Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 1

Written Answers. - Home-School Liaison Scheme.

John McGuinness

Question:

382 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider the submission made to his Department by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny regarding funding for an adult parent intervention programme for the Presentation secondary school, Loughboy, Kilkenny; if he will consider funding a home school links person in the context of the submission which was made to his Department in April 1998; and if he will make a statement on the proposal and his Department's intentions in relation to the issues raised. [26656/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

As part of the budget package which I announced last week to tackle educational disadvantage, the allocation of additional teaching posts will ensure that every disadvantaged school will have access to the home-school-community liaison service from September 1999. The Presentation secondary school, Loughboy is not, however, classified as a disadvantaged school.

I should add that the approved teacher allocation for this school for the current school year is in excess of that warranted by the enrolment in the school. The question of funding for an adult parent intervention programme for the school is a matter in the first instance for the adult education organiser of the County Kilkenny Vocational Education Committee.