Funding allocated to the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) since 2020 from The Reach Fund (formerly the Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage Fund) is projected to reach €931K by the end of this year.
That’s according to figures obtained by the Independent TD for Laois-Offaly, Carol Nolan.
Deputy Nolan who is also a member of Oireachtas Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has been engaging with Government on the need for a greater level of co-ordinated focus on targeting educational disadvantage for a number of years.
The figures which were released by Minister Simon Harris, show that a total of €334,027 was allocated to LOETB in 2020, while an additional €238,433 was allocated in 2021.
The projected funding allocation for this year is expected to be €358,771.
“I have always placed tackling access to education and overcoming educational disadvantage at the heart of my political life,” said Deputy Nolan.
“I therefore want to welcome the funding allocated under the Reach Fund.
“I especially want to welcome the fact that since 2020 approximately 65 groups of learners will have benefited from their participation in the programme.
“This is designed to increase the capacity of community education providers to address the decline of participation of disadvantaged learners.”
“I also remain committed to seeking the re-establishment of the Oireachtas Education Disadvantage Committee.
“Because while the Reach Fund is delivered through SOLAS and administered by the 16 ETBs around the country, I still believe we need a high-level dedicated forum where all of the issues that contribute to causing educational disadvantage can be assessed and dealt with,” concluded Deputy Nolan.
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