Vol. 484 No. 2
97 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if funds have been set aside to expand the Breaking the Cycle programme in view of the fact that the 1998 Estimates for Public Services have been published; if a school (details supplied) in County Kildare is on the priority list of schools to be added to the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21706/97]
The abridged Estimates which have been published recently do not generally represent the total planned provision for public expenditure. It is normal practice for the Government to review and adjust the expenditure provisions in the context of finalising the budget and in the light of more up to date outturn figures.
Moreover, the Estimates provisions are only the first stage in the process of determining specific allocations, improvements and initiatives across all sectors of education. This process will extend over the next number of months and I will convey the necessary details as decisions are taken.
A total of 33 urban and 123 rural schools are currently included in the Breaking the Cycle pilot project. These schools were selected on the basis of priority of need as reflected under a range of socio-economic criteria.
The operation of the project is being closely monitored by my Department's inspectorate and the project is being evaluated by the Education Research Centre. The outcome of the evaluation will provide a basis for considering future developments in supports for disadvantaged areas.
I assure the Deputy that the needs of the school to which he refers will be considered in the context of any additional resource allocations which may be undertaken in the area of educational disadvantage.
