asked the Minister for Education if she has satisfied herself that the boards of management of community and comprehensive schools are meeting the hopes and expectations of their foundation; her views on whether the time has now come to attempt an evaluation of the work of the boards; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

I am satisfied that the boards of management of community and comprehensive schools are meeting the hopes and expectations raised at their foundation. I do not, at present, consider it necessary to carry out an evaluation of the work of the boards.

I am glad to hear the Minister is satisfied. Does she see these boards as a model for future developments in that direction and does she see the participation of teachers and parents' representatives on these boards as being useful to the future development of education? Does the Minister see these boards as being mechanisms whereby the gap between the world of school and the world of work can be narrowed and as a useful way in which there can be a more integrated approach to the problems of discipline and sex education in our schools?

The Deputy's question impinges upon many areas. I am satisfied that the boards of management are meeting the hopes and expectations. I agree that all the schools under the aegis of the Department of Education serves not just an educational but a community interest. As a matter of interest, in line with my policy of meeting constantly with all of the interested groups I had a very fruitful meeting recently with the executive of the Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools. We discussed many items of importance and I reiterated my interest in such schools.