Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Jan 1995

Vol. 447 No. 11

Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Status Application.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

152 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Education if she will give favourable consideration to the application of Castletown Girls' national school, Dundalk, County Louth, for disadvantaged status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1036/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am aware that the school in question has applied for inclusion in the disadvantaged areas scheme. Schools are selected for inclusion in this scheme on the basis of priority of need as reflected by a range of socio-economic indicators. Factors taken into account include the incidence of unemployment, local authority housing and medical card holders among the parents of the children concerned. Account is also taken of the views of my Department's inspectorate on the relative levels of need between schools and the prevailing pupil teacher ratios.

A total of 54 additional primary schools have been included in the disadvantaged areas scheme for the current school year. I am keeping the question of further need in this area under ongoing review and the needs of the school mentioned by the Deputy will be fully considered in the context of any future expansion of the scheme which might be undertaken.