Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 1

Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Status.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

429 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will benefit from the funding allocated in the budget for disadvantaged schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29760/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I have set the tackling of educational disadvantage as a priority and I will announce shortly the details of a new programme aimed at tackling educational disadvantage in selected primary schools over a three year period.

The school referred to by the Deputy participated in the recent survey of educational disadvantage in primary schools. Under the new programme, schools found to have the highest concentrations of pupils with characteristics that are associated with educational disadvantage and early school leaving will be allocated resources that reflect the levels of concentration and the relative needs of pupils at risk. The programme will cost in excess of £25 million over three years and will involve the allocation of 200 new teaching posts and financial assistance to selected schools.

Question No. 430 taken with Question No. 418.