Vol. 508 No. 1
856 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to a proposal made in respect of early school leavers from a school (details supplied); if he will indicate if this proposal can be implemented in the current school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17674/99]
861 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to a proposal made in respect of early school leavers from a school (details supplied); if this proposal will be implemented in this school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17783/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 856 and 861 together.
I am aware that the school in question was involved in one of the groups which applied to my Department in 1998 for inclusion in the early school leavers initiative.
All such applications were examined in detail by a selection committee comprised of departmental and non-departmental personnel who have expertise in this area. A total of 14 project areas were selected for inclusion in the present phase of the initiative. Unfortunately, the group involving the school in question was not successful at that time.
One of the key objectives of the present phase of the initiative, which will operate up to June, 2000 is to test models of response to the problem of early school leaving with a view to their integration after evaluation into mainstream policy and practice.
I can assure the Deputy that the proposal to which he refers will be fully considered in the event of further initiatives being undertaken in the area of early school leaving.
