§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the outcome was of the Education and Youth Council held on 26 February; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [157915]
§ Alan JohnsonThe Education, Youth and Culture Council on 26 February adopted the joint Commission/Council interim report on the detailed work programme on the follow-up to the Lisbon Objectives on education and training systems in Europe for transmission to the 2004 Spring European Council.
The proposal for a Decision to establish "Europass", a single transparency tool for qualifications and competences was discussed. This part of the discussion was held in public and televised. The Irish Presidency are aiming to reach a Common Position on this by May 2004.
The Council adopted a number of items without discussion. These included the Decision establishing new rules for the Advisory Committee on Vocational Training (ACVT), lo take account of EU enlargement.
The Commission announced that it would be adopting a Communication next month on the next generation of education spending programmes. This Communication will set out the Commission's proposals for the next phase of Socrates, Leonardo da Vinci and Tempus, (2007–2013).
The Commission presented its Report on the follow-up to the Recommendation of the European Parliament and Council on mobility within the Community of students, persons undergoing training, volunteers and teachers and trainers.
Over lunch, progress on the 2004 European Year of Education through Sport was discussed. This is intended to showcase and promote the role of physical education and school sport, in particular its contribution to whole school standards and developing citizenship.
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