Pat Upton
Ceist:166 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education the reason a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6 is not classified as disadvantaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8831/95]
Written Answers. - Dublin School Status.
I am aware that the school in question has applied for inclusion in the disadvantaged areas scheme. Schools are selected for inclusion in this scheme on the basis of priority of need as reflected by a range of socio-economic indicators. Factors taken into account include the incidence of unemployment, local authority housing and medical card holders among the parents of the children concerned. Account is also taken of the views of my Department's inspectorate on the relative levels of need between schools and the prevailing pupil-teacher ratio. A total of 54 primary schools have been included in the disadvantaged areas scheme in the current school year. The school referred to by the Deputy did not rate high enough on the priority list for inclusion on that occasion.
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. The criteria used to determine eligibility for inclusion in the disadvantaged areas scheme will be among the matters covered by the study. I expect to receive a report on the outcome of this study by the middle of this year and this will provide a basis for the development of future approaches in this area.
The needs of the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered in the context of any expansion of the disadvantaged areas scheme being undertaken.