Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1444: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of post primary schools which have disadvantaged area status, that will lose a full post as a result of the budget 2009 cutbacks; if he will confirm that these schools are ostensibly in non-DEIS areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48046/08]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Teaching posts which have been historically provided to 73 post primary schools under previous disadvantage schemes are being withdrawn from September 2009. These schools were judged by an independent identification process in 2005 not to have a sufficient level of disadvantage among their pupils to warrant their inclusion in DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunities in Schools), the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion. The withdrawal of these posts will take effect from 31 August 2009.

Following the introduction of DEIS, a commitment was given, as a concessionary measure, to Non DEIS schools in receipt of resources under pre-existing schemes, that they would retain a level of support in line with their size and disadvantage levels for the duration of the DEIS Initiative.

Unfortunately, given the current volatile and challenging economic climate, difficult choices had to be made in order to contain public sector spending. One of these decisions is the withdrawal of disadvantaged area scheme posts, Home School Community Liaision posts and additional financial resources from all Non DEIS schools with effect from 31 August 2009. The main focus of Social Inclusion measures is to retain resources in schools participating in DEIS, as there is a need to focus targeted resources on the schools serving the most disadvantaged communities.