Vol. 481 No. 1
236 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of additional schools which have been designated by him for the breaking the cycle scheme in the current academic year over and above those announced by the previous Minister. [15994/97]
279 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has included any further schools in the breaking the cycle initiative since taking office; and if so, the names of these schools. [15601/97]
: I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 and 279 together.
I have not included any additional schools in the breaking the cycle pilot project since my appointment as Minister for Education.
The Deputy will be aware that schools were selected for inclusion in the five-year pilot project by reference to a range of socio-economic indicators devised by the Education Research Centre. A total of 33 urban schools and 123 rural schools are currently included in the project.
The operation of the project is being closely monitored by my Department's inspectorate. In addition, the Education Research Centre has been commissioned to evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot project.
