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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 2

Written Answers. - RAPID Programme.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

89 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in respect of the recently announced RAPID programme to tackle disadvantage in 25 designated areas, he will indicate the persons who will represent his Department on each of the co-ordinating committees in view of the importance of addressing educational disadvantage in each of these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6962/01]

Question:

92 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the role his Department will play in the RAPID programme; the amount of money available to the Department under RAPID; and if he will dedicate staff to assist the schools serving areas of greatest disadvantage. [6931/01]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 92 together.

I am fully supportive of the RAPID programme targeted at the 25 most concentrated areas of disadvantage in the country, launched recently by the Taoiseach, as there is undoubtedly a strong link between poor educational achievement and socio-economic deprivation. While my Department, as currently structured, is not in a position to provide representation on each of the 25 RAPID area implementation teams, I have requested that the task force which is drawing up a blueprint for the implementation of the Cromien report – the review of Department's operations, systems and staffing needs – should develop proposals in this regard.
Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, up to £5.35 billion will be provided for education which includes social inclusion and lifelong learning measures and education infrastructure. It is envisaged that the RAPID programme will prioritise the 25 identified areas and front-load expenditure to tackle the varying needs and priorities of each area. My Department has an extensive range of programmes including staffing support to assist schools serving the areas of greatest disadvantage. These include: "Giving Children An Even Break"– the new programme for pupils in primary schools from disadvantaged backgrounds. This provision now incorporates schools that already have designated disadvantaged status and schools in the urban dimension of Breaking the Cycle. Schools in the latter project are being allocated additional funding under the new programme.
Schools categorised as urban-town with the highest concentrations of at risk pupils will be supported where necessary through the three-year period by staff allocations to implement a PTR of 20:1 in the junior classes – infants through second class – and a maximum of 29:1 in senior classes, third through sixth classes.
The "Stay in School" Retention at Second Level in 117 schools incorporates learning about the importance of integrated services from the 8-15 early school leaver initiative. Participating schools are required to devise focused and targeted integrated plans that involve local agencies in collaborative actions in support of young people at risk of early school leaving. A team of three co-ordinators is supporting schools in preparation of their plans towards which additional financial and other supports are provided. The home/school/community liaison scheme promotes parental collaboration with teachers in the children's learning.
Learning support and resource teachers are also included.
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