Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 October 2013
115. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of reversing the cuts to rural DEIS schools introduced in budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41727/13]
View answerI have no plans to reverse my decision on the withdrawal of posts from 16 rural DEIS schools as implemented under Budget 2012. Of the 328 DEIS Rural primary schools in 2012, these 16 schools lost one legacy post each. DEIS Rural Primary schools are not included for preferential pupil teacher ratios under DEIS, as generally, their rural location tends to ensure they have lower class sizes. DEIS rural primary schools continue to receive the following supports:
- Additional capitation funding based on level of disadvantage.
- Additional funding for schools books.
- Access to the School Meals Programme.
- Access to planning supports.
- Access to a range of professional development supports.
