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday, 26 January, 2006

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.35 a.m. in Committee Room 3 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 Education Commission, Irish Bishops’ Conference, the Child Protection Office, Irish Bishops’ Conference and the Conference of Religious of Ireland to discuss the Recommendations of the Ferns Report and the Church’s National Child Protection Policy with particular reference to the document ‘Our Children, Our Church.

On behalf of the Joint Committee the Chairman welcomed Bishop Leo O’Reilly, Chair of the Education Commission, the Irish Bishops Conference and his colleagues to the meeting.

Bishop O’Reilly then introduced the following to the meeting;

Sister Eileen Randles, Educationalist and Member, Bishops Child Protection Committee, Rev Tim Barlett, Secretariat, Irish Bishops Conference, Ms Kay Haden, National Training Director, Child Protection Office, Irish Bishops Conference, Rev Dan O’Connor, General Secretary, Catholic Primary School Managers Association(CPSMA), Sister Evelyn Greene, Former School Principal, Member of the Bishops Child Protection Committee, Representing Conference of Religious of Ireland (CORI), Mr Jack Cleary, Former School Principal and Director of Child Protection Training Child Protection Officer, Association of Management of Catholic Secondary Schools

Bishop O’Reilly and Sister Eileen Randles then make presentations to the committee.

A question and answer session with members followed.

After the question and answer session the Chairman thanked Bishop O’Reilly and his colleagues for their attendance at what had been a very informative meeting.

It was agreed that the committee would consider any action that needed to be taken on foot of the meeting, after the meeting.

10.Adjournment

There being no further business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 2.59 p.m. until Thursday 9^th February, at 11:00a.m.

____________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.

Chairman

23^rd February 2006

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday 9^th February, 2006

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.44 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

It was agreed that the meeting be held in 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.Adjournment

There, being no other business, the Joint Committee adjourned at 13:03 p.m. until 23^rd February, 2006 at 11:30 a.m.

_________________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.,

Chairman,

25^th January 2007.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday, 23 February, 2006

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.39 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Apologies were received from Deputy Séan Haughey

[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 Federation of Voluntary Bodies Providing Services to People with Intellectual Disability,

On behalf of the Joint Committee the Chairman welcomed Ms. Maura Nash, Chief Executive Officer, COPE Foundation & Chairperson of the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies’ Education Sub Committee and Ms. Marie Walls, Director of Research & Membership Services, National Federation of Voluntary Bodies.

Ms. Maura Nash and Ms. Marie Walls then made presentations to the committee.

A question and answer session with members followed.

After the question and answer session the Chairman thanked Ms. Maura Nash and Ms. Marie Walls for their attendance and discussion with the committee.

8.Adjournment

There being no further business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 12.42 p.m. until Thursday 2^nd March, at 11:30 a.m.

____________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.,

Chairman,

25^th January 2007.

Joint Committee on Education and Science,

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday 2^nd March, 2006

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

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

It was agreed that the meeting be held in private session.

[In Private Session]

3.Item Discussed in Private Session

4.Item Discussed in Private Session

5.Adjournment

There, being no other business, the Joint Committee adjourned at 11:47 a.m. until 9^th March, 2006 at 11:30 a.m.

____________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.,

Chairman,

11 May 2006.

Joint Committee on Education and Science,

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday, 9^th March, 2006

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

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Apologies were received from Deputies Seán Crowe and Olwyn Enright.

[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 Barnardos to discuss Educational Disadvantage and related issues,

On behalf of the Joint Committee the Chairman welcomed Ms. Norah Gibbons, Director of Advocacy and Ms. June Tinsley, Policy Development Officer, both from Barnardos.

Ms. Norah Gibbons and Ms. June Tinsley then made presentations to the committee.

A question and answer session with members followed.

After the question and answer session the Chairman thanked Ms. Norah Gibbons and Ms. June Tinsley for their attendance at what had been a very informative meeting.

