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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 1994

Vol. 437 No. 6

Written Answers. - Lifestart Initiative.

Edward Nealon

Question:

57 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Education if she has examined the principles and proposals of the Lifestart Foundation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Frank Crowley

Question:

94 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Education if she has examined the principles and proposals of the Lifestart Foundation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

102 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education if she has examined the principles and proposals of the Lifestart Foundation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

The Lifestart initiative proposal has been submitted by its promoters for consideration by my Department in the context, particularly, of the proposals for a Local Development Programme in the National Development Plan. The Local Development Programme proposes, inter alia, an area-based local development initiative targeted at disadvantaged areas. Educational initiatives, to address particular local problems regarding educational participation and attainment, including at the primary level, are among the key objectives of the area based strategy.

The stated aim of the Lifestart Initiative is "to design, develop and pilot a home based intervention programme that will alleviate social exclusion resulting from unemployment within families with young children". The promoter has indicated that he would wish to test the proposal initially on a pilot basis.

The issue of EC funding for this programme has been raised with my Department. Unfortunately there are no such funds specifically available to my Department, at present, for direct funding of this proposal. However, on a more positive note, it would be open to the promoter of the initiative to seek funding from the relevant community-based area based partnerships under the Local Development Programme.

The Government's commitment to the resolution of the educational problems of children in disadvantaged areas has already been demonstrated by the increased level of targeted assistance which has been provided for in the Estimates for 1994.

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