A member of my Department's inspectorate met with representatives of the Aosóg project in May 1998. The project applied to my Department for funding under the eight to 15 year old early school leavers' initiative. The submission from this project sought resources for the employment of two project workers and other resources such as set-up costs, part-time administration and running costs.
A large number of applications was received from consortia seeking inclusion in this initiative. All applications were examined by a selection committee comprised of departmental and non-departmental personnel who have expertise in this area. A total of 14 projects areas was selected for funding on a pilot basis over the two school years 1998-99 and 1999-2000. Unfortunately, the application from the Aosóg project was not successful on this occasion.