Education imbalance a serious problem - Woods

Minister for Education Dr Michael Woods

The fact that people from disadvantaged communities have a far lower chance of entering third level colleges is a serious problem within Irish society, Minister for Education Dr Woods has said.

Speaking at the launch of series of guides on educational disadvantage, Dr Woods said this problem would take a "multi-faceted approach across many agencies" to change.

The Minister said his Department would work to raise expectations and remove barriers to participation in education.

The four guides, produced by Area Development Management Ltd, are designed for use by parents, teachers, community groups and those involved in adult education and offer advice on how to address such problems as early school leaving, underachievement and poor motivation among students.

"The main focus of the programme is to support integrated social and economic development, promote social inclusion and equality and provide local communities an opportunity to counteract disadvantage," Dr Woods said.

Area Development Management Ltd was formed to support local organisations working within socially disadvantaged communities under the National Development Plan.

Last year the Government promised £95 million under the National Development Plan to tackle under-representation in Third Level education by students with disabilities, students from disadvantaged backgrounds and mature "second chance" students.