Parents to meet Minister about information on schools

The Minister of Education Mary Hanafin will be meeting union representatives next month to discuss the issue of publishing more information on schools.

Members parents, schools and teachers unions will be at the meeting, which aims at striking a balance between providing enough information on schools to parents, without creating unhealthy competition between schools.

Minister Hanafin has admitted to being in favour of publishing school inspection reports to help parents choose which school is best for their child.

However she remains opposed to the introduction of controversial school league tables.

The Teachers Union of Ireland is in agreement with the Minister on this issue.

"Parents are entitled to reasonable information about schools," said Paddy Healy, president of the TUI.

"But any information made available should take into account the full social context in which a school operates."