Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 October 2014
238. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the funding of a centre (details supplied) in County Cork; if she will put in place a funding structure that will ensure the long-term viability of the centre in order that it may continue to deliver educational opportunities for teenagers outside of a formal school setting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38904/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the difficult situation in which the centre in question finds itself in which arises from the decision of its main funder to withdrawal financial support.
In 2014 my Department will provide 968 teacher co-operation hours, under the Co-operation Hours Scheme operated by the local Education and Training Board (ETB), and non-pay funding of €47,500, to the centre.
This Government is committed to addressing educational disadvantage and while services such as this centre meet a particular demand, it is also important to reflect on the significant additional targeted resources which are deployed for the purpose of combating educational disadvantage and early school leaving. These include intensive literacy and numeracy programmes, out-of-school, after school and holiday time supports as well as special needs supports provided to assist young people at risk. It should be noted that there has been a substantial expansion of these initiatives since the establishment of this facility in 1996.
The major budgetary pressures within my Department place significant constraints on its capacity to support existing programmes and, consequently, given the significant range of educational disadvantage interventions already supported by my Department, there is no scope to meet a request for additional funding for this organisation beyond the level of support currently allocated.
The Educational Welfare Services of the Child and Family Agency, TUSLA, which has a statutory remit in relation to school attendance, can provide assistance to parents or guardians in finding appropriate educational placements for all children including those currently in the centre which is the subject of this question.