7.Adjournment

There being no further business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 12.58 p.m. until Tuesday, 14^th March, at 9.45 a.m.

____________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.

Chairman

23^rd March 2006.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday 14^th March, 2006

1.The Joint Committee met at 10.00 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Deputies:John Curran, Damien English and Paul Gogarty..

Senators:Joanna Tuffy and Camillus Glynn

It was agreed that the meeting be held in private session.

[In Private Session]

3.Item Discussed in Private Session

4.Item Discussed in Private Session

5.Item Discussed in Private Session

6.Adjournment

There, being no other business, the Joint Committee adjourned at 10.15 a.m. until 23^rd March, 2006 at 11:30 a.m.

____________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.,

Chairman,

25 January 2007

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday, 23 March 2006

1.The Joint Committee met at 11:37 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

6.Item Discussed in Private Session

6.Item Discussed in Private Session

[In Public Session]

7.Meeting with representatives of One in Four to consider child protection issues arising from the recommendations contained in the Ferns Report.

On behalf of the Joint Committee, the Chairman welcomed Mr Colm O’Gorman, Director, One in Four and his colleagues, Ms Deirdre Fitzpatrick - Advocacy Director and Ms Bernadette Morris - Personal Assistant to the Director.

Mr. O’Gorman then made a presentation to the committee.

A question and answer session with members followed.

After the question and answer session the Chairman thanked Mr. O’Gorman and his colleagues for their attendance and discussion with the committee.

It was agreed that the committee would discuss how it might proceed at a future meeting of the committee.

8.Adjournment

There being no further business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 1:57p.m. until Thursday 6^th April 2006, at 11:30 a.m.

____________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.

Chairman

6 April 2006

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday, 06 April, 2006

1.The Joint Committee met at 11:39 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Apologies were received from Deputies Damien English and Thomas McEllistrim 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.Item Discussed in Private Session

[In Public Session]

9.Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals. Meeting with representatives of the Irish Universities Association, the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to discuss COM (2005)705 - Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council 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).

On behalf of the Joint Committee, the Chairman welcomed

From the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment —

Mr. Páraig Hennessy, Principal Officer, Office of Science and Technology,

Mr Padraig O’Conaill, Research Attache, Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU, Brussels.

Mr Bill Brandon, Assistant Principal, Office of Science and Technology.

From the Department of Education and Science —

Ms. Ruth Carmody, Principal Officer, Higher Education, Policy, Research and Science

Ms. Eucharia Meehan, Head of Research Programmes, Higher Education Authority and

From the Irish Universities Association -

Professor Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President, NUI Galway (IUA President - 2006)

Dr. Conor O’Carroll, Assistant Director (Research) IUA

Professor Desmond Fitzgerald, Vice-President for Research, UCD

Ms. Doris Alexander, Research Development Officer, Trinity College Dublin

Ms. Susan Hedigan, Head of the Office of Funded Research Support Services, University College Dublin

Ms. Siobhan Harkin Central Universities Research Office.

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.

The Chairman called on Mr. Páraig Hennessy to make the presentation to the committee on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

This was followed by a presentation by Ms.Ruth Carmody on behalf of the Department of Education and Science.

Professor Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh made the presentation on behalf of the Irish Universities Association.

A question and answer session with members followed.

After the question and answer session the Chairman thanked the representatives for their attendance and discussion with the committee.

10.Adjournment

There being no further business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 1:27p.m. until Thursday 4^th May 2006, at 11:30 a.m.

___________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.

Chairman

31^st May, 2006.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday 11^th May, 2006

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.32 a.m. in Committee Room 4 LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

It was agreed that the meeting be held in 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.Adjournment

There, being no other business, the Joint Committee adjourned at 1:05 p.m. until 18^th May, 2006 at 11:30 a.m.

______________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.,

Chairman,

31^st May, 2006.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday, 18 May 2006, 2006

1.The Joint Committee met at 11:38 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

6.Item Discussed in Private Session

7.Item Discussed in Private Session

8.SOS

The Committee suspended from 12:05 to 12:17p.m. due to a vote in the Dáil.

