Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Teacher Appointments.

Pat Carey

Question:

842 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will extend the Breaking the Cycle and early start schemes to all the primary schools in the Ballymun area in view of the unique problems experienced by the education partners in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1294/98]

Pat Carey

Question:

843 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will appoint teacher/counsellors to each of the primary schools in the Ballymun area in view of the problems identified and experienced by the pupils in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1295/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 842 and 843 together.

The operation of the Breaking the Cycle pilot project is being monitored by my Department's inspectorate and the project is being evaluated by the Education Research Centre. The outcome of the evaluation will provide a basis for considering future developments in supports for disadvantaged areas.

I am also reviewing overall provision to combat educational disadvantage and I can assure the Deputy that the needs of schools in the Ballymun area will be fully considered in the context of this review.

I am currently engaged with senior officials in my Department in planning for a national forum on early childhood education.

The national forum will bring together service providers and experts in the field for the purpose of advising me on a strategy for the future development of early childhood education services. My objective in holding the national forum is to allow all groups with an interest in the area of early childhood education to put forward their views as to how best to co-ordinate and support the future development of services in this area. The outcome of the national forum will provide an important input into policy decisions on the future development of early childhood education services.

The operation of the pilot phase of the teaching counsellor scheme is being monitored by my Department's inspectorate. A detailed evaluation of the scheme is currently under way. I expect to receive a report on the outcome of the evaluation before the end of the current school year. The question of any future expansion of this scheme will be considered following completion of the evaluation.

I can assure the Deputy that the needs of the schools in the Ballymun area will be fully considered in the context of any developments which may be undertaken in relation to to above schemes.