Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 3

Written Answers - Home-School-Liaison Scheme.

John McGuinness

Question:

230 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department have examined a submission made by the management group of the Fr. McGrath Centre regarding the need for funding of the homework club; and if, in view of this marginalised community's need for such a service and the fact that the project is run on a voluntary basis, his Department will expedite the application and provide financial assistance. [13940/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The question of support for a homework club was one of a range of issues raised in a submission received by my Department from the Fr. McGrath Centre.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department has since allocated a teacher post specifically to support the work of the homework club.

Other issues raised in the submission from the Fr. McGrath Centre related to pre-school provision; after school support for second-level children; and an adult education programme. The question of support for these areas is being considered by my Department.