A series of measures to tackle educational disadvantage were unveiled by the Minister for Education, Dr Woods, last night.
The new initiatives include:
The establishment of a statutory Educational Disadvantage Committee chaired by Prof ┴ine Hyland of UCC.
The convening of a broader Forum to Address Educational Disadvantage, also chaired by Prof Hyland.
The appointment of a Director of Programmes who will oversee initiatives and programmes catering for educational disadvantage.
The new committee will advise the Minister on policies and strategies to identify and correct educational disadvantage.
In the past, the Conference of the Religious in Ireland (CORI) has been critical of the delay in setting up the committee.
The committee will co-ordinate and oversee the implementation of new and existing initiatives in the area.
Among other roles, it will help to co-ordinate the response to educational disadvantage among government departments and State agencies.
The Forum to Address Educational Disadvantage will meet at least twice a year and will have a vital role in advising on issues relating to educational disadvantage and exclusion from the full benefits of education.
The other members of the education disadvantage committee are: Dr Tony Crooks; Mr Pat Ryan; Ms Valerie Duffy; Sister Teresa McCormack; Ms Berni Brady; Mr Tom Kelleghan; Ms Maura Grant; Mr Aidan Savage; Ms Concepta Conaty; Mr Paul Kelly; Ms Catherine Hazlett; Mr Thomas Monaghan; Dr Peadar Cremin; Ms Noreen Flynn; Ms Carmel Curran; Mr Seβn ╙ Floinn; Ms Inez Bailey; Dr Ann Louise Gilligan; Mr ╔amon ╙ hAllmhurβin; and Ms Rita Conway.