415 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Education the criteria she will use to assess applicant schools for the new 15 to 1 ratio at primary level for the Breaking the Cycle scheme in view of the brief nature of the application forms. [14994/96]

438 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the criteria used in relation to the selection of schools to be designated as disadvantaged; when decisions will be made in relation to these designations; the advantages that the designation of disadvantaged status confers on a school so designated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15171/96]

477 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education the criteria used to establish disadvantaged status. [15384/96]

I propose to take Question Nos. 415, 438 and 477 together. Schools are being selected for support under Breaking the Cycle Initiative by reference to new selection criteria, developed by the Education Research Centre, and taking on board the recommendations of the Combat Poverty Agency. The criteria were outlined in the Department's leaflet, Breaking the Cycle.

The following criteria are common to the identification of both urban and rural schools which serve children from disadvantaged backgrounds: long-term unemployment (one year or more) of the main breadwinner; the family having a medical card; living in a lone-parent household and the educational level attained by the mother and by the father.