Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 461: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a submission from an organisation (details supplied) for an innovative inter-agency initiative to target early age disadvantage; and the possibility of support from her Department for the initiatives. [26533/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The organisation referred to by the Deputy is developing an integrated plan, entitled "Preparing for Life", which is intended to address the needs of children at each stage of their development in order to better prepare them for school. The plan involves mentoring and group training for parents to improve their skills, esteem and aspirations for their children. It is intended that the project will result in improved physical and psychological health and better educational outcomes for children at key stages in their development to the point of reception in school.

Officials of my Department have met with the education co-ordinator of the organisation in question on a number of occasions and have provided advice in regard to the development of the proposal. I understand it will shortly be presented formally to my Department and, at that stage, will be assessed in terms of our programmes to address educational disadvantage.