Vol. 529 No. 3
77 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason he has not included a measure which would substantially increase the role of parents of disadvantaged children in their child's education in respect of his recently announced package to tackle educational disadvantage; if he has any proposals to address this discrepancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2754/01]
I assume that the Deputy refers to my launch on 4 January of the new programme of supports for pupils in primary schools from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The role of parents in their children's education is clearly defined in the Education Act, 1998. The promotion of the role of parents in their children's education in areas of disadvantage has been a core element of the Department of Education and Science policy and practice since 1990. The development of the home-school-community liaison scheme that began in that year in designated schools serving areas of disadvantage has the specific aim of promoting collaboration between parents and teachers in the interests of children's education. The principle of parental involvement and development remains high on the Department's agenda and continues to be a core element of its strategies in addressing educational disadvantage.
Under the new programme, resources will have to be deployed on promoting the involvement of the parents of targeted children in their children's education and development. Specific provision from the new resources will have to be made to meet parents' developmental needs, to enhance their recognition of the role they play in their children's education, and to promote their capacity to carry out that role. These requirements are clearly indicated in the conditions of acceptance of the additional resources in the new programme brochure "Giving Children an Even Break by Tackling Disadvantage". The relevant conditions state that schools must "involve parents in their children's education and develop specific strategies that will support parents so that they can engage in that role".
Questions Nos. 78 and 79 answered with Question No. 34.
