Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the supports made available by him to the National Parents' Council, Primary, on an annual basis; and if he will define the relationship between his Department and the National Parents' Council. [12682/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Education Act 1998 gives recognition to the important role which parents play in the education system through their involvement in parents' associations. The Act also recognises the role which national parents' associations may play in offering guidance to local associations. My Department recognises the National Parents' Council Primary (NPCp) as having an important role in giving a voice to parents at national level and liaises with it on educational issues in the primary sector.

The National Parents' Council Primary (NPCp) was set up in 1985 as the representative organisation for parents of children attending primary school. It is a company limited by guarantee. The Board of the NPCp is constituted in accordance with its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The NPCp is responsible for its own day to day operations. Individual parents' associations at school level may affiliate to the national council.

In recognition of the role which the NPCp fulfils my Department supports it by way of funding. In 2010 my Department provided the NPCp with €330,000 for core funding for the running of the council and €106,488 for support for parents representatives in their role on Boards of Management and reviewing ongoing Training and Quality Assurance. The indicative funding allocation for 2011 is €330,000 for core funding and €106,488 for training courses and information seminars.