Vol. 522 No. 2
467 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to designate certain schools as crisis disadvantaged in view of the fact that a survey has been conducted of all disadvantaged schools. [18236/00]
As the Deputy may already be aware, 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 in the primary system.
As a first step in this process, the Educational Research Centre recently issued a comprehensive questionnaire to all primary schools. Work on analysis of the responses from schools is nearing completion and the results will allow for the identification of levels of disadvantage in every responding school.
I intend allocating additional resources next September to primary schools where there are young people at risk of educational disadvantage. Differing levels of interventions will include extra teacher support and/or extra funding which reflect the levels of need identified. Also, within this new approach, schools that are designated as serving areas of disadvantage will retain supports they already have and may be eligible for additional help.
I expect to make a further announcement in relation to this matter in the near future.
468 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the integrated services process has been of any effect on schools designated as disadvantaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18237/00]
The four designated integrated process areas – ISP – are: Dublin north east inner city, Dublin 8 – St. Michael's Estate, Dolphin House, St. Teresa's Gardens and Fatima Mansions – Jobstown, Tallaght and Togher, Cork.
469 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to give extra remuneration to teachers who opt to remain or take up a job in a disadvantaged school in view of the effect of teacher shortages in these schools. [18238/00]
470 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider extending the island allowance for teachers and have it renamed as a scheme and incorporate teachers in disadvantaged schools. [18239/00]
472 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has for a Dublin weighted allowance for teachers in view of the high cost of living in Dublin city and its suburbs, including adjacent counties. [18241/00]
491 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to introduce favourable conditions of employment for second level teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18332/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 469, 470, 472 and 491 together.
471 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to dedicate a specific substitute panel for the Tallaght area in view of the severe impact teacher shortages are having on local schools that are disadvantaged. [18240/00]
The Deputy may be aware that a supply panel scheme to provide substitute teaching has been operating in certain areas for a number of years.
The issue of extending the scheme will be addressed when discussions on the staffing of schools for the 2001-02 school year are held with the managerial authorities of primary schools and the INTO. The needs of schools in the Tallaght area will be examined in the context of any extension to the scheme.
473 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of untrained teachers who are teaching in schools that are designated. [18242/00]
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded directly to him.
