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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 6

Written Answers. - Primary Schools.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

427 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to ensure that all pupils get a standard of education equal to equivalent schools; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the boards of management and the parents' council in two primary schools (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4786/01]

A national curriculum is in place to cater for the needs of all primary school children. The circumstances and context in which the curriculum is delivered may vary from school to school. The resourcing of schools by my Department takes account of the context and circumstances of schools and of the particular needs of all pupils enrolled in them.

My Department has allocated substantial additional resources to the schools in question to help them to meet their particular needs. Those resources include enhanced capitation grants in respect of traveller pupils, resource teachers for travellers and the services of a home-school-community liaison teacher. In addition my inspectors are in regular contact with the schools and offer advice and support in regard to their work.

A meeting has taken place recently between some of my inspectors and representatives of the parents' council and boards of management of the schools in question. I acknowledge the concerns that have been expressed in relation to the educational provision in those schools. Dialogue with the teachers, management and parents is continuing in order to explore ways of addressing the concerns raised.
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