Tussing Report on Education
Deputies asked whether the Government would accept the report’s proposals on senior-cycle funding and student grants, and how it would meet projected growth in education costs and enrolments. The Minister withheld detailed comment pending public discussion and his Estimate, while promising that the Government would address educational needs and provide necessary finance; he did not directly confirm the proposed doubling of education’s share of GNP or guarantee the existing funding and grants arrangements.
asked the Minister for Education if he accepts the recommendations of the Tussing Report concerning the withdrawal of State support for (1) the post-primary senior cycle, and (2) the university student grants' system; and if he will make a comprehensive statement on the report.
15.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Education the plans his Department has prepared to deal with the increase in educational costs and numbers forecast in the Tussing report.
Comment on this
: With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.
I should point out that the paper— Irish Educational Expenditures—Past, Present and Future—was accepted by The Economic and Social Research Institute for publication and that it is stated in a foreword that the institute is not responsible for either the content or views expressed therein.
I consider that the Minister for Education also should not at this stage offer observations on the views expressed by Professor Tussing which might in any way prejudice an open and full public discussion on them.
The Government will continue to deal adequately with the educational problems arising at all three levels.
Comment on this
: Does the Minister accept the basic analysis of the report, that we will need to double the proportion of GNP going into education by 1986 in order to provide for all the children who will be at school at that time?
Comment on this
: The Minister accepts his responsibility as Minister for Education to deal with the problems that arise at all levels in education, and can assure the Deputy and this House that the Government are determined to resolve the problems and to provide the finance necessary.
Comment on this
: Is the Minister seriously saying that his Government will be able to double the proportion of GNP going to education by 1986?
Comment on this
: I am very grateful to the Deputy who with other Deputies is very ready to put words into my mouth. The Government will deal adequately with the educational problems that will arise at all levels in our system.
Comment on this
: Can the Minister assure the House that the senior cycle in post primary education will continue to be financed as heretofore? Will the Minister assure the House also in relation to third level grants that the system now being used will continue to be used and will not be substituted for by a loans scheme?
Comment on this
: If the Deputy can contain his curiosity until I introduce my Estimate tomorrow he will have the answers to all the questions he has raised.
Comment on this
: Would the Minister agree that it is nonsense to talk of having an open discussion about this fundamentally important report if nobody knows what the Minister for Education thinks about it?
Comment on this
: This is the first time I have become aware that people ready and with the intelligence to discuss any problem, educational or otherwise, wait with bated breath until the Minister for Education speaks before the discussion begins.
