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School Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020

Tuesday, 1 December 2020

Questions (455, 456, 457, 458)

Thomas Gould

Question:

455. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education when official recognition will be given to a centre (details supplied) as an alternative education setting meeting a specific and proven need. [40496/20]

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Thomas Gould

Question:

456. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education if she will provide funding to a centre (details supplied) per student at a level equal to that provided to mainstream schools with same access to resources, such as school equipment and transport. [40497/20]

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Thomas Gould

Question:

457. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education if she will provide funding to a centre (details supplied) for 12 full-time staff. [40498/20]

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Thomas Gould

Question:

458. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a guaranteed €50,000 per annum for the running costs of a centre (details supplied). [40499/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 455 to 458, inclusive, together.

The centre referred to by the Deputy is not a recognised school, but provides education outside of the mainstream school setting for children who have become disengaged from mainstream education.

While my Department primarily supports recognised schools, my Department does provide funding for a small number of alternative settings which provide education for the small number of young people who do not complete mainstream education.

The centre in question currently receives non-pay funding from the Department of €77,500 per annum. My Department also provided funding to the centre to assist with its reopening in September in the context of Covid-19.

In addition Cork Education and Training Board (CETB) fund teaching hours, known as cooperation hours, for the centre. Overall responsibility for the funding of cooperation hours arrangement that supports the centre is under SOLAS, the agency responsible for Further Education and Training, which is under the remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Innovation and Science.

Officials in my Department have been in contact with officials in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science who have made enquiries with Cork ETB on the matters arising. Cork ETB have indicated that they are engaging with SOLAS and Cork Life Centre to address the funding and support request from the Centre under this arrangement.

My Department has committed to a review of out of school settings and this review will inform future policy in this area.

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