John McGuinness
Question:156 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science when the details of the school completion programme will be announced; and if Kilkenny city VEC school will be considered for the scheme. [2995/02]
Written Answers. - School Completion Programme.
Liam Lawlor
Question:165 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has decided upon the specific allocation of the 65 new project sites announced under the school completion programme; and if so, the details in this regard. [3005/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 165 together.
The Deputy will be aware that I am committed to addressing educational disadvantage. During my period as Minister I have secured significant additional resources to assist young people in realising their potential through education.
At present my Department supports two initiatives aimed at increasing the retention of pupils in school, namely the eight to 15 early school leaver initiative and the stay in school retention initiative at second level. Significant funding has been made available by this Government under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 to address the problem of early school leaving.
I have provided a total of €22.5 million for these school completion initiatives in 2002. I expect that this will be sufficient to facilitate a significant expansion that will focus on areas with the greatest pupil retention difficulties, as identified through my Department's post-primary pupil database. In this regard, proposals are currently under consideration in my Department and I expect to be in a position to make a further announcement in relation to this matter shortly.