Vol. 487 No. 2
68 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will include Scoil Lorcain boys' national school, Waterford in the scheme of assistance for schools in designated areas of disadvantage in view of the fact that they have been seeking this for 13 years and are in an acknowledged area of disadvantage in the Waterford area action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3673/98]
76 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has for the further development of programmes for schools in disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3635/98]
89 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will include Scoil Lorcain boys' national school, St. John's Park, Waterford in the scheme of assistance for schools in designated areas of disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3507/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 76 and 89 together.
I am aware that the school to which the Deputiues refer has been seeking inclusion in the disadvantaged areas scheme. This scheme was last expanded in 1994 when an additional 54 schools were included for capitation purposes only. Unfortunately, the school in question was not selected on that occasion.
As an alternative to a further widening of the scheme, and following in-depth studies of educational disadvantage conducted by the Combat Poverty Agency and the Education Research Centre, a new pilot project, Breaking the Cycle, was launched in May 1996. The operation of this project is being closely monitored by my Department and the project is being evaluated by the Education Research Centre.
I am currently reviewing my Department's overall response to the problem of educational disadvantage. My objective is to ensure that all available resources are properly targeted so that children who are educationally disadvantaged receive the support they need to maximise their potential in the educational system. I assure the Deputies that the needs of the school to which they refer will be considered in the context of this review.
