asked the Minister for Education if she will designate all of Tallaght, Dublin 24, a disadvantaged area for education purposes to ensure that there are no cuts in teacher numbers in the community schools, colleges and primary schools; the representations she has received in this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Aid Scheme for Schools.
83.
The implications of the decision to increase the pupil-teacher ratio in the vocational, community and comprehensive schools sector have been under examination by the Central Review Committee established under the Programme for National Recovery. The 1988-89 teaching staff allocations in respect of vocational education committees and community and comprehensive schools must await consideration of the outcome of that examination.
The selection of national schools for inclusion in my Department's special scheme of aid for schools serving disadvantaged areas is based on the particular circumstances of individual schools and not in relation to a general area. For this reason, it would not be possible to accede to the proposal for disadvantaged status for the Tallaght area as a whole.