Vol. 530 No. 6
443 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the action he will take to rectify the dissatisfaction the teaching profession has expressed regarding his Department's recent announcement of grants to disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4913/01]
I take it that the Deputy is referring to the new programme to assist pupils with educational disadvantage in primary schools, which I launched last month.
The new programme involves the creation of 204 new teacher posts and the allocation of substantial additional funding amounting to £26 million over three years to primary schools. The effect of these additional resources will be to provide enhanced services for children from disadvantaged areas. A director of programmes and support staff are being appointed to assist teachers in putting the scheme into practice.
The new programme was widely welcomed as a major contribution to tackling educational disadvantage. Nevertheless, a number of teachers have expressed some reservations about the package in relation to additional responsibilities falling upon schools.
My Department had discussions with the INTO and the other partners in education well in advance of the launch of the new programme. Further discussions are being arranged with the INTO and school management organisations to provide any clarifications required and to facilitate the implementation of the programme.
444 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the list of schools in County Kildare which have received grants under the recently announced disadvantage scheme; the amount of grants received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4914/01]
The information requested by the Deputy will be forwarded directly to him.
