Vol. 539 No. 2
166 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to continue the work of the Warrington Project which involves five national schools in County Meath; his views on whether this project should not be allowed to finish as stated by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19145/01]
I am aware of the positive outcomes achieved by the Warrington Project in contributing to mutual understanding and reconciliation between Britain and Ireland. The activities of the project include programmes aimed at increasing understanding of Ireland in Britain through the curriculum in England and a Northern Ireland Pilot Project involving cross-community contact, exchange and residential opportunities for some 20 schools in Ireland, North and South and in Britain.
Co-ordination and support for the Northern Ireland Pilot Project is funded by the Department of Education in the North. My Department has funded the participation costs of five primary schools from this jurisdiction. This three-year pilot project is due to be completed in August 2001. I understand that an evaluation, commissioned by the Department in the North, is currently under way and that a decision on further funding will be made when the outcome of the evaluation becomes available.
My Department is engaged in developing a joint approach for a coherent strategy for all exchange projects with the Department of Education in the North and will consider proposals relating to the Warrington Project in this context.
