Vol. 500 No. 2
56 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the total percentage of his budget at primary and post primary levels which is allocated specifically to schemes which counter socio-economic disadvantage in schools; and the number and proportion of teachers allocated to these schemes at each level. [3712/99]
My Department operates a policy of positive discrimination in favour of all disadvantaged students and schools. Total provision in support of the disadvantaged includes the core funding of these schools, special staffing arrangements, increased capitation grants, favourable arrangements in regard to capital provision, including local contributions, alleviation of examination fees and transport costs, the provision of special curricular programmes, a schools psychological service and number of student support schemes. As support for the disadvantaged permeates virtually all aspects of education expenditure, it is not feasible to indicate precisely the percentage of budgets devoted to it.
I would like to place on record the fact that I am very conscious of the vital role that education can play in ensuring greater social inclusion. Education is a key ingredient in ensuring that each individual has the opportunity to maximise his or her potential. Education is also crucial in breaking the cycle of inter-generational disadvantage and re-integrating into society and the workforce those at risk of becoming marginalised.
For these reasons my Department has, as I have stated earlier, a wide range of measures in place, including early intervention measures, to help alleviate the negative impact of socio-economic disadvantage across the education spectrum.
The primary mechanism for addressing the effects of socio-economic deprivation is the disadvantaged areas schemes which provide special teaching assistance and extra funding to schools in designated areas of disadvantage. At present under these schemes, a total of 318 primary schools and 211 second level schools are in receipt of special support packages. The schools in question serve a total of 75,508 primary pupils and 99,000 second level pupils in disadvantaged areas. There are 294 additional over quota teaching posts at primary level and 209 additional teaching posts at second level.
Schools in the disadvantaged areas schemes may also benefit from other initiatives targeted to combat educational disadvantage. These include the home-school-community liaison scheme; the Breaking the Cycle scheme; the Early Start pre-school pilot project; and the support teacher pilot scheme, all of which are targeted at primary schools in areas of particular disadvantage. In addition, the recently introduced early school leavers initiative focuses on children in the eight to 15 year age group and involves schools at first and second level.
Other significant initiatives to aid the disadvantaged include the vocational training opportunities scheme for unemployed people over 21 years of age, Youthreach for young people who have left the education system without any qualifications, support for junior and senior traveller training centres and the provision of teaching services to FÁS funded community training workshops. My Department provides significant funding in support of disadvantaged youth outside of the formal education system and contributes also to the alleviation of educational disadvantage among adults.
