Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Nov 1999

Vol. 509 No. 6

Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Status.

John Perry

Question:

651 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if St. Joseph's special school, Ballytivnan, County Sligo, is categorised as a disadvantaged school; when a decision will be made in order that children who are educationally disadvantaged and with special needs receive the support necessary to provide extra curriculum activities for them including swimming in view of the fact it has 62 pupils on the roll; the steps, if any, he has in place to ensure that the costs of the swimming programme is covered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21844/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The school in question is a special school for pupils assessed as having a moderate general learning disability. Special schools are not considered for inclusion in the disadvantaged areas scheme because they are already in receipt of staffing and funding allocations which are significantly more advantageous than those made available to schools in disadvantaged areas.

My Department does not specifically fund extra curricular activities undertaken by special schools. The funding of such activities, including swimming programmes, is a matter for the school authorities.