Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister, the Minister of State and the departmental officials. Early years to fourth level is a broad discussion and I will begin with the former. While I know the running and funding of early education is primarily a matter for a different Department, apart from the Early Start programme, which I think is the only relevant programme within the remit of the Department of Education and Skills. Early years inspectors have been appointed by the Department to assess the quality of education in early years. Has there been a report on that? It is relatively new and I do not know whether any of the officials present cover that area, but it is important that there is a high-quality experience for children, particularly for children who do not have many books or sources of vocabulary in their homes. The Department has provided for inspectors in that area. While I understand that the relevant officials might not be present, if that is the case, will the Department revert to the committee on the matter?

On curricular reform, Deputy Naughton mentioned politics and society, and computer programming is another new subject. Has a report been done on the ongoing junior cycle reform in schools? I presume a significant part of the strategy will relate to how it is gradually implemented in the curriculum over the years, as well as the systems for examining young people. Similarly, what plans are there for leaving certificate reform?

I fully support efforts to increase the take-up of apprenticeships, which is crucial. The Apprenticeship Council has made significant recommendations for further apprenticeships in various areas and there needs to be more of the traditional apprenticeships. Deputy Catherine Martin referred to the importance of apprenticeships for the green economy and I support her in that regard. Much of the apprenticeship issue concerns getting the message across to parents, schools and young people that apprenticeships are just as valid as higher education, or in some cases even more valid because there may be more job prospects due to gaps in the economy. It is important that parity of esteem with those who go on to higher education is given to young people who choose apprenticeships.

Higher education is another matter for the committee and I am concerned that we are waiting for an economic assessment in respect of the committee's consideration of the Cassells report and the recommendations and various options therein. Is there any update in that regard? Given the period that will be covered by the strategy, it is crucial that decisions on the issue are made. While it will ultimately be the Government's decision, the committee has a role in it but we cannot move further until we receive the information.

I do not agree with Deputy Thomas Byrne's suggestion for a private body to acquire land for schools. I disagree fundamentally because acquisitions should be done through the Department and the Office of Public Works, OPW, and in conjunction with local authorities, as is often the case. In my constituency, there are two new post-primary schools, one of which is up and running while a site has recently been identified for the other. The acquisition was arranged by the local authority, the Department and the OPW. I do not see a role for a new body to become involved. It can be effective if it is done well and in conjunction with the national planning framework, NPF. While Deputy Byrne referred to the growth in population on the east coast, the intention under the NPF is that there should be much more regional balance, with much more of the growth in population happening in the other cities and in towns and settlements around the country. To answer the question about planning for schools, it must follow the demographic of which the Department is aware, namely, the number of children whose parents are receiving child benefit, in order that the Department can know what will happen in the immediate future. I presume the Department works with the NPF on long-term planning. Although it is probably not a matter for the Department, it is important for the country that there is a regional balance.

DEIS is another issue but I am sure other members will raise it. It is important that we continue to support DEIS schools and that children who live in disadvantaged areas receive the supports they need. There is also a case for helping those children whose parents are economically or otherwise disadvantaged and who happen not to live in DEIS areas.