Thomas P. Broughan
Question:944 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confer disadvantaged status on a primary school in Dublin north east (details supplied). [2196/98]
Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Status.
The school in question is one of a number of schools which have applied to my Department for disadvantaged status.
The disadvantaged areas scheme has not been extended at all for three years, and in these cases for capitation purposes only. As an alternative to a further widening of the scheme, and following in-depth studies of educational disadvantage conducted by the Education Research Centre and the Combat Poverty Agency, a new pilot project, the Breaking the Cycle pilot project, was launched in May 1996.
I am currently reviewing overall provision to combat educational disadvantage. I assure the Deputy that the needs of the school in question will be considered in the context of this review.