§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to promote greater integration of entrepreneurship and education in Northern Ireland. [128288]
§ Mr. PearsonIn March 2003, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, in partnership with the Department of Education and the Department for Employment and Learning, published "Enterprising Education"—the Entrepreneurship and Education Action Plan.
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Exchequer funding £ 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 Total Soccer 50,000 50,000 50,000 59,000 52,500 261,500 11100,000 1500,000 600,000 Gaelic games 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 45,000 165,000 Rugby 16,000 16,000 16,000 16,000 24,000 88,000 Cricket 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 26,330 106,330 Total 116,000 116,000 116,000 225,000 647,830 1,220,830 1These figures indicate the funds allocated to Soccer from the Football Development Centre Programme for 2001–02 and 2002–03. Fully integrating entrepreneurship and education will take time and concentrated effort by a range of key stakeholders. The primary purpose of Enterprising Education is to establish an initial framework of action to provide a strong foundation for moving forward the integration process. The long-term goal is to ensure that every learner, including life-long learners, is given the opportunity to build the skills and develop the attributes which equip any individual to make a unique, innovative and creative contribution in the world of work.
The Action Plan, which will establish benchmarks, is the first stage in a longer-term process and will inform future decision-making. Progress will be reviewed on an annual basis and each Department will continue to promote the benefits of strengthening business/education links within their respective Departments and the wider circles in which they operate.
A copy of the Action Plan can be viewed or downloaded at www.detini.gov.uk.