Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
99. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide the schools in Drogheda which were excluded from the DEIS plus scheme with an opportunity to discuss the significant concerns they have regarding the impact of this decision and their important feedback on the appeals process. [40627/26]
View answerEnsuring that every child and young person can reach their full potential is a key priority for me and for this Government. The DEIS Plus scheme forms part of the DEIS Strategy to 2035 and represents the most significant expansion of targeted supports to address educational disadvantage since the establishment of the DEIS programme.
The scheme is designed to provide enhanced supports to schools with the highest concentrations of children and young people at risk of educational disadvantage, identified through a refined, evidence-based national model applied consistently across all eligible schools. It is important to stress that a school not being identified through the DEIS Plus model does not mean that disadvantage does not exist within that school community. I will also stress that my department will continue to support these schools to allow children and young people achieve through education.
I appreciate fully the concerns that have been raised by schools in Drogheda regarding the outcome of the DEIS Plus identification process. My department and I are always willing to engage constructively with school communities and education stakeholders on matters relating to educational disadvantage and school supports.
A formal appeals process was put in place for DEIS Plus under Circular 0031/2026. This process allowed schools to update enrolment data where necessary or to request verification that the DEIS Plus identification model was correctly applied to their data. The appeals process closed on 25 May 2026 and all applications received are now being considered by the department in line with the published process.
I also want to acknowledge the targeted supports already provided in Drogheda arising from the recommendations of the Geiran Report and the work of the Drogheda Implementation Board.
I recognise fully the concerns expressed by a number of schools in Drogheda regarding the outcome of the DEIS Plus identification process.
My department officials and I regularly engage with school communities and education stakeholders on a wide range of issues and will continue to do so.
