Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 1467: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will ensure that art therapy is included in all long-term plans for schools in disadvantaged areas; and if she will make this a priority issue. [1158/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The new action plan for educational inclusion DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) aims to ensure that the educational needs of children and young people, from pre-school to completion of upper second-level education (3 to 18 years), from disadvantaged communities are prioritised and effectively addressed.

Some 873 schools were selected to participate in the new School Support Programme under DEIS. These comprise 670 primary schools (338 urban/town schools and 332 rural schools) and 203 second-level schools.

Under the action plan, a continuing emphasis will be placed on the development of programmes by building on the existing work of the Home School Community Liaison Scheme and the School Completion Programme in extending access to in-school, after-school and out-of-school activities.

Therapeutic supports are offered through the School Completion Programme as part of in-school activities to targeted young people at risk of early school leaving. In addition, grants amounting to approximately €13.4 million for 670 Primary schools and 203 Post Primary schools and 80 Post Primary Schools receiving grants under pre-existing schemes to assist them with their respective levels of disadvantage and a further €4.1 million to 1,900 primary schools to assist them with their respective levels of dispersed disadvantage will have issued in 2006/2007 school year and are administered locally by schools. It is a matter for the individual schools to decide how best to apply the funding in providing activities to address educational disadvantage among their pupils, which can include providing therapeutic supports, particularly if pupils present with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Where required specialists are employed by projects/schools to provide play therapy, art therapy, dance therapy and music therapy etc. These interventions are most commonly provided in schools over a short period of time in an attempt to help young people to identify and manage problems they are facing in their lives. In many cases the aims of such interventions is to slowly integrate the child back into the classroom, to become a less disruptive force, build more positive relationships with peers and generally develop a more lasting attitude to school life.