Vol. 478 No. 7
182 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education if she will review the decision not to categorise St. Mary's national school, Dungarvan, County Waterford, as disadvantaged in view of the continuing and increasing problems for the children and staff at this establishment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12305/97]
The basis for the decision not to categorise the school in question as disadvantaged on the last occasion when the scheme was expanded has previously been outlined to the Deputy.
I have no plans at present to extend disadvantaged area status to additional primary schools. Detailed studies of educational disadvantage conducted by the Combat Poverty Agency and the Education Research Centre concluded that disadvantaged area supports should be confined to 16 per cent of the school-going population. The studies noted that the disadvantaged area scheme already extends to more than 17 per cent of pupils.
The case made by the school in question has been noted by my Department and will be fully considered in the event of any further expansion of disadvantaged area supports being undertaken.
