Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 235: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way he is ensuring that policies, in education in particular are socially inclusive and fair as outlined in the Strategy Statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27695/12]

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

The programme for Government clearly states that education is a priority for this Government and that we will endeavour to protect and enhance the educational experience of children, young people and students. One of my Department's high level goals is to provide a quality inclusive school and early years' education system with improved learning outcomes. A key focus of education policy is to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk and to optimise access, participation and outcomes at every level of the educational system for disadvantaged groups. Inclusion and fairness is at the core of all policies in education and in the delivery of measures across the education spectrum.

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion remains my Department's policy instrument to address educational disadvantage which focuses on addressing and prioritising the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities, from pre-school through second-level education. A sustained programme of investment in early childhood care and education is being implemented to ensure increased provision for children at this critical age.

"Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life: The National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young People 2011-2020" was launched in July 2011. The strategy stresses that developing good literacy and numeracy skills among all young people is fundamental to the life chance of each individual and essential to the quality and equity of Irish society. The strategy sets out a range of objectives and actions in relation to improving outcomes for students who are most marginalised and disadvantaged.

The intercultural education strategy is being implemented to assist in the creation of an intercultural, integrated and inclusive learning environment in all sectors of education. In the light of the very difficult economic situation, and the significant costs involved, the previous Government deferred the full implementation of EPSEN. It is intended to give consideration to the development of a plan to implement the objectives of the EPSEN Act, subject to the restrictions of the current fiscal position, so as to deliver improved educational outcomes for students with special needs.

The principal objectives of further education programmes, which have a strong social inclusion element, are to meet the needs of young early school leavers, provide second-chance education for people who did not complete upper second level, and provide vocational preparation and training for labour market entrants and re-entrants. A wide range of actions to improve access to third level education are being progressed through the implementation of the national plan for equity of access to higher aducation (2008-2013).

My Department cooperates with other Government Departments and agencies where cross-departmental and inter-agency responses are required in the development and implementation of policies. The reform agenda for the education sector as set out in the programme for Government is also being progressed through my membership of key Cabinet committees – social policy, economic recovery and jobs, European affairs, Irish and the Gaeltacht and public sector reform.