Vol. 523 No. 1
1087 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the continued funding of the South Dublin urban initiative's after schools project is in doubt; and if funding will be made available to continue this work. [20558/00]
This initiative has four components: Clondalkin project for Traveller children; Brookfield project, linked to St Aidan's Community School; Fettercairn project; and Neilstown and Deansrath.
The project organisers were advised by my officials earlier this year to submit the Clondalkin project for Traveller children to the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs for consideration under their out of school hours and childcare programme introduced this year. The application was successful and funding has been approved towards staffing and running costs.
I understand that the Neilstown and Deansrath project has also recently secured funding from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs under the same programme.
The three post primary schools associated with the Brookfield, Fettercairn, Neilstown and Deansrath projects, St. Aidan's Community School, Deansrath and Collinstown Park Community Colleges are all included in the stay in school retention initiative – SSRI – introduced in 1999. After school supports form part of a range of supports being put in place by individual schools as part of a plan to retain pupils to completion of senior cycle. The retention plan will form the core of a contract between the school in collaboration with local service providers and my Department. There is extensive scope for collaboration and integration between the SSRI and the south urban initiative after schools initiative.
At primary level, the schools participating are St. Anne's junior and senior, St. Ronan's and St. Peter the Apostle. A comprehensive survey of all primary schools was completed on my behalf earlier this year by the Educational Research Centre, Drumcondra. The results will allow for an accurate identification of levels of disadvantage in every primary school. Based on the levels of need identified, the objective will be to introduce a range of significant and specifically targeted interventions that will ensure that disadvantaged children will receive the support they need to succeed in the education system. Support for the schools in question is being considered in this context.