[In Public Session]

9.Meeting with Representatives of the Higher Education Authority to Discuss the Report entitled “Who went to College in 2004? A National Survey of New Entrants to Higher”.

On behalf of the Joint Committee, the Chairman welcomed

From the Higher Education Authority —

Mr. Fergal Costello, IOT Designation

Ms. Caitriona Ryan, Head of Policy and Planning

Ms. Mary-Liz Trant, Head of the National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education

Ms Orla Cristle, Senior Policy Analyst in the National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education.

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.

The Chairman called on Mr. Fergal Costello to make the presentation to the committee on behalf of the Higher Education Authority.

A question and answer session with members followed.

After the question and answer session the Chairman thanked the representatives for their attendance and discussion with the committee.

10.Adjournment

There being no further business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 12.59 p.m. until Thursday 1^st June 2006, at 11:30 a.m.

___________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.

Chairman

6 July 2006.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday 31^st May, 2006

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.40 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

It was agreed that the meeting be held in 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

8Adjournment

There, being no other business, the Joint Committee adjourned at 12:10 p.m. until 28 June 2006 at 10:15 a.m.

______________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.,

Chairman,

6 July 2006.

Joint Committee on Education and Science

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday, 28 June, 2006

1.The Joint Committee met at 10:10 a.m. in Committee Room 4 LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

[In Public Session]

3.Meeting with Members of the House of Commons Education and Skills Committee.

On behalf of the Joint Committee, the Chairman welcomed the delegation from the House of Commons Education and Skills committee and said that was a great privilege and pleasure to exchange views with fellow parliamentarians.

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.

The Chairman called on Mr. Barry Sheerman, Chairman of the Education and Skills Committee of the House of Commons to introduce the members of the delegation and to make the presentation to the committee on behalf of the delegation.

Mr Sheerman introduced himself, indicating that he was the Labour Party MP for Huddersfield and the Chairman of the committee. He then introduced

Mr Gordon Marsden Labour MP for Blackpool South,

Mr Douglas Carswell Conseravative MP for Harwich,

Mr David Chaytor Labour MP for Bury North,

Mr Stephen Williams Liberal Democrat for Bristol West,

Mr Rob Wilson Conservative MP for Reading East

Mr Sheerman then made a presentation to the committee.

A question and answer session with members followed.

Following the discussion, Mr Carswell asked if a briefing or information note would be available for the Universities Act 1997. It was agreed that the secretariat would forwarded to the committee.

Mr Sheerman indicated that members of the Joint Committee on Education and Science would be most welcome to visit the House of Commons Education and Skills Committee.

The Chairman thanked the committee members for their attendance and discussion with the committee.

[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.Item Discussed in Private Session

10.Item Discussed in Private Session

11.Item Discussed in Private Session

12.Adjournment

There being no further business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 11.41 p.m. until Thursday 6^th July 2006, at 09:30 a.m.

___________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.

Chairman

21 September 2006.

Joint Committee on Education and Science,

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday, 6 July 2006.

1.The Joint Committee met at 9.33 a.m. in Committee Room 3 LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

[In Private Session]

3.Item Discussed in Private Session

4.Item Discussed in Private Session

[In Public Session]

5.Meeting with officials from the Department of Education and Science to consider School Transport.

On behalf of the Joint Committee, the Chairman welcomed from the Department of Education and Science—

Mr. Frank Wise, Assistant Principal Officer with responsibility for School Transport,

Mr Paul Kelly former Assistant Secretary with responsibility for school transport,

Mr. Liam Hughes, Principal Officer and

Mr. Camillus Hogan, Assistant Principal.

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.

The Chairman called on Mr. Frank Wise, to make the presentation to the committee on behalf of the delegation.

A question and answer session followed.

After the question and answer session the Chairman thanked the representatives for their attendance and discussion with the committee.

