HC Deb 12 March 2003 vol 401 c310W
8. Helen Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to improve educational standards in deprived areas of Northern Ireland. [101446]

Jane Kennedy

It is my objective that all children, irrespective of their backgrounds and circumstances, have the best possible opportunity to achieve their full potential and are properly prepared for the transition to adult life. The Department's new Targeting Social Need action plan contains a wide range of actions and targets aimed at tackling low educational achievement, low personal and social skills and poor employability among disadvantaged children and young people.