Vol. 513 No. 6
147 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will establish local education task forces in each of the partnership areas in order that they will develop local education plans to tackle problems of education disadvantage in their area. [3159/00]
Each of the 38 area based partnerships established training and education sub-committees as specified in the Operational Programme for Urban and Rural Development 1994-99. The role of these committees is to identify how partnerships can best support education and training provision at local level in conjunction with mainstream providers as appropriate.
My Department contributes to the planning work of these committees through my nominated representatives who are drawn from the Department's inspectorate and educational psychological services. In addition, each partnership has the services of an education co-ordinator, 12 full time and 26 part-time posts, which are funded by my Department. These co-ordinators, supported by a national co-ordinator based in area development management, assist in the identification and promotion of suitable initiatives, support cohesion of education initiatives within the partnerships and promote integration with community groups and agencies.
I am satisfied that this support from my Department makes a substantial contribution to partnerships in identifying and developing additional local initiatives to tackle educational disadvantage in their areas.
