28 March, 2008 - Government allocates €10million to assist schools under the Educational Disadvantage Programme 2008

Three new measures introduced

The Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D., and Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey, T.D., today announced almost €10million in funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund and the Rapid Leverage Fund to enhance supports for children in over 220 DEIS schools and 200 pre-schools. Minister Carey was in Limerick today to see some community projects at work.

Announcing the funding allocation, Minister Hanafin said "I am particularly pleased that the funding measures today will enhance a broad range of supports for children in over 220 DEIS schools and 200 pre-schools. This funding will enable over 20 DEIS schools in Limerick to stay open after hours at weekends and during holidays, which means that children and communities who most need it will have access to homework clubs, youth clubs, parenting classes, summer camps, as well as having the school amenities at their disposal.

This was a key recommendation in the Fitzgerald's report looking at social exclusion issues and on improving life for people in the city's disadvantaged communities."

The €10million funding will be available for 3 new measures

• allow over 20 DEIS schools in Limerick to remain open after hours, at weekends and during school holidays
• Enable up to 100 DEIS schools to achieve Digital School Status 
• Upgrade facilities in up to 200 feeder pre-schools for DEIS schools will be enhanced and provide integrated pre-school provision for Traveller children and materials and training to support pre-schools in the integration of Traveller children
• Continue the library enhancement programme in up to 130 DEIS schools.

Speaking on the announcement today, Minister of State, Pat Carey T.D., said "I am pleased that the Government has announced further funding available for projects under the Dormant Accounts Educational Disadvantage Programme. The additional money will compliment the wide range of existing Government programmes designed to tackle educational disadvantage. Whether a grant is provided to support after school homework clubs or for additional ICT equipment, it all helps to alleviate disadvantage and will add value to mainstream Government programmes."

Details of how the scheme will operate will be announced at a future date.

Schools will be informed about how to apply for funding under these new schemes in the coming weeks.

In the case of the library enhancement scheme, schools who already made applied under the first round of funding regarding this initiative will now have their application considered under the current funding announcement. 

Minister Hanafin went on to say "funding will continue to be targeted at those schools and communities who most need assistance. This remains a key focus for the Government as it continues to prioritise investment in tackling education disadvantage. Continuing the library enhancement programme will provide up to 130 schools with enhanced library facilities and enable schools to buy new books to interest and engage their students. 

Increasing the number of DEIS schools achieving Digital School status, by up to 100 schools, means they will be able to upgrade ICT equipment and purchase new computers, laptops, printers, digital cameras or enhance their network capacity - again enhancing the educational opportunities for those who need it most."

Minister Hanafin also spoke about developing pre school provision and enhancing Traveller participation in integrated pre school services where it  will "enhance opportunities for these children as they progress to primary and post primary education," Minister Hanafin said.

Ends