Michael Finucane
Question:135 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confer disadvantaged status to combined schools (details supplied) in County Limerick. [2800/98]
Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Status.
The disadvantaged areas scheme was last expanded in 1994 when an additional 54 schools were included 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 my Department's overall provision to combat educational disadvantage in order to ensure that all available resources are deployed to maximum effect. I assure the Deputy that the needs of the schools to which he refers will be considered in the context of any initiative which may be taken in this area.