6.Adjournment

There being no further business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 10.49 a.m. until Thursday 14^th September 2006, at 11:30 a.m.

___________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.

Chairman

21 September 2006.

Joint Committee on Education and Science,

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday, 21 September 2006.

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

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Apologies were received from Senator John Minihan.

[In Private Session]

3.Item Discussed in Private Session

4.Item Discussed in Private Session

[In Public Session]

5.Meeting with officials from the Department of Education and Science to consider two evaluation reports (i) An Evaluation of Educational Provision for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and (ii) An Evaluation of Special Classes for Pupils with Specific Speech and Language Disorders.

On behalf of the Joint Committee, the Chairman welcomed from the Department of Education and Science—

Mr. Gabriel Harrison, Assistant Chief Inspector,

Ms. Teresa Griffin, Principal Officer,

Mr. Don Mahon, Inspector,

Ms. Emer Ring, Inspector

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.

The Chairman called on Mr. Gabriel Harrison to make the presentation to the committee on behalf of the delegation.

A question and answer session followed.

After the question and answer session the Chairman thanked the representatives for their attendance and discussion with the committee.

6.Adjournment

There being no further business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 2.09 p.m. until Thursday 5^th October, 2006, at 11:30 a.m.

___________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.

Chairman

19^th October, 2006.

Joint Committee on Education and Science,

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday, 05 October 2006.

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.39 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Apologies were received from Deputies Olwyn Enright, Máire Hoctor 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

[In Public Session]

8.Meeting to discuss COM (2006) 236 - Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing an action programme in the in the field of lifelong learning and COM(2005) 625 - Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the production and development of statistics on education and lifelong learning.

On behalf of the Joint Committee, the Chairman welcomed

From the Department of Education and Science —

Ms Anne Murray,

Ms Karen Tighe,

From the CSO —

Mr Gerry O’Hanlon

Mr Pádraig Dalton

From Léargas —

Mr Eamonn Kinch,

Mr. Jim Mullin,

Mr. Pat Halley,

Ms Fionuala Broughan,

Ms Marie Heraughty

From the HEA —

Ms. Sheena Duffy,

From the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment —

Ms Deirdre O’Higgins

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.

The Chairman called on Ms. Murray from the Department of Education and Science to commence a presentation on COM (2006) 236 . After a short introduction by Ms Murray, Mr. Jim Mullin from Léargas continued the presentation.

On conclusion of the presentation on COM (2006) 236, the Chairman called on Mr. O’Hanlon from the CSO to commence a presentation on COM(2005) 625.

A question and answer session followed.

After the question and answer session the Chairman thanked the representatives from the various groups for their attendance and discussion with the committee.

9.Adjournment

There being no further business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 12.41 p.m. until Thursday 19^th October, 2006, at 11:30 a.m.

___________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.

Chairman

16^th November, 2006.

Joint Committee on Education and Science,

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday, 19 October 2006.

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.38 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Apologies were received from Deputy Barry Andrews.

[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 the Irish Science Teachers Association to discuss issues in science education, in particular the issue of laboratory technicians.

On behalf of the Members of the Joint Committee, the Chairman welcomed -

From the Irish Science Teachers Association: -

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.

The Chairman called on Mr. Séamus Ó Donghaile to make the presentation to the Committee on behalf of the Irish Science Teachers Association.

A question and answer session followed.

8.Suspension

The meeting was suspended at 12.13 p.m. due to a Vote in the Dáil and resumed at 12.29 p.m.

9.Suspension

The meeting was suspended at 12.31 p.m. due to a Vote in the Dáil and resumed at 12.47 p.m.

Following further discussion, the Chairman advised the representatives of the Irish Science Teachers Association that they could respond to any unanswered questions by way of written submission to the Committee. The Chairman then thanked the representatives for their attendance and discussion with the committee.

10.Adjournment

There being no further business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 1.13 p.m. until Thursday 2^nd November, 2006, at 11:30 a.m.

