Michael Creed
Question:396 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has a strategy to facilitate the increased participation of young single parents in the education system. [15118/01]
Written Answers. - Early School Leavers.
This Government is committed to reducing the number of pupils, including young single parents, who leave school before completion of the senior cycle. My Department does not prescribe any special rules for the treatment of pregnant schoolgirls by school authorities, however I expect that in dealing with any particular case school management would have regard to the sensitivity of the situation with its priority being the well-being of the pupil concerned. I hope pregnancy causes no more than a temporary absence from school and that each pupil would be in a position to resume her education following the birth of the child. It will be appreciated that no two sets of circumstances will be identical and, accordingly, management practice will vary from case to case.
Generally, when it comes to the attention of the school that a pupil is pregnant the school authorities check to ensure the girl is receiving appropriate medical assistance and counselling advice. Schools endeavour to be sensitive and understanding while trying to ensure her education is not neglected. Home tuition is provided to pregnant schoolgirls who are pupils at recognised schools. It is provided to pupils who are absent from school during the later stages of pregnancy or immediately following the birth of a baby when attendance may be impractical. The intention is to provide compensatory instruction during the time immediately before or after the birth of their babies when attendance at school may be impractical.
It is intended that the tuition will minimise the disruption to the girls' education and so maximise their chance of continuing in school to complete the senior cycle. This is in line with Government policy to improve school retention rates, as it will enable pupils to sit the junior or leaving certificate examinations at the earliest possible opportunity. Schools are expected to support pregnant schoolgirls and my Department is willing to offer these pupils some practical support.
The arrangements made at examination time for a pregnant girl depend on her particular circumstances at the time. A candidate may not wish to sit her examinations in the main centre, in which case she may take her exams in a special room in the school. If a candidate is in hospital, arrangements can be made for her to take her exams there. If a candidate feels unwell during the course of the examinations she may be allowed leave the examination centre and readmitted provided she has been in the care of the principal or a representative of the school authority during her absence. In exceptional circumstances a candidate may take the examinations at a later time than scheduled, but on the same day.
In 1998 a scheme of childcare was introduced for early school leavers on youthreach and senior traveller training centre programmes and for unemployed adults on VTOS. The scheme provides funds for direct provision of crèches, purchase of places on community or commercial crèches, or payment of childminders subject to tax compliance and registration as required with the health boards. Some 1,308 children and 1,050 parents are currently benefiting from the measure at a cost of £2.4 million per annum.