Written answers

Tuesday, 9 November 2010

Department of Education and Science

Programme for Government

9:00 am

Photo of Bernard AllenBernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 65: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she is committed to the delivery of the renewed programme for Government commitments on education for 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41297/10]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Renewed Programme for Government was agreed in October 2009 and significant progress has been made since then in delivering on the twenty-seven commitments contained in the programme relating to my Department. My Department has a significant role to play in relation to another eleven commitments that are the lead responsibility of other Government Departments. The programme is intended to provide the political basis for Government action until 2012. To date, a number of important commitments have already been achieved or are underway. These include commitments in relation to the roll out of Project Maths, the review of initial teacher education programmes, the review of the manner in which Special Needs Assistants are allocated, the integration of the Home School Community Liaison Scheme, the School Completion Programme and the Visiting Teacher for Travellers Service under the National Educational Welfare Board. There are other commitments in respect of which significant progress has been made. These include the objective of completing a Higher Education Strategy to deliver a longer term vision and shorter term policy objectives for that sector. I can assure the Deputy that the Government remains committed to the delivery of the commitments in the renewed programme, insofar as resources will allow. This was made clear at the time the renewed programme was announced. Given the deterioration in the public financial position, the Government has stated that difficult decisions will be necessary across the board, in the context of formulating the budgetary position for 2011 and for the period up to 2014. In relation to my own Department this requires a full review of all elements of education expenditure, including those mentioned in the Programme for Government. This is being done as part of the budgetary process, which the Deputy will appreciate is carried out on a strictly confidential basis. It would, therefore, not be appropriate for me to comment on specific issues in advance of the formal announcements involved. The Government will, however, seek to ensure that necessary expenditure savings are achieved in a far and equitable way.

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