Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 1279: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if and when she will restore funding for the training of members of boards of management of schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25745/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In 2002-03, the Department reviewed the process whereby it supported a range of in-service activities, including board of management training, for schools at primary and post-primary levels. Previously, limited financial support was provided to a range of course providers and organisers for elective programmes of in-service training, to the extent that resources permitted and having regard to other commitments and priorities such as curricular reform and special needs. However, this approach was regarded as too fragmented. To rationalise the process and to make better use of available resources, groups and bodies were advised to contact their local education centre whose role, among others, is to provide local in-service training and support and to provide advice and assistance to schools and their personnel in these matters.

My Department funds a national network of 21 full-time and nine part-time education centres to deliver in-service support for schools and their personnel. In 2004 the Department made a subvention of €1,048,834 to education centres to support this work. A similar amount is likely to be allocated in 2005. The education centres provide board of management training courses to schools within their catchment area, usually in conjunction with other bodies and groups. To ensure consistency of provision my Department liaises with appropriate bodies at central level.

The teacher education section of my Department has established a new mechanism for providing support to such bodies in 2005 on a pilot basis. This mechanism enables school management bodies to apply for direct support in addition to the existing support provided by the education centre network. This will remain in place pending a review of the process. The teacher education section is prepared to consider proposals and to provide support to management bodies following consultation and consideration of submissions.

Proposals must be framed within the context of the Department's policy objectives and overall strategy on in-service training. As part of this context, proposals are required to include regional and national dimensions where the regional dimension links with the education centre network. Where possible, proposals are expected to operate in close collaboration with initiatives operated by the teacher education section such as the school development programme, leadership development for schools, etc. It is essential that the proposals do not clash with or encroach upon the work of such national programmes and support services in the areas of curriculum support and other areas relating to teaching and learning. Regardless of the means of providing support, it is critical that the support provided to the management bodies is relevant to the needs of their schools and that these needs link into departmental objectives and strategies. In this context, officials in my Department are planning a targeted campaign of information to boards of management whereby the various management bodies can provide training.