Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 2

Written Answers. - Area Based Partnerships.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

69 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding will continue for the education element of the local partnership companies after 1999; and if his Department will continue to fund the education officer of those companies. [3623/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The area based partnerships are funded at present as part of the EU aided Operational Programme for Local Urban and Rural Development 1994-99, co-ordinated by the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation. The continued operation of the partnerships after the current round of EU Structural Funds and their scope and function will be influenced by emerging developments generally regarding both the negotiations for the new round of EU funding and a greater integration between the local government and the local development systems.

I am committed to the promotion of an integrated area based approach to addressing educational disadvantage, and to the enhancement of links between education providers and community, youth, welfare, employer and training interests. My Department will continue to work closely with local development interests in the future to achieve the objective of integrated area planning and a strengthening of home, school and community links. The education co-ordinators have a critical role to play in this respect.