Finian McGrath
Ceist:265 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if educational disadvantage will be an important part of future proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28439/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 10 November 2004
Ceisteanna (212)
Freagraí scríofa
Tackling educational disadvantage is one of my key priorities as Minister for Education and Science. My approach to addressing this issue is set in the context of the Government's National Action Plan Against Poverty and Social Exclusion 2003-2005, known as NAPs/incl, and the latest partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, which contains a special initiative focused on literacy, numeracy and early school leavers.
A key focus of education policy is to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk and to optimise access, participation and outcomes at every level of the system for disadvantaged groups.
Some €540 million is being provided by my Department in 2004 for programmes specifically designed to tackle educational disadvantage in accordance with the strategies outlined in the NAPs/incl and Sustaining Progress. This includes provision for programmes at pre-school, primary and post-primary levels, as well as for the youth sector, further education measures and programmes designed to broaden access to third level for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This direct expenditure on educational disadvantage represents an increase of over €80 million on the 2003 provision and nearly 8.5% of the net education budget for 2004.
My Department is finalising an overall review of its educational disadvantage programmes with a view to building on what has been achieved to date, adopting a more systematic, targeted and integrated approach and strengthening the capacity of the system to meet the educational needs of disadvantaged children and young people. My priority as Minister for Education and Science will be to continue targeting resources at those areas and people most in need.