Major cash boost to combat poverty

A MASSIVE of e3 million in funding has been allocated to the Northside Partnership’s Preparing for Life Programme.

The funding was approved at Cabinet level as part of a e12 million package that is being allocated to three area-based anti-poverty strategies.

The initial commitment for these programmes was announced in Budget 2013 but was not formalised until recently.

Deputy Aodhán � Ríordáin (Lab) welcomed the confirmation of e3 million for the anti-poverty strategy that would help kids in Darndale, Priorswood and parts of Kilmore.

“I am really pleased about this announcement as I have been pushing for this funding to be allocated for some time,

? he said.

“I would like to thank my colleague, Minister Brendan Howlin for engaging with me on this issue.

?

Deputy � Ríordáin said these strategies were targeted at the most disadvantaged of areas, and were designed to empower young parents from earliest pregnancy to when their children are at school-going age with positive interventions based on literacy, diet and oral language.

“They are based on international best practice, research and are delivering real difference in communities beset with acute disadvantage,

? Deputy Ã? Ríordáin added.

“Education is the key to social advancement and freedom. It is the future for our children and our society. It demands investment in the local community and throughout the national public system.

“All studies show that early intervention is key, which is why this allocation of funding is a huge achievement and another example of Labour delivering in Government.”