Vol. 516 No. 2
81 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give details of the participation of officials of his Department with an initiative in west Dublin (details supplied); the number of officials involved; his views on whether this involvement by his Department is a model for addressing educational problems in particular geographic areas; and the plans, if any, he has to extend this programme. [7134/00]
The initiative in question is designed to improve school attendance levels among the general school population in the area in question. It is a local initiative involving a number of primary and post-primary schools. I understand that An Garda Síochána, Tallaght youth service and Dublin Bus are also involved. A committee called the Tallaght schools attendance initiative committee has been formed. Two visiting teachers for travellers have been involved in the initiative. These, while employed by my Department, are not Department officials. One of the visiting teachers acts as chairperson of the committee.
The work of the visiting teachers for travellers involves contact with schools, traveller families and other relevant bodies such as this committee. Similar attendance committees are in operation in other parts of the country.
I believe that such local co-operative initiatives can be very effective in improving school attendance.
