Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Feb 1997

Vol. 474 No. 3

Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

178 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Education if she will grant disadvantaged status to Assumption junior girl's school, Walkinstown, Dublin 12 (details supplied); the reason the Assumption primary school, which coincidentally is on the same campus as the Walkinstown secondary school is denied this status in view of the fact that the adjoining schools, Walkinstown secondary school, St. Paul's primary school, Greenhills, St. Agnes' primary school, Crumlin and Loreto primary school, Crumlin have been granted this status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2994/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I have no plans at present to extend disadvantaged area status to additional primary schools. The disadvantaged areas scheme was last expanded in 1994 when an additional 54 primary schools were included for funding purposes only. All primary schools, including the school referred to by the Deputy, were invited to apply for inclusion in the scheme on that occasion. However, I understand that no application was received from the school in question and its case was not therefore considered.

In the current school year, I launched the Breaking the Cycle initiative in an effort to target resources on selected urban and rural schools which have been identified as being particularly disadvantaged. The urban phase of the scheme was targeted on schools which already had disadvantaged status. Unfortunately, by virtue of its not having disadvantaged status, the school in question was not eligible for inclusion in this initiative. I understand that officials from my Department will shortly be meeting with representatives of the school in question to discuss their situation.