Jim Higgins
Question:15 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education if she has satisfied herself with the role of education in coping with poverty traps in society; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Education Needs of Disadvantaged.
I believe that an education system which addresses in a positive way the needs of the disadvantaged can contribute significantly to alleviating the problems of those who are socio-economically deprived.
My policy, as outlined throughout the Programme for Economic and Social Progress is to target available resources to assist the disadvantaged. The programme contains proposals for the allocation of additional teaching posts to schools in disadvantaged areas, for the establishment of a fund of an additional £1 million in 1991, £2 million in 1992 and £3 million in 1993 to assist in various areas of disadvantage and for the targeting of places at third level for the disadvantaged.
In addition, for those who have left the education system without deriving full potential benefit from it, the programme proposes enhanced measures aimed at providing second-chance education through an expansion of the vocational training opportunities scheme, the Youthreach scheme and adult, literacy and community development programmes. Our aim in many of the agreements reached under the programme will be, as it has always been, to target those in all levels of education who are deemed to be disadvantaged and in need of help.
In view of the fact that the Combat Poverty Agency and other agencies involved in the area of disadvantage and poverty have indicated that 31 per cent of the population live below the poverty line, does the Minister not accept that the amounts she has mentioned, laudable and all as her intentions are, are derisory in the context of the scale of the problem? Does the Minister not realise that she has one of the most significant social instruments in her hands to do something positive in regard to poverty and disadvantage?
Of course I do and this is why all Governments have been particularly conscious of the central role education plays in everybody's life. This is why extreme care has been taken in the programme to ensure that the additional resources which have been agreed to by the social partners with the Government will be mainly targeted at those who are disadvantaged in every way.
I want to point out to the Deputy and to the House that this admirable work which is being expanded is not carried out only at primary level; it is carried out also at second level. Programmes are being set up whereby students who drop out of school for one reason or another will be able to come back into school, for example, through the vocational training opportunities scheme or the Youthreach scheme. Following on from that young people who have potential but whose expectations are not raised for one reason or another will be encouraged to go on to third level education. We are going to tell the universities and the VEC third level colleges that they have a duty — they want to do this — to reach out to those people who may not fulfil their potential and bring them into the system.
In the context of third level education, another look will be taken at the entitlement of mature students to higher level education. The criteria and various other measure governing this entitlement seem to be outmoded. The Minister for Social Welfare and I have worked very closely on many new initiatives in this area. The Minister for Social Welfare has dealt with the entitlement of adults to third level education and the waiving of certain criteria to enable people to go back into education without losing their entitlements while I have looked at the question of making provision for such people. The Government are totally committed to measures such as these.
Deputy Eamon Gilmore was offering earlier.
Does the Minister accept that she is presiding over a two-tier education system which in many respects reinforces inequality in our society? Can the Minister say whether she has any proposals to provide pre-school education since very often inequality begins at that level and some children go to primary school in an already advantaged position?
I do not accept that I or the Government preside over a two-tier educational system. The Deputy and other members of his party use that catchphrase very explicitly on occasion but they never think it through or say exactly what they mean——
Does the Minister——
Let me reply, please. I have just explained in great detail the provisions already in place and the further enhanced expansion of those provisions to which we are committed. Our system of education is not a two-tier one.
The Deputy asked about the provision of pre-school education. We already operate a very extensive system of pre-school education for the children of travelling people. I am sure the Deputy will agree that such children are disadvantaged and need particular care. Provision is also made for other children who are deemed to need such help. It would be wonderful if pre-school education could be provided for children throughout the country. I would remind the Deputy that we have the earliest primary school starting age and longest primary school cycle in Europe. Our children benefit greatly from this. Furthermore, under a special fund set up last year a number of teachers were allocated to help with home-school liaison between parents and the schools. This scheme which also focused on disadvantaged pupils was a source of encouragement to them and their parents.
A final question from Deputy Brian O'Shea.
Would the Minister not agree that there is a basic flaw in the approach adopted in dealing with pupils who are educationally disadvantaged? Schools can only do so much in rectifying the problems which exist — most problems emanate in the home. As I have said previously in the House, school welfare officers who would co-ordinate the work done by the voluntary and statutory organisations in regard to problem children referred to them by schools should be appointed in each area. The problems at home could also be dealt with in this context. This would ensure that resources would be aimed at young children. If these problems are not dealt with while children are young they will not be dealt with effectively.
As the Deputy rightly said, the time to tackle problems is in early childhood. As I have said, to that end we have established pilot psychological schemes in two areas. The results of these schemes will form the basis of further developments in this field. In addition, teachers with a special disposition towards dealing with problem children and problems within the home will be appointed. I have great hopes that this scheme will yield fruitful results.
I have received Private Notice Questions from Deputies Bernard Durkan, Peter Barry and Pat Rabbitte. I will call the Deputies in the order in which they submitted the questions to my office. I first call Deputy Bernard Durkan to put his question.