Vol. 553 No. 6
145 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 95 of 19 June 2002, the date by which the review of the home school community liaison scheme will be complete; the amount of money allocated to the scheme in 2002 for the primary and second level school sectors respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14833/02]
The home school community liaison scheme was established in 1990 and is a key element in my Department's strategy to combat educational disadvantage. Under this scheme, co-ordinators are assigned to schools in disadvantaged areas to work with school staff, parents and relevant community agencies in advancing the educational interests of children. The scheme seeks to address the discontinuity between the children's home and community experiences and the demands of schooling by maximising active participation of targeted pupils in the learning process and by promoting active co-operation and collaboration between home, school and community. A national co-ordinator oversees the day-to-day operation of the scheme and promotes its development.
At present there are 309 primary schools and 211 second level schools included in the home school community liaison scheme. Some €589,909.11 was expended on this scheme at primary level and €503,243.22 at post primary level in 2001, exclusive of teachers salaries. It is projected that a similar amount will be expended in 2002.
The home school community liaison scheme is currently being reviewed by the Educational Research Centre. In addition to examining the impact of the scheme and how efficiently and effectively the scheme has achieved its objectives, this review will help to inform future policy and practice in relation to the development of school, family and community linkages as a means of addressing educational disadvantage. I expect that the Educational Research Centre will have completed its work and submitted a report to my Department by the end of July.
