Vol. 491 No. 7
211 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide the necessary funding for services to meet the needs of children in a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the fact that this school needs assistance to combat the disadvantage that it suffers. [13264/98]
212 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide the necessary funding for the position of a home liaison teacher for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [13265/98]
213 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide the necessary funding for a second class for children with learning difficulties in view of the fact that children are awaiting placement for a class at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [13266/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 211, 212 and 213 together.
I am currently reviewing the range of support services provided by my Department to combat educational disadvantage, including supports provided through the home/school/community liaison scheme. My objective is to ensure that all available resources are properly targeted so that children who are educationally disadvantaged receive the support necessary to enable them to maximise their potential in the education system.
I can assure the Deputy that the needs of the school to which he refers will be fully considered in the context of any additional resource allocations which may be undertaken to address educational disadvantage.
I am aware that the school in question has applied to my Department for the establishment of a second special class to cater for children with mild mental handicap. I understand that this application is currently being examined by my Department's inspectorate. Once the inspectorate has presented its report, a decision will be made on the school's application.
