Vol. 522 No. 2
497 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider the application received from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16 to be included in the priority list of disadvantaged schools as the disadvantaged nature of the area covered has already been established in its designation as a drugs task force area. [18375/00]
As the Deputy is already 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.
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. 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.
