Vol. 522 No. 2
440 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the exceptional circumstances that apply at two primary schools (details supplied) in Dublin 9, which have to share a concessionary teacher post, he will agree to appoint a separate concessionary teacher to each school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17998/00]
As the Deputy will already be aware, I have set the tackling of educational disadvantage as a priority and will be bringing forward proposals for a major initiative to address the needs of pupils who are encountering educational disadvantage in the primary system.
As a first step in this process, the educational research centre recently issued a comprehensive questionnaire to all primary schools, including the schools referred to by the Deputy. Work on analysis of the responses from schools is nearing completion and the results will allow for the identification of levels of disadvantage in every responding school, including the schools referred to.
I intend allocating additional resources next September to primary schools where there are young people at risk of educational disadvantage. Differing levels of interventions will include extra teacher support and/or extra funding which reflect the levels of need identified. Also, within this new approach, schools that are designated as serving areas of disadvantage will retain supports they already have and may be eligible for additional help.
I expect to make a further announcement on this matter in the near future.
