Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 7

Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Status.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

385 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh (cailíní) does not have the same portion of funding as its counterpart Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh (buachaillí); the plans, if any, there are to remedy the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5059/99]

Deirdre Clune

Question:

386 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will sanction an additional teacher for Scoil an Spoiraid Naoimh (cailíní), Curaheen Road, Bishopstown, Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5060/99]

Bernard Allen

Question:

387 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction an additional teacher to Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh (cailíní); if parity funding with its counterpart schools of Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh (buachaillí) and Scoil Therese will be granted in view of the fact it has the least favourable status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5061/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 385 to 387, inclusive, together.

I am aware of the case made by the parents of children attending Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh (cailíní) in support of their application for disadvantaged status. The primary mechanism for addressing educational disadvantage is the disadvantaged areas scheme. As a result of the inclusion of Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh (buachillí), in this scheme it is in receipt of additional funding. Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh, buachillí, gained entry to the disadvantaged areas scheme when it amalgamated with Scoil Columbhain, which already had disadvantaged status.

A study of educational disadvantage conducted by the Combat Poverty Agency and the Education Research Centre in 1996 concluded that disadvantaged status should be confined to 16 per cent of the school-going population. The study noted that such status had already been granted to 17 per cent of pupils. As an alternative to extending the disadvantaged areas scheme to additional schools, the study recommended that available resources should be targeted on the most disadvantaged schools already in the scheme.

The breaking the cycle of disadvantage pilot project was subsequently introduced to deliver the sort of targeted support recommended in the study. The Department's overall response to the problem of educational disadvantage is currently under review. The objective is to ensure that all available resources are properly targeted so that children who are educationally disadvantaged receive the support they need to maximise their potential in the education system.

As the Deputies will be aware the staffing of a national school for a particular year is determined by the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous year. The enrolment of Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh (cailíní) on 30 September 1997 of 259 pupils warrants a staffing of a principal and nine mainstream class teachers for the 1998-99 school year. This is the correct staffing in accordance with the above agreement. In addition, the school has the services of a remedial teacher for the 1998-99 school year.

The school authorities have been in contact with me concerning the resources available to the school. I am having the issues raised by them examined and will be in touch with them shortly.