John Cregan
Question:362 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider the decision to phase out the SSRI scheme which has proved a huge success to date to a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [1169/03]
Vol. 560 No. 1
362 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider the decision to phase out the SSRI scheme which has proved a huge success to date to a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [1169/03]
375 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the retention of the SSRI programme at Colaiste Mhuire, Johnstown, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1191/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 362 and 375 together.
The school completion programme, SCP, which was introduced in 2002 directly targets those in danger of dropping out of the education system and builds on two earlier schemes, incorporating the elements of best practice established by the eight to 15 year old early school leaver initiative, ESLI, and the stay-in-school retention initiative at second level, SSRI, the pilot phases of which came to an end in August and July 2002 respectively.
The school completion programme is a key component of the Department's strategy to discriminate positively in favour of children and young people who are at risk of early school leaving.