Dáil Éireann - Volume 520 - 08 June, 2000

Written Answers. - Educational Structures.

Mr. Finucane Mr. Finucane

45. Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans if any, he has for changes in the administrative structures in education. [16145/00]

Mr. Connaughton Mr. Connaughton

58. Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans if any, he has to develop local structures in education. [16139/00]

Dr. Woods Dr. Woods

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods): I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 58 together.

I am aware of the need for an integrated approach to the delivery of educational provision at local level. To this end, many educational initiatives, such as the eight to 15 early school leavers initiative, involve co-operation among schools and between schools, other agencies and the local community. Allied to these initiatives, the development of the national educational psychological service and the proposed educational welfare service will help to ensure an integrated, local approach to the delivery of services, particularly to the disadvantaged.

1305

I intend to keep these and other education initiatives under review with a view to optimising their effectiveness. As part of the review process ways and means of development and strengthening co-operative endeavours will be examined and explored. However, I have no plans to intro[1305] duce bureaucratic local administrative structures which would stifle rather than foster growth and development in local communities.

Dáil Éireann 520 Written Answers. Educational Structures.

Questions

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