Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 2 Jul 1998

Vol. 493 No. 5

Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Status.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

240 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will extend disadvantaged area status to Portlaw National School, Portlaw, County Waterford (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16619/98]

Austin Deasy

Ceist:

266 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider the inclusion of Portlaw National School in the disadvantaged areas scheme in view of the continuing socio-economic difficulties in the area. [16788/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 240 and 266 together.

I am currently reviewing the range of support services provided by my Department to combat educational disadvantage. My objective is to ensure that all available resources are properly targeted so that children who are educationally disadvantaged receive the support necessary to enable them to maximise their potential in the education system.

I can assure the Deputies that the needs of the school to which they refer will be fully considered in the context of any additional resource allocations which may be undertaken to address educational disadvantage.