Disadvantaged Status

Tuesday, 29 September 2026

Questions (416)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

416. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of Action 3.1.1 of the DEIS Strategy Implementation Plan 2026–2028, which provides for a review of the allocation model for Home School Community Liaison coordinator posts; the expected completion date; whether schools currently sharing a coordinator post will be consulted; and whether the revised model will allow a school's allocation to be reassessed where its level of need has changed. [68717/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Education and Youth

Addressing educational disadvantage in all schools is a key priority for me as Minister for Education and Youth.

The DEIS Strategy to 2035 is the first long-term, whole-system approach to addressing educational disadvantage. This strategy recognises education as central to breaking cycles of disadvantage, expanding opportunity, and ensuring long-term security. It sets out a more flexible model of support, so that resources are aligned with each school’s level of need as it changes over time.

Action 3.1.1 of the DEIS Strategy Implementation Plan 2026-2028 sets out to develop a future vision for the HSCL scheme, to include a review of the allocation model for HSCL coordinator posts and a review of Circular 0026/2019.

Work on this action has commenced, with officials in the department currently gathering relevant data. As outlined in the DEIS Strategy Implementation Plan 2026-2028, the timeline for completion is 2028.