I share the Deputy's view that the provision of educational opportunity must be an essential part of any solution to the difficulties faced by the north Clondalkin area.
Indeed, my Department have already taken a number of initiatives in this regard. A total of ten primary schools in the area, including the school mentioned by the Deputy, are already included in the disadvantaged areas scheme and as such have each been allocated an ex-quota teaching post to supplement normal staffing levels. In addition, the schools in question are given special extra grants assistance to meet their operating, materials and equipment needs. A total of £83,674 in extra grants was paid to these schools in 1991.
Furthermore, all of these schools are included in the home/school/community liaison programme and thereby benefit from the locally based services of special home/school/community liaison teachers who work with parents of pupils and local interests to achieve greater awareness of and involvement in the children's education.
The Deputy will be aware that a special inter-departmental committee was established by the Minister for Justice to consider the needs of the area and the question of educational provision will form an important part of this consideration. I can assure the Deputy that any recommendations for further action in the education field which the committee may suggest will be given urgent and sympathetic consideration.
