Gay Mitchell
Ceist:505 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve the application of a school (details supplied) under the Guidance Enhancement Initiative. [20003/01]
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
I recently announced the provision of 50 additional whole time equivalent posts for guidance in post-primary schools under the school guidance enhancement initiative. The posts are intended to develop innovative ways of enhancing guidance for pupils and to promote links between schools, business, voluntary and state agencies.
All second level schools were invited to apply for these posts by the closing date, Friday 29 June 2001. A selection panel, involving experts in the field of guidance and project management, will assess the proposals and make recommendations as to how the posts will be allocated. Priority will be given to proposals that develop and strengthen formal links between schools, business, the local community, voluntary and state agencies, especially schools located in areas of structural unemployment-disadvantaged areas, both rural and urban, and promote the take-up of science subjects at senior cycle through establishing links with employers. An application from the school in question has been received in my Department and will be fully considered with the other applications under the terms of the initiative.