asked the Minister for Education if she will elaborate further on paragraph 2.18 of the action plan in education; how she envisages ensuring that school management at both primary and post-primary level will be made as responsive and effective as possible; and if she feels that there is need for special courses for educational managerial skills.

It is envisaged that discussions will be held with the appropriate authorities to see how school management can be made as effective as possible. It is intended that school management bodies will be encouraged to relate their school programmes to pupil needs through allowing flexibility in curricula as indicated in paragraph 5.3 of the programme for action. The proposed review of the system of posts of responsibility outlined in paragraph 2.20 is also relevant in this regard, as are the proposals to increase participation in management as envisaged in paragraph 2.19. It is recognised that in-service courses in educational management will be necessary as part of the programme for action.

Apart from matters being envisaged, considered later or deferred, what finance will be available, apart from that already announced, to enable school managers to take up suitable managerial courses? Is the Minister prepared to allow the finance to be used to deploy replacements for these principals when they are doing such courses? Finally, is she herself committed to the role of the manager in the primary school and therefore to the necessity in the world today to have special courses a principal could undergo so that he or she will be able to cope with the various issues and inspire and motivate the staff and students for life?

The inclusion of the question of management in the action programme was precisely the priority in helping managers to run their schools better. I do not have the exact figure with me but, as the Deputy is probably aware, the in-service provision in the Estimate this year was more than doubled and the actual proposals for the deployment of that will be given to me in the Department's proposals as to how the in-service training should be conducted. I can assure the Deputy that when we have had the discussions with the proper authority there will be in-service courses for managers and people with appropriate responsibilities as soon as possible.

How long does the Minister envisage the discussions will take before firm action is taken?

As long as necessary.

Surely the Minister accepts there is a need right now, a need which can be identified by those engaged in the process of education?

I am sure the Deputy would not like us to proceed without consultation. We want to see how we will do.

The Minister accepts the need is clearly identified?

That is right.

12.