Vol. 520 No. 4
243 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to provide 200 additional teachers to disadvantaged national schools in 2000; and if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3 will be considered in this regard. [15965/00]
I have set the tackling of educational disadvantage as a priority and will bring forward proposals for a major initiative to address the needs of pupils who are encountering educational disadvantage in the primary system.
As a first step in this process, the educational research centre recently issued a comprehensive questionnaire to all primary schools, including the school to which the Deputy refers. Work on analysis of the responses from schools is nearing completion and the results will allow for an accurate identification of levels of disadvantage in every school, including the school in question.
Based on the levels of need identified, my objective is to introduce a range of significant and specifically targeted interventions which will ensure that disadvantaged children receive the support they require to enable them to succeed in the education system. These interventions will take the form of extra teacher support or extra funding, or both, depending on the nature and level of need identified.
I can assure the Deputy that the needs of the school to which he refers will be fully considered as part of this process.
I expect to make a further announcement on this matter in the near future.
