Press Release
21st June 2001
McNeil Raises School Standards with First Minister - Full Text
At First Minister's Question Time in the Scottish Parliament today, MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, raised the issue of creating safe and modern learning environments in local schools.
The full text of the exchange from the Official Report is reproduced below:
"Mr Duncan McNeil (Greenock and Inverclyde) (Lab): To ask the First Minister what further progress is being made in reducing disruptive behaviour in schools and creating a school environment where all children can pursue their education. (S1F-1164)
"The First Minister (Henry McLeish): The discipline task group's report was published on Tuesday 19 June. It makes 36 wide-ranging and comprehensive recommendations about ways in which school discipline can be improved. I am sure that the report will make a real difference to the ethos in our schools. Copies of the report are being issued to all schools and MSPs before the end of term. An implementation plan will be drawn up and published in the autumn.
"Mr McNeil: Will the First Minister confirm that, to help children to pursue their education, the provision of modern learning environments is vital? It will cost my local authority, Inverclyde Council, £60 million simply to keep its schools wind and watertight for the next 15 years. Will the First Minister confirm that local authorities throughout Scotland can expect the Executive's support in developing the educational infrastructure that our children deserve?
"The First Minister: Yes. There has already been significant investment in the fabric of teaching environments in schools and in school buildings. The Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs is keen to promote positive educational environments. Over the next three years of the spending round, there will be significant investment in our schools to ensure that. Quality is essential and the Executive will invest in it."
ENDS
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