Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 445: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will re-consider the loss of the home school community liaison teacher from September 2009 to those schools in the post-primary and primary sector which were originally included in the disadvantaged area scheme but were subsequently not included in the delivering equality in schools scheme, but retained resources under the DAS; the number of schools in this category which are expected to lose a home school liaison teacher; if, in view of the small number of schools in question, he will reconsider his proposal in this area given the impact of this decision for these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3451/09]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Following the introduction of DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion, 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.

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 Liaison 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. This approach is in line with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General which are set out in his report on Primary Disadvantage of 2006, which recommended that my Department should focus its educational disadvantage measures on those schools serving the most disadvantaged communities.

From September 2009 some 62 Home School Community Liaison posts, currently serving 20 primary and 73 post primary schools will be withdrawn. 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.