Vol. 515 No. 3
346 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has in relation to the extension of the Breaking the Cycle scheme in disadvantaged schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6235/00]
The Breaking the Cycle pilot project was introduced in 33 urban and 123 rural schools in 1996 to test models of intervention, which would offset the effects of educational disadvantage, over a five-year period.
The Educational Research Centre, Drumcondra, was commissioned to evaluate the pilot project and carried out a programme of testing in English and mathematics in third and sixth class in the project schools in 1996 to establish baseline data against which future attainment test results will be compared. It is proposed to assess pupils' literacy and numeracy attainment again in May 2000 and the initial impact of the initiative on pupil achievement will be measured in this context. Any extension of the project's provisions to further schools will be considered in light of the final evaluation report.
On 15 December 1999 the Taoiseach launched The New Deal – A Plan for Educational Opportunity. This involves a three-year programme and the allocation of £194 million to tackle educational disadvantage at all levels. The initial step in implementing the programme will involve a survey of all primary schools during the current school term to identify the precise concentrations of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. The allocation of additional resources to the schools will be decided in the light of the survey information and the level and nature of the supports will reflect the level of need identified.
It is my intention to attach particular priority to the issue of educational disadvantage and to ensure that an efficient and effective system of support for disadvantaged pupils is put in place by my Department.
