Joseph Doyle
Question:24 Mr. Doyle asked the Minister for Education if he will consider the setting up of parenting courses in schools where there is a high level of social disadvantage; and if he will make a state ment on the matter.
Written Answers. - School Parking Courses.
Jim Mitchell
Question:30 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if he will consider the setting up of parenting courses in school where there is a high level of social disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Jim Higgins
Question:32 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education if he will consider the setting up of parenting courses in schools where there is a high level of social disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Michael Finucane
Question:64 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Education if he will consider the setting up of parenting courses in schools where there is a high level of social disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Michael Lowry
Question:87 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education if he will consider the setting up of parenting courses in schools where there is a high level of social disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
P. J. Sheehan
Question:108 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Education if he will consider the setting up of parenting courses in schools where there is a high level of social disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 30, 32, 64, 87 and 108 together.
My Department have initiated a programme of education for parents for 20 post-primary schools in disadvantaged areas in Dublin. The programme aims at facilitating effective participation and involvement by parents in supporting their children's educational development. The programme also incorporates opportunities for the parents' own self-development and skills enhancement. The combined total enrolment of the schools concerned is just over 11,000. The extension of the programme to more schools will be considered following an evaluation of the present programme.
The home/school liaison programme initiated by my Department in respect of a number of primary and post-primary schools in disadvantaged areas involves a high degree of consultation with parents. Home visitation and meetings with groups of parents are organised and programmes in parenting and self-development are conducted as a necessary part of the programme.
Parenting courses are also provided in some areas in an out-of-school context under schemes funded by my Department for disadvantaged youths and disadvantaged adults.