Joe McHugh
Ceist:159 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will issue a response on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7338/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 12 April 2011
Ceisteanna (144)
Freagraí scríofa
The Junkkouture initiative supports aspects of the Art Craft and Design, Home Economics, Civic Social and Political Education, Science, Business and Social and Environmental studies aspects of the curriculum in second level schools. Overall, education for sustainable development and environmental awareness and care are significant themes underpinning many subjects within the curriculum in our schools.
These issues also feature in the Transition Year programme, where each school has the flexibility to design its own programme within a framework set out by my Department. As part of this, schools are encouraged to provide for innovative activities which develop students' key competences in such areas as research, planning and budgeting, design, team work, and evaluation. Many schools provide musicals, fashion shows and participate in competitions as part of this approach. Schools therefore have discretion as to whether they wish to participate in Junkkouture in meeting the learning objectives of the Transition Year Programme, or in supporting other aspects of the curriculum. They may also fund participation in the programme from the capitation grants and other programme resources allocated to schools, should they wish to do so.
My Department must meet a range of competing demands in a difficult budgetary climate. Accordingly I am not in a position to provide funding for this initiative.