Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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108. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will consider making provision for representatives of a union (details supplied) to have an input into school boards of management. [15428/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with section 14 of the Education Act, 1998 it is the duty of a school patron, to appoint where practicable a board of management the composition of which is agreed between patrons of schools, national associations of parents, recognised school management organisations, recognised trade unions and staff associations representing teachers and the Minister.

Changes to the existing composition of Boards would require the agreement of all parties referred to in section 14 of the Education Act, 1998.

My Department consults regularly with the education partners and stakeholders, including the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union on the making and implementation of policy. This ensures that the voice of second-level students is represented and that the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union contributes to the advancement of second-level education of all second-level students.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to enact the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill 2019. The Bill has been passed by the Seanad and completed second stage in the Dáil on 8th July 2021 and now awaits progress to Committee Stage.

The overall aim of the Charter Bill is to improve the level of engagement between the school community by inviting feedback, comment and observation from students and parents and by further developing a listening culture in schools. One of the key concepts of the Bill is the need for a school to consult with students and their parents on individual school plans, policies and activities.