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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 7 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 2

Written Answers. - Educational Disadvantage.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

44 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on INTO concerns with regard to the inadequacy of the new programme in tackling educational disadvantage; the developments to date in funding and resourcing the large number of schools who did not return application forms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6949/01]

The new programme, Giving Children An Even Break, costing £26 million over three years involves the creation of 204 new primary teacher posts and the allocation of substantial additional funding to participating schools. The effect of these additional resources will be to provide enhanced services for children from disadvantaged areas. An enhanced support structure is being put in place to assist teachers in putting the scheme into practice.

The new programme was widely welcomed as a major contribution to tackling educational disadvantage. Nevertheless, a number of teachers have expressed some reservations about the package in relation to additional responsibilities falling upon schools.

My Department had discussions with the INTO and the other partners in education well in advance of the launch of the new programme. Further discussions are being arranged with the INTO and school management organisations to provide any clarifications required and to facilitate the implementation of the programme.

In March 2000, my Department issued a circular to all primary schools advising them of the new programme and that a comprehensive survey of educational disadvantage in schools would be undertaken by the Educational Research Centre in the near future. The ERC issued a questionnaire together with relevant instructions to primary schools in April and this was followed up by a further letter to schools in May requesting them to submit their completed questionnaires. Participation in the survey was not obligatory and over 75% of schools completed and returned questionnaires.

All normal procedures were followed to ensure that information concerning the programme reached all primary schools. Where a survey return was not received from schools, it is open to them to make a submission to me outlining their circumstances in relation to educational disadvantage. These submissions will be referred to the ERC for consideration. The situation of these schools will then be further considered.

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