Written Answers. - Education in Disadvangtaged Areas.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
146
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
if he has satisfied himself that the educational system provides an adequate preparation at primary level in disadvantaged areas for young people who hope to achieve employment in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[21762/97]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
147
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
the proposals, if any, he has to improve the education system at primary and secondary level in disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[21763/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 147 together.
I assure the Deputy I am acutely aware of the importance of early educational intervention to support children in disadvantaged areas. While significant advances have been made in this area in recent years, I have no doubt that much still needs to be done.
At present, a comprehensive range of special support services are targeted at children in disadvantaged areas. At primary level, these include the early start pre-school programme; the disadvantaged areas scheme; the breaking the cycle pilot programme; the home-school-community liaison scheme; and the teaching counsellor scheme. Expenditure on these schemes in 1997 amounted to in excess of £17 million.
Yesterday's budget announced a major innovation in the tax treatment of donations to disadvantaged schools. This initiative is aimed at significantly improving the capacity of disadvantaged schools to secure funding thus putting them on a level playing pitch with schools for whom, traditionally, fund raising has not posed a problem. The details of this scheme will be set out in the forthcoming Finance Bill.
At post-primary level, measures include curricular reforms such as the junior certificate elementary programmes and alternative leaving certificate programmes; second chance education and training through the provision of Youthreach for qualified early school leavers; and the provision of additional educational services to second level schools to cater for the needs of disadvantaged pupils, such as the allocation of disadvantaged, remedial, guidance, home-school links and resource posts.
Most recently, under the mid-term review of EU funding, I have obtained significant funding for projects which will focus on children in the eight to 15 age range who are at risk of early school leaving or who are already outside the mainstream school system. New initiatives in urban and rural areas of disadvantage will be supported over the next two years to establish models of effective practice. The initiatives will involve parterships of local agencies, with schools collaborating with voluntary and statutory bodies in the delivery of preventative and support services for young people in the age range.
I am also reviewing provision across the special needs area, including the area of educational disadvantage, to ensure that all resources which become available will be utilised to maximum effect.
