23 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education if he intends to introduce an Education Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

69 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education when the Green Paper on Education will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

79 Tomas MacGiolla asked the Minister for Education if he will outline his proposed timetable for the (1) consultation process, (2) Green Paper, (3) White Paper and (4) Education Act, which are referred to in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress.

111 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Education if he will outline when the Green Paper on Education will be published and an Education Bill then enacted.

160 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education if he intends to publish the Green Paper on Education.

I propose to take Question Nos. 23, 69, 79, 111 and 160 together.

I intend very shortly to publish a Green Paper as a comprehensive discussion document on education reform. I will then publish a policy White Paper and layout a programme of appropriate legislation to underpin the development of the education system into the next century.

I envisage a timescale of six months for consultation and debate. Following that the publication of the White Paper and the necessary legislation will proceed without delay.