Profile

Minister for Education & Science ( June 1997 - January 2000)

 As Minister for Education and Science, Micheál sanctioned major investments in primary and post-primary education. He also initiated numerous educational initiatives.

Investment in special needs education is vitally important. In 1998 Micheál introduced Special Needs Assistants and extra Resources Teachers to support special needs children in Primary School. Autistic children were given official recognition for the first time.

 For the first time since 1971 the Primary School curriculum was updated and reformed. Major changes included a new Irish language curriculum based on a communicative approach, a revised English curriculum, greater emphasis on Maths and Science and a more wide-ranging approach to PE.

 IT2000, a €81m programme to roll out computers, IT and high speed access to schools nationwide. The programme was hailed internationally and was regarded as an example for other countries to follow at EU level.

 The Introduction of FETAC – a national qualifications framework which has implemented best international practice in promoting education, protect the interests of students and allows individual institutions to receive recognition for their work.

 Leaving Certificate Students were allowed to review their results for the first time, a service now used by hundreds of students each year.

 Nationally there was major investment in colleges.

 In Cork, UCC received its new Health Sciences Complex, including the schools of Pharmacy, Nursing, Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy. The new Cork School of Music was sanctioned as was the National Maritime College. There was a new building for St John’s Central College and extensions to the College of Commerce and Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa.