Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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76. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the consultation process he has established on a new three-year Strategy for Education and Skills 2016 to 2018; when he will complete the consultation process and publish the final report; the key priority areas of the consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18716/16]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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84. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills how he will progress the three areas in the education sector that he has identified as his core priority areas of focus, including helping children with special needs, supporting schools and building a stronger bridge between education and the workplace; why he has prioritised these three areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18724/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos 76 and 84 together.

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 will aim 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 three priority areas I have identified are contained within the broader Programme for Government's priority areas for education:

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.

By focusing on these priority areas through the development of my Department's Strategy Statement, we intend to transform the learning experience. All learners will receive a quality education that enables them to reach their potential and contribute to social and the economy. The Statement of Strategy and the associated documents will provide further details on implementation.