Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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85. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plan to create a three-year strategy in the first 100 days of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11052/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government provides for a three-year statement of strategy for my Department within the first 100 days and a framework for measuring its progress. The Strategy will be informed by the Government's Programme for a Partnership Government and aims to advance the transformation of the education system to support the principles of the Programme in the development of a strong economy and a fair and compassionate society.

The Programme sets out the following eight areas of priority:

1. Prioritising Early Years

2. Tackling Disadvantage

3. Diversity and Choice for Parents

4. Promoting Excellence and Innovation in Schools

5. Promoting Creativity and Entrepreneurial Capacity in Students

6. Making Better use of Educational Assets within Communities

7. Special Needs Education

8. Meeting the Skills Needs of the Future

I am currently launching a call for stakeholder consultation to gather views on the development of the new strategy.