Ivan Yates
Question:109 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will appoint a home school-community liaison co-ordinator to a post primary school (details supplied) in County Wexford. [8376/00]
Written Answers. - Home-School Liaison Scheme.
Brendan Howlin
Question:111 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has for dealing with educational disadvantage in the Christian Brothers secondary school, New Ross, County Wexford; if he intends to appoint a home school co-ordinator to this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8378/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 111 together.
At present, of the total of 752 schools at second level, 211 schools have disadvantaged status and have been invited to participate in the home school-community liaison scheme.
A study of educational disadvantage conducted by the Combat Poverty Agency and the Educational Research Centre in 1996 concluded that disadvantage status should be confined to 16% of the school going population. The study noted that such status had already been granted to 17% of pupils. As an alternative to extending the disadvantaged areas scheme to additional schools, the study recommended that available resources be targeted on the most disadvantaged schools.
I can assure the Deputy that the position of this school will receive full consideration in the context of any future review of the disadvantaged and home-school-community liaison schemes.