Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014
218. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he has taken to promote shared reading programmes in primary schools; if grants have been put in place to support the development of these schemes; the schools that have benefited from these grants; the criteria for this support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19678/14]
View answerIn line with the Primary Curriculum for English, children should be enabled to engage in shared reading activities to support the development of their literacy skills. To support their pupils' learning, teachers are encouraged to vary the organisational groupings in their class and this may include shared reading and/or guided reading. There is a particular emphasis on literacy in DEIS schools. The DEIS School Support Programme includes, amongst other measures, access to literacy support services and to literacy programmes and to Home School Community Liaison services including literacy initiatives involving shared reading and Reading for Fun. There are 658 DEIS primary schools. Outside of DEIS primary schools there are no specific grants in place to support the development or implementation of shared reading in all primary schools.
