Vol. 431 No. 6
162 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) in County Meath will be declared a disadvantaged school due to the dense population which is in the area; if this declaration was made, if it would be possible for them to retain the number of teachers which they have at the moment; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware that the school in question has recently applied for inclusion in the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.
As I have recently announced in the House, I am allocating additional exquota teaching posts to the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme with effect from September, 1993. As part of this arrangement, additional schools will be newly included in the scheme.
All national schools were recently circularised and invited to apply for inclusion in this allocation. On the basis of information submitted, schools will be assessed and prioritised in order of need.
The application submitted by the school mentioned by the Deputy, together with applications received from all the schools that responded to the circular, will be given full consideration in this context.
