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MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE NINTIETH MEETING OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE IN ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS ON TUESDAY 19 MARCH 2002

Present:
Mr D Kennedy (Chairman)
Mr S Wilson (Deputy Chairman)
Mr T Gallagher
Mr T Hamilton
Mr B McElduff
Mr G McHugh
Mr K Robinson

Apologies:
Mrs E Bell

In Attendance:
Mrs C Darrah (Committee Clerk)
Mrs V Artt (Assistant Committee Clerk)
Mr D Stevenson (Executive Support)

The Committee met at 1.10 p.m. in private session.

The Chairman extended sympathy on behalf of the Committee to Mr Sammy Wilson (Deputy Chairman) on the recent death of his mother.

1. Consideration of the Draft Household Response Form and the Draft Detailed Response Form for Schools in connection with the Review of Post-Primary Education

  1. The Minister of Education had provided copies of the draft Household Response Form and draft Detailed Response Booklet for Schools, Further Education Colleges, Training Organisations and Community Organisations in confidence and had requested the views and comments of the Committee. Due to the scale of printing and distributing the materials, the Chairman advised the Committee that comments on both Forms were required by 22 March and the Minister had indicated that he would be unable to accept suggested changes after that date.

    2. Mr McElduff joined the meeting at 1.20 p.m.
  2. The Committee considered the draft Household Response Form. Following a detailed and lengthy discussion the Committee agreed a number of points and comments regarding the content of the draft form. A majority of members also agreed a change to the wording of the second bullet point in the first section.
  3. Members raised a number of questions and concerns regarding some of the information being sought in the form and the Committee agreed to request urgent clarification from the Minister of Education on the issues.

    4. Mr McElduff left the meeting at 14.07 p.m.
  4. The Committee considered the draft Detailed Response Booklet to be completed by Schools, Further Education Colleges, Training Organisations and Community Organisations and, following a short discussion, agreed a number comments and changes.
  5. The Committee agreed to consider the further information to be provided by the Minister of Education and a draft response at the meeting scheduled for 21 March 2002.

2. Date and Time of Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Committee was scheduled for Thursday 21 March 2002 at 12.30 p.m. in Room 135, Parliament Buildings.

The Committee was adjourned at 14.17 p.m.

DANNY KENNEDY
Committee Chairman
April 2002

14 March 2002 / Menu / 21 March 2002