Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 6

Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Status.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

447 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the senior part of a school (details provided) in County Mayo is classified as not disadvantaged when the junior part of the same national school is so classified; and if the entire school can be reclassified as disadvantaged. [10889/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

The situation to which the Deputy refers involves two separate schools, one of which is a junior school and one of which is a senior school. Neither of the schools in question has been designated as disadvantaged under the disadvantaged areas scheme.

However, the junior school is included in the rural phase of the breaking the cycle of disadvantage initiative. This initiative is focused on primary schools in rural areas with fewer than five teachers. Schools were selected for inclusion in the initiative on the basis of priority of need as reflected under a range of socio-economic criteria devised by the educational research centre. The junior school in question secured inclusion in breaking the cycle on the basis of data submitted in respect of its pupils. The senior school was not eligible for inclusion because of its staffing level.

I have set the tackling of educational disadvantage as a priority and will be bringing forward proposals for a major initiative to address the needs of pupils who are encountering educational disadvantage within the primary system.

As a first step in this process, the educational research centre has recently issued a comprehensive questionnaire to all primary schools, including the schools to which the Deputy refers. Responses from schools will allow for an accurate identification of levels of disadvantage in every school. Based on the levels of need identified, my objective is to introduce a range of significant and specifically targeted interventions which will ensure that disadvantaged children will receive the support they require to enable them to succeed in the education system. The interventions in question will take the form of extra teacher support or extra funding, or both, depending on the nature and level of need identified.

I expect to make a further announcement in relation to this matter in the near future.