I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 92.
The 38 area based partnerships involve a wide geographical spread including key disadvantaged areas. Each partnership 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. The partnerships have flexible budgets through which these supports can be aided financially.
My Department contributes to the planning work of the education and training 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.