It is my intention to continue with the phased expansion of the home school community liaison scheme as resources permit. The position of St. Mary's secondary school, Glasnevin will be given full consideration in the context of further expansion of the scheme.
In the current school year, of the total of 762 schools at second level, 190 schools have disadvantaged status. In designating these schools as disadvantaged regard was had to a range of criteria including the number of 1st-year pupils whose parents are in receipt of unemployment assistance or benefit; the number living in rented local authority housing and non-permanent accommodation; the number living with lone parents; the number whose parents hold a medical card; the number with significant literacy and numeracy difficulties; the number of rural pupils from a deprived economic background and the percentage of pupils who drop out of school at or about 15 years of age without any formal educational qualifications.
I have no proposals at present for designating further schools as disadvantaged. However, I can assure the Deputy that the position of St. Mary's secondary school will receive full cosideration in the context of any future review of this scheme.