Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Apr 1992

Vol. 418 No. 7

Written Answers. - Disadvantaged School Status.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

164 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education if he has received representations from a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6W that it be included in the scheme for disadvantaged schools having regard to (1) its location, (2) the catchment areas of its pupils and (3) the absolute necessity to ensure the best quality of educational services at primary school level in order to enable young children to have the best prospects of maximising their abilities by availing of all educational opportunities and facilities; when he will be in a position to include the school within the scheme for disadvantaged schools; if, arising from that, he will outline whether a concessionary teaching post for the school will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

I have received representations from the school mentioned by the Deputy for inclusion in the disadvantaged areas scheme which provides special teaching assistance and extra funding to schools designated as disadvantaged.

Schools seeking disadvantaged status are assessed and prioritised as to need on the basis of socio-economic and educational indicators including such factors as unemployment levels, local authority housing, medical card holders and information on basic literacy and numeracy. In addition, in assessing the relative levels of disadvantage among applicant schools, account is taken of pupil-teacher ratios.

The question of including further schools in the disadvantaged areas scheme, including the one mentioned by the Deputy, will be kept under review in the light of available resources.