Written Answers. - Integrated Services Project.
Gay Mitchell
Question:
55
Mr. G. Mitchell
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
his views on the concept of integrated service initiatives, which go far beyond traditional education partners, as an important step towards supporting families in a holistic manner with an aim of enhanced education participation; and the discussions, if any, he has had with the Departments of Health and Children, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Tourism, Sport and Recreation towards advancing this approach.
[3633/99]
The integrated delivery of services to children and families at risk is one of the most important concepts in addressing the challenge of educational disadvantage. Fundamental to the concept is the understanding that disadvantage is a multifaceted issue and can be addressed effectively only in a multifaceted way.
I would like to assure the House that I am fully committed to the concept of integrated service initiatives which are designed to address the needs of local communities in their totality. As the Deputy is aware, this approach is currently being developed in four designated areas under the integrated services project and is being monitored by the Cabinet committee on social inclusion of which I am a member. A committee of senior officials from various Departments, including those mentioned by the Deputy, supports the Cabinet committee.
The initiative is intended to address a hierarchy of needs including housing and environment, social order, community development, health, childcare, education, recreation, youth initiatives, training and employment. In my view, co-ordination of all State services and agencies in addressing needs is crucial in order to optimise the benefits of services to families and individuals in these communities and to break the traditional intergenerational cycle of disadvantage.
The way in which resources are deployed is as important as the level of resources available to State agencies. Research has shown that those most at risk of not benefiting from the system are the children of the unemployed or the children of early school leavers. Therefore, educational achievement, both initial and second chance, is a key issue to be addressed within the overall strategy.
My officials have had initial discussions with the Departments identified by the Deputy on optimising the participation by my Department and, in particular, with the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation which has responsibility for local development. Area Development Management, which has a full-time co-ordinator assigned to the initiative, has also been consulted. I have also recently nominated four officials within my Department to act as co-ordinator of the project in the four designated areas who will pursue resource and other issues for their areas with the relevant divisions. I am aware that the local vocational education committees have done likewise. I understand that a seminar has been arranged later this month to brief all Government and State agency personnel assigned to work on this initiative.
I can assure the House of the commitment of my Department to this initiative, which will act as a model for our approach to service delivery in other disadvantaged areas, and to working with all Departments and agencies in a concerted effort to reduce exclusion, marginalisation and poverty and establish an inclusive society where all citizens have the opportunity and the incentive to participate fully in the social and economic life of the country.
