Paul Bradford
Question:243 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be awarded the allowance for the back to education programme. [21036/00]
Written Answers. - Educational Projects.
It is understood that the person in this case is a third level student receiving a disability allowance and that she is an applicant for a back to education allowance. These allowances are administered by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.
The back to education allowance is an educational opportunities scheme for unemployed people, lone parents, and people with disabilities in receipt of certain social welfare payments.
My Department has forwarded the applicant's details to the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs so that her eligibility under the scheme in question may be examined.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:244 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an organisation (details supplied) is awaiting a response to requests for funding to continue the after school projects at Brookfield and Fettercairn, Dublin 24; if he will make funding available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21067/00]
The after school projects at Brookfield and Fettercairn are two of four components of south Dublin urban initiative's after school project. Two of the components – Clondalkin project for traveller children and the Neilstown- Deansrath project – have already been successful in securing funding from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.
St. Aidan's community school, which is the post primary school associated with the Brookfield project, is included in the stay in school retention plan introduced in 1999. After school supports form part of a range of supports being put in place by individual schools as part of a plan to retain pupils to completion of senior cycle. The retention plan will form the core of a contract between the school, in collaboration with local service providers, and my Department. There is extensive scope for collaboration and integration between the SSRI and the Brookfield initiative.
St. Anne's junior and senior schools are the two primary schools associated with the Fettercairn project. A comprehensive survey of primary schools was completed on my behalf earlier this year by the Educational Research Centre, Drumcondra. The results of the survey will allow for the identification of levels of disadvantage in primary schools. Based on the levels of need identified, the objective will be to introduce a range of significant and specifically targeted interventions that will ensure that disadvantaged children will receive the support they need to succeed in education. Support for the schools in question is being considered in this context.