Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 296: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department operates or funds school completion programmes or other programmes that may have an emphasis on keeping children in school; if such programmes exist, the way in which a school may apply for such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24213/04]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 337: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department offers assistance, financial or otherwise, to schools or to other groups or agencies in an attempt to improve the school completion rate for primary and secondary school children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24511/04]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 337 together.

My Department currently funds 64 Garda youth diversion projects in a multi-agency approach to diverting young people from becoming involved, or more involved, in anti-social or criminal activity. Some of the activities and support provided within the projects facilitate the young people with completion of their school homework and generally encourage them to complete their secondary education. The budgetary provision for the projects as a whole for 2004 is €5.318 million. Areas and individuals are selected for Garda youth diversion projects according to internationally recognised factors for offending which include reference to socio-economic status and educational attainment.