___________________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.

Chairman

16^th November, 2006.

Joint Committee on Education and Science,

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday, 2 November 2006.

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

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Apologies were received from Senator Ulick Burke.

[In Private Session]

3.Item Discussed in Private Session

4.Item Discussed in Private Session

5.Item Discussed in Private Session

[In Public Session]

7.Meeting with representatives of the Concerned Parents of East Meath to discuss general issues with regard to policy and planning for the provision of accommodation for schools.

On behalf of the Members of the Joint Committee, the Chairman welcomed -

From the Concerned Parents of East Meath: -

Ms. Sharon Tolan, Ms. Louise Daly, Mr. Gary Mc Auslan, Mr. Joe Daly, Ms. Teresa Murphy, Mr. Brendan Murphy, Mr. A.J. Cahill and Mr. Peter O’Hara.

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.

The Chairman called on Ms. Sharon Tolan to make the presentation to the Committee. Ms Tolan commenced the presentation. She then handed over to Ms Louise Daly, who continued the presentation. Ms Daly then handed over to Mr. A.J. Cahill, who completed the presentation.

A question and answer session followed.

The Chairman then thanked the representatives for their attendance and discussion with the committee.

8.Suspension

Due to a Vote in the Dáil, the Committee suspended at 12.35 p.m. and resumed at 12.52 p.m.

9.Meeting with representatives from Union of Students in Ireland to discuss the report ‘Funding Fairness’.

On behalf of the Members of the Joint Committee, the Chairman welcomed -

Mr. Colm Hamrogue, President, Union of Students in Ireland and

Ms. Kelly Mackey, Welfare Officer, Union of Students in Ireland

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.

The Chairman called on Mr. Colm Hamrogue to make the presentation. Mr Hamrogue and Ms Mackey then turn it in turns to make different parts of the presentation to the committee.

A question and answer session followed.

The Chairman then thanked the representatives for their attendance and discussion with the committee.

10.Adjournment

There being no further business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 1.43 p.m. until Thursday 16^th November, 2006, at 11:30 a.m.

___________________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.

Chairman

25 January 2007.

Joint Committee on Education and Science,

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday, 16 November 2006.

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

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Deputy Shane Mc Entee attended pursuant to Standing Order no. 90(3).

Apologies were received from Senator Ulick Burke.

[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 Department of Education and Science and the Commission on School Accommodation to discuss policy and planning for the provision of accommodation for schools and related issues.

On behalf of the Members of the Joint Committee, the Chairman welcomed -

From the Department of Education and Science: -

Mr. Frank Wyse, Assistant Secretary General

Mr. Tony Dalton, Principal Officer

Ms. Jackie Hynes, Assistant Principal Officer

and

from the Commission on School Accommodation; -

Mr. Frank Murray, Executive Chairperson

Sr. Eileen Randles and

Ms. Eimer Lynch.

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.

The Chairman called on Mr. Frank Wyse to make the presentation to the Committee on behalf of the Department of Education and Science.

On completion of the Department’s presentation the Chairman called on Mr. Frank Murray to make the presentation to the Committee on behalf of the Commission on School Accommodation.

A question and answer session followed.

Following further discussion, it was agreed that representatives of both groups would respond to any unanswered questions by way of written submission to the Committee. The Chairman thanked the representatives for their attendance and discussion with the committee.

7.Adjournment

There being no further business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 1.47 p.m. until Thursday 30^th November, 2006, at 11:30 a.m.

___________________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.

Chairman

14^th December, 2006.

Joint Committee on Education and Science,

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday, 30 November 2006.

1.The Joint Committee met at 11.47 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Apologies were received from Deputy Moynihan and Senator Ulick Burke.

[In Private Session]

3.Item Discussed in Private Session

Members were made aware that mobile phones must be turned off completely and not just left on the silent mode

4.Item Discussed in Private Session

5.Item Discussed in Private Session

6.Item Discussed in Private Session

7.Item Discussed in Private Session

8Item Discussed in Private Session

[In Public Session]

9.Meeting representatives of the Irish Primary Principals Network to discuss the recruitment and retention of primary school principals.

