Vol. 481 No. 6
71 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the current position regarding the application by Scoil Miceal Naofa national school, Stanhope Place, Athy, Co. Kildare, for disadvantaged status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16594/97]
147 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will favourably consider St. Joseph's boys national school for disadvantaged status in view of the fact that St. Bridget's Holy Faith Convent was granted this status and the children come from the same areas and families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16770/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 147 together.
The applicatioin in question is one of a number of requests for disadvantaged status which have been lodged with my Department.
The disadvantaged areas scheme was last expanded in 1994 when an additional 54 schools were included for capitation purposes only. As an alternative to a further widening of the scheme, and following in-depth studies of educational disadvantage conducted by the Education Research Centre and the Combat Poverty Agency, a new pilot initiative, the breaking the cycle initiative, was launched in May 1996.
I am considering a range of options for future provision to combat educational disadvantage. The needs of the school in question will be considered in the context of this review.
