Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 2

Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Status.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

187 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools designated as disadvantaged in respect of educational disadvantage; the number of these schools which have ex-quota teaching staff, inclusion in the early start scheme, inclusion in breaking the cycle and a teacher-counsellor on staff; the plans, if any, for extending the schemes at the first three categories to further schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3826/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:

Number of disadvantaged areas scheme (DAS) national schools	318
Number of DAS schools with concessionary disadvantaged teaching posts	248
Number of DAS schools in early start pilot	40
Number of DAS schools in urban breaking the cycle pilot	33
Number of DAS schools in rural breaking the cycle pilot	6
Number of DAS schools in support teacher pilot project (formerly teaching counsellors)	38

I recently announced a major new package to tackle educational disadvantage at all levels. As part of this initiative, arrangements are being made to extend the home/school/community liaison service to all primary schools with disadvantaged status. This development, which will come into effect from September next, will mean that every disadvantaged primary school will have the support of a locally based co-ordinator.

The operation of the support teacher pilot project and the breaking the cycle pilot project is being closely monitored by my Department's Inspectorate. The question of further expansion of these projects will be considered following an evaluation of the operation of their current phase.

My Department is currently considering an evaluation report on early start, together with the report of the forum on early childhood education, as part of the process of preparing a White Paper on early childhood education. The White Paper will set out my proposals for the future development of services in this area.