Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 577: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if secondary level education is regarded by her as being of equal importance to primary level education where the continued development and advancement of students is concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30758/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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All levels of education, primary, second level, third level and beyond are equally important to society, the economy and the individual.

Our primary education system is based on the belief that a high quality education, supported by an appropriate curriculum, enables children to realise their full potential as individuals. Building on this, second level education aims to provide a comprehensive and relevant educational experience for students in order to prepare them either for higher or continuing education or for direct entry into the world of work. I regard primary and second level education as a continuum providing our young citizens with the necessary foundation for further study and lifelong learning.