James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 83: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the rural co-ordinator for disadvantaged status is to be suppressed with effect from 1 September 2011 at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14898/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The school to which the Deputy refers was selected to participate in the rural element of DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunities in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion. My Department is currently preparing for the next cycle of DEIS. An evaluation of DEIS has been undertaken by the Educational Research Centre on behalf of my Department and a report of this evaluation is expected shortly. It is expected that the evaluation will inform any future changes to the current programme. There will not be an opportunity to consider the re-classification of this or any other school in DEIS until this process has been complete.

The decision to remove the Rural Coordinator Service from 331 rural DEIS schools was a measure taken by the last Government to secure some €24m in savings in the 2011/2012 school year. The service will therefore be discontinued with effect from 31 August 2011. I cannot revisit the decision of the previous Government to withdraw rural coordinator posts. The requirements to make expenditure savings and to ensure that staffing numbers remain within the Public Service Employment Control Framework prevent me from re-visiting this decision.

This measure will not affect the provision of HSCL services which remain in 200 post primary and 345 urban primary participating in DEIS. DEIS rural primary schools will continue to receive the following supports: - additional capitation funding based on level of disadvantage. - additional funding for schools books. - access to the School Meals Programme - access to numeracy/literacy supports and measures. - access to planning supports. - access to a range of professional development supports.