On behalf of the Members of the Joint Committee, the Chairman welcomed -

From the Irish Primary Principals Network: -

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.

The Chairman called on Mr. Seán Cottrell to make the presentation to the Committee.

Following the presentation, the Chairman invited Members to ask questions.

10.Suspension

Following questions from Members, the Committee suspended from 12.27p.m. to 12.30 p.m.

11.Meeting representatives of the Irish Primary Principals Network to discuss the recruitment and retention of primary school principals (resumed).

The Chairman invited the representatives of the IPPN to respond to the questions asked.

Following the question and answer session, the Chairman thanked the representatives for their attendance and discussion with the committee.

12.Adjournment

There being no further business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 12.57 p.m. until Thursday 7^th December 2006, at 9:30 a.m.

________________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.

Chairman

25 January, 2007.

Joint Committee on Education and Science,

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday, 7 December 2006.

1.The Joint Committee met at 9.31 a.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Olwyn Enright.

Members were made aware that mobile phones must be turned off completely and not just left on the silent mode because vibrations from the phones when calls are received affect the broadcasting transmission adversely.

[In Public Session]

3.Meeting with delegation from Kosovan Education Committee regarding the development of a qualifications framework for Educational and Vocational Training in Kosovo.

On behalf of the Members of the Joint Committee, the Chairman welcomed the delegation representing the Kosovan Education Committee.

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.

The Chairman called on the Chairperson of the Committee, Dr. Enver Hoxhaj to make the presentation to the Committee on behalf of the Kosovan Education Committee.

A question and answer session followed.

The Chairman thanked the representatives for their attendance and discussion with the committee.

[In Private Session]

4.Item Discussed in Private Session

5.Item Discussed in Private Session

6.Adjournment

There being no further business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 10.25 a.m. until Thursday 14^th December, 2006, at 11:30 a.m.

________________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.

Chairman

25 January, 2007.

Joint Committee on Education and Science,

Proceedings of the Joint Committee, Thursday, 14 December 2006.

1.The Joint Committee met at 12:00 p.m. in Committee Room 2 LH2000.

2.Attendance

The following members were present:-

Apologies were received from Deputy Olwyn Enright.

3.Absence of Quorum

In the absence of a quorum at 11:45 a.m., the meeting being due to start at 11:30 a.m., the meeting was reconvened by the Clerk for 11:45 a.m.

4. Election of Temporary Chairman

In the absence of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman and there being a quorum present, the Clerk took the Chair and called for nominations for a temporary Chairman. Deputy Damien English was nominated by Barry Andrews and Liam Fitzgerald. As there were no other nominations, Deputy English took the Chair.

[In Public Session]

5.Meeting with representatives of University College Dublin regarding current activities and future plans with regard to agricultural education provision.

On behalf of the Members of the Joint Committee, the Chairman welcomed the representatives from University College Dublin.

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.

The Chairman called on Dr. Philip Nolan to commence the presentation to the Committee on behalf of University College Dublin. Dr Nolan commenced by introducing his two colleagues Professor Maurice Boland, Head, UCD School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine and Professor Alex Evans, Chair of the Agricultural Sciences Degree Programme Board. He then gave a short introduction, which was followed by a presentation by Professor Boland.

On completion of the presentation a question and answer session followed.

At the end of the discussion, the Chairman thanked the representatives for their attendance and discussion with the committee.

[In Private Session]

6Item Discussed in Private Session

7.Item Discussed in Private Session

8.Item Discussed in Private Session

9.Item Discussed in Private Session

10.Adjournment

There being no further business, the Joint Committee was adjourned at 1:36 p.m. until Thursday 18 January 2007, at 11:30 a.m.

___________________________

Michael Moynihan, T.D.

Chairman

25^th January 2007.