Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 188: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the cost of enabling all schools to offer transition year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14320/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Due to industrial action by some staff in the Department of Education and Science, I am not in a position to provide the costings sought by the Deputy.

Every year, my Department invites all second-level schools to participate in the Transition Year Programme.

The management authority of each school is responsible for making decisions regarding the Transition Year Programme in their school. Guidelines have been issued by my Department to support schools in this process. In some schools, the programme is compulsory for all students. In those that offer it as an option, circumstances may arise where it is necessary to limit the number of students who can avail of it. In cases where restrictions apply, schools should have clear procedures regarding how places are allocated to students.

As announced in the Budget in December, additional funding is to be allocated to schools which participate in the Transition Year Programme. Officials in my Department are currently considering the manner in which this money will be disbursed to schools. The relevant management bodies will be consulted as part of this process.