Seán Ryan
Question:43 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has for the future of the Breaking the Cycle scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7795/99]
Written Answers. - Breaking the Cycle Scheme.
The present phase of the Breaking the Cycle pilot project was introduced in the autumn of 1996 and is scheduled to operate in the participating schools over a planned five year period. The operation of the scheme is being closely monitored by my Department and the scheme is being evaluated by the Education Research Centre.
Because of the multi-faceted approach to addressing the complex issues in educational disadvantage, the project is designed to have an impact on schools, teachers and pupils. Consequently, the evaluation will be wide-ranging in its focus.
Baseline data has already been developed in relation to children in the participating schools in terms of literacy and numeracy levels. This will provide a benchmark for the final evaluation of the scheme.
An interim report on the operation of the scheme is expected from the Education Research Centre in January, 2000 and the final evaluation report is due in the latter part of that year.
The future of the scheme as a model for addressing educational disadvantage in urban and rural settings will be considered in the light of the findings in the evaluation report.
The House will be aware that I recently announced details of a major initiative to tackle educational disadvantage. This initiative will involve expenditure of £57 million over the next two years to address educational disadvantage at all levels in the education system. It is my intention to continue to build on this initiative in the years ahead.