Parents’ representation on school boards
Taylor questioned whether limited parent representation on school boards was democratic and asked if it would be increased. The Minister said she wanted parents to have a meaningful role and would consider his suggestion, without promising to implement it.
I have dwelt at length on this question. I want to make progress on other questions also. I will allow the Deputy a very brief question.
Comment on this
My questions are always very brief. Will the Minister explain to the House how she can say that the Government of the schools is in any way democratic when the parents' representation thereon is confined to one or two parents on school boards of maybe 12, 14 or 16 people? How can one say that is democracy? Does the Minister have it in mind to increase the parents' representation on these school boards to a substantial extent that will give some meaning to the suggestion that democracy exists in the Government?
Comment on this
I thank Deputy Stagg for his good wishes but I regret the question he put was of another nature. I hope we will have an opportunity to talk about it again. With regard to what Deputy Taylor asked, the present democracy on school boards has existed for the past four years. I have clearly expressed my wish to see parents play a meaningful role in education. I will bear Deputy Taylor's suggestions in mind — although I am not saying I will implement them — when reviewing the operations of these boards.