Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
363. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth when additional schools will be included in the DEIS Programme at primary and secondary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3302/26]
View answerTackling education disadvantage and helping students reach their full potential is a key priority for the Minister for Education and Youth, and for the Government. It is a goal of this Government to reduce educational disadvantage and promote equity across all schools.
Currently, the DEIS programme supports almost 1,200 primary and post-primary schools, reaching approximately 260,000 students, with an annual investment of over €180 million. Budget 2026 allocates an additional €16.5 million in 2026, rising to €48 million in 2027, to support the implementation of the new DEIS strategy and introduce the DEIS Plus scheme, which will commence in 2026.
The new DEIS Strategy will focus on improving the opportunities and achievement levels of children at risk of educational disadvantage, developing more innovative approaches to tackling educational disadvantage, and working towards a more flexible system of supports to ensure that a school can receive the right support at the right time.
Any future expansion of the DEIS programme and overall allocations of resources will be considered within the context of the new DEIS Strategy which will be published in quarter 1, 2026.
