Vol. 449 No. 6
60 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education if she will make a cash allocation to help solve the financial difficulties of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if disadvantaged status will be granted to this school in view of the fact that it has been granted to neighbouring schools in the same parish. [4201/95]
I am aware that the school in question has sought assistance under the disadvantaged areas scheme.
As recently announced, I have secured a substantial increase in the level of funding available to assist schools in disadvantaged areas in the current year. The allocation to the Disadvantaged Areas Fund for 1995 is £3.4 million, representing an increase of £1.3 million on the amount spent in this area in 1994.
I have commissioned the Combat Poverty Agency to conduct a detailed study of current approaches to the identification and support of pupils in disadvantaged areas.
I hope to take account of the outcome of that study in allocating the increased resources available for disadvantaged areas in 1995 and the needs of the school mentioned by the Deputy will be considered in this context.
