22 May 2012, 16:53
Representatives from Young Ballymun and the Early Learning Initiative at the National College of Ireland (NCI) will discuss educational disadvantage at the meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education tomorrow, 23rd May.
Committee Vice Chairman Aodhán O’Ríordáin said: “Educational disadvantage strangles potential and opportunities and perpetuates inequality in society. According to Barnardos, research shows that adults who received quality early years care and education had significantly higher educational attainment, higher earnings levels and are less likely to be involved in crime than those who did not receive quality care and education in early years.
Tomorrow, we will have an opportunity to consider two initiatives aimed at combating educational disadvantage.
Young Ballymun is an area-based Prevention and Early Intervention strategy working to improve outcomes in education, health and mental health for all children, young people and families in Ballymun.
The Early Learning Initiative at the National College of Ireland was established as a community based educational initiative aimed at addressing educational disadvantage through the provision from birth, of an integrated programme of activities, training and supports, for children, parents, families, and child care and education providers. The initiative is in line with the NCI’s mission to widen participation in higher education and unlock each student's potential.
The meeting will also help to inform research that I am carrying out on behalf of the Committee on educational disadvantage which may be the subject of a report on the topic.”
This meeting will start at 9.30am on Wednesday, May 23rd in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.
Committee proceedings can be followed live at:
http://www.oireachtas.ie/ViewDoc.asp?fn=/documents/livewebcast/Web-Live.htm&CatID=83&m=o
For further information please contact:
Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551
Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education
Membership
Damien English, TD (Chairman)
Ray Butler, TD
Áine Collins, TD
Joan Collins, TD
Michael Conaghan, TD
Barry Cowen, TD
Seán Crowe, TD
Tom Fleming, TD
Brendan Griffin, TD
John Halligan, TD
Seán Kyne, TD
Anthony Lawlor, TD
John Lyons, TD
Nicky McFadden, TD
Mary Mitchell O’Connor, TD
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, TD
Aengus Ó Snodaigh, TD
Willie O’Dea, TD
Brendan Ryan, TD
Brendan Smith, TD
Peadar Tóibín, TD
Senators
Deirdre Clune,
John Kelly,
Michael Mullins,
Marie Louise O’Donnell,
Averil Power,
Feargal Quinn