Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 6

Written Answers. - County Kildare Teaching Post.

Alan M. Dukes

Ceist:

179 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Education if she will accede to the case which has been put to her by parents of children attending a school (details supplied) in County Kildare for a concessionary teacher to be appointed from September 1996, in view of the fact that the school authorities have detailed the serious difficulties with which these parents have to contend and in view of the fact that the application for such a post was originally made over three years ago. [1874/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am aware that the school in question has applied for inclusion in the disadvantaged areas scheme and for the provision of a concessionary teaching post which is normally associated with this scheme. The concessionary teaching posts previously associated with the granting of disadvantaged status, are not currently available for allocation.

A detailed report by the Combat Poverty Agency on current approaches to the identification and support of pupils in disadvantaged areas, is currently being considered in my Department. This report will provide a valuable input into the development of future approaches to the identification and support of pupils suffering educational disadvantage. The needs of the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered in the context of any further expansion of the disadvantaged areas scheme which may be undertaken.