Dáil Éireann - Volume 537 - 31 May, 2001

Written Answers. - Home-School Liaison Scheme.

Ms Shortall Ms Shortall

178. Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the operation of the home-school liaison scheme; the number of schools which have a teacher under this scheme; the number which are sharing the services of a teacher; and his plans for the further development of this service. [16474/01]

Dr. Woods Dr. Woods

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods): The home-school community liaison scheme was established in 1990 and is a key element in my Department's strategy to combat educational disadvantage. Under this scheme, co-ordinators are assigned to schools in disadvantaged areas to work with school staff, parents and relevant community agencies in advancing the educational interests of children. A national co-ordinator oversees the day-to-day operation of the scheme and promotes its development with the help of two assistant national co-ordinators.

At present, there are 176 co-ordinators serving the 311 primary schools that are included in the home school community liaison scheme. Of these, 57 primary schools have their own co-ordinators and the remaining 254 schools share co-ordinators with other schools.

The home-school community liaison scheme was last expanded in September 1999. This expansion included any remaining schools designated as disadvantaged that did not have a home-school community liaison service. There are no plans at present to further expand the home-school community liaison scheme at primary level.

At second level, 211 second level schools that are designated as disadvantaged have been invited to participate in home-school community liaison scheme and have been allocated additional teaching resources to facilitate their participation. There are no plans at present to further extend the home-school community liaison scheme at second level.

Dáil Éireann 537 Written Answers. Home-School Liaison Scheme.

Questions

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