Minister opens Combat Poverty event

from The Irish Times

by Jason Michael

Minister for Lifelong Learning Seán Haughey today outlined the Government’s strategy in fighting social and educational disadvantage.

Speaking at the opening of Combat Poverty’s national conference Overcoming Barriers to Educational Disadvantage , he said the Government’s commitment to addressing social exclusion and educational disadvantage is evident in the social partnership agreement, the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion, and the National Development Plan.

“ Towards 2016 and the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion adopt a life-cycle approach in addressing these issues. Working with the social partners the Government has set a number of long-term goals which aim to significantly improve the educational opportunities and outcomes for Irish children over the coming years.”

Outlining a number of key developments aimed at education disadvantage, Mr Haughey said measures such as the National Educational Welfare Board, the National Qualifications framework, and the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme are aimed at achieving greater levels of inclusiveness and providing for the diversity of pupils in second level schools.

This year, the Government has committed some €800 million on measures to tackle educational disadvantage representing an increase in the order of €70 million on the 2007 figure, Mr Haughey added.