Brian O'Shea
Question:8 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education if she will outline her plans for the disposal of extra moneys available to her for schools in disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Grants to Schools in Disadvantaged Areas.
It is my intention that a revision of the scheme of grants for schools in disadvantaged areas will include provision for pilot projects of home/school liaison in a number of urban areas, augmented capitation grants and grants for equipment and materials in schools at present designated as disadvantaged and equipment grants for a number of schools in rural areas. The proposals will be finalised following consultations which it is proposed to hold very shortly with school management and teacher organisations.
In the case of post-primary schools, it is proposed to make available additional resources to provide additional teachers in specific disadvantaged areas.
A working party, representative of my Department, unions, management and parents' interests, met to draw up objective criteria to be applied in determining disadvantaged areas at second level. Arising from these meetings, a questionnaire has been sent to all second level schools seeking certain information. This information will, when fully collated, form the basis for the allocation of additional resources to schools in disadvantaged areas for the school year 1990-91.