Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Status.

Austin Deasy

Question:

1219 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of schools did not receive application forms to participate in the national educational disadvantage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1907/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

In March 2000, my Department issued a circular to all primary schools advising them of the new programme and that a comprehensive survey of educational disadvantage in schools would be undertaken by the educational research centre in the near future. The ERC issued a questionnaire together with relevant instructions to primary schools in April and this was followed up by a further letter to schools in May requesting them to submit their completed questionnaires. Participation in the survey was not obligatory and over 75% of schools completed and returned questionnaires.

All normal procedures were followed to ensure that information concerning the programme reached all primary schools. Where schools allege that they did not receive any of the communications issued, it is open to them to make a submission to me outlining their circumstances in relation to educational disadvantage. These submissions will be referred to the ERC for consideration. The situation of these schools will then be further considered.