Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 13: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the steps he is taking to support disadvantaged children in the classroom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26458/09]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The majority of schools include among their pupils children with disadvantaged backgrounds. In general, most schools address the individual needs of these children without recourse to additional targeted resources. Evidence has shown that disadvantage associated with poverty and social exclusion assumes a multiplier effect where the levels are highly concentrated in schools.

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and an integrated School Support Programme (SSP). As a result of the identification and review processes, 876 schools have been included in the School Support Programme (SSP) under DEIS. These comprise 673 primary schools (urban and rural) and 203 second-level schools.

The plan commenced in 2006 and is being rolled out on a phased basis over the period to 2010.

DEIS provides various supports for both primary and post primary schools. These include: - reduced pupil teacher ratio in primary schools in urban areas with most disadvantage. - allocation of administrative principal on lower figures than generally apply in primary schools in urban areas. - additional capitation funding based on level of disadvantage. - additional funding for schools books. - access to School Meals Programme. - access to numeracy/literacy supports and measures at primary level. - access to Home School Community Liaison services. - access to School Completion Programme. - enhanced guidance counselling provision at post primary level. - access to planning supports. - provision for school library and librarian support at second level. - access to Junior Certificate School Programme and Leaving Certificate Applied. - access to a range of professional development supports.

In line with my focus on retaining resources in the most disadvantaged areas, it is important to note that following Budget 2009, all existing DEIS supports in DEIS schools are not being affected.