Vol. 421 No. 8
127 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education if he will classify four schools (details supplied) in County Tipperary as disadvantaged in view of the social needs of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
All 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. This enables the relative levels of disadvantage between schools to be established and provides a basis for listing schools in order of need.
The schools in question did not qualify to date for disadvantaged status on the above basis. The question of including further schools in the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, including the ones referred to by the Deputy, will be kept under review in the light of available resources.
