Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 1

Written Answers - Student Support Schemes.

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

My Department does not operate a national scheme for the provision of homework clubs.

It is open to the group to submit a written proposal to me, which could be considered for funding under certain schemes aimed at tackling educational disadvantage. Resources allocated under these programmes are used for the provision of a range of holistic supports to enable pupils from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds to participate fully in school. These include the early school leaver initiative for eight to 15 year olds for which homework support and after school activities are key elements and the fund for the development of educational responses to certain children at risk.

The Deputy may be aware that my colleague, the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs operates a scheme for the provision of after school supports services.