Vol. 521 No. 4
274 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education and Science the new programme targeted at boys in schools; the plans he has to ensure that this programme is offered in as wide a range of schools as possible; the budget he has allocated in this regard; the reason he did not launch this initiative himself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17167/00]
The programme referred to by the Deputy – exploring masculinities – will be disseminated by the transition year support service. This will ensure the widest possible dissemination of the programme, as this service operates nationally. Funding for the service is provided by the in career development unit of my Department. Additional funding will be made available through education centres to support teachers who are implementing the programme, as recommended by the external evaluator of the project.
I was on stand by in the Dáil for the Education Welfare Bill on the day the programme was launched, 24 May, and was therefore unable to carry out this function. However, a senior official represented me at the event and made a presentation on my behalf welcoming the initiative.
