Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 December 2025
271. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which schools will be selected for DEIS band 1 under the new DEIS Strategy; the data which will be used to inform this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68563/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTackling educational disadvantage and supporting students to fulfil their full potential in life is a key priority for me as Minister for Education and Youth. The DEIS programme is a key policy of government to tackle concentrated educational disadvantage at school level.
Schools that were included in the most recent expansion of the DEIS programme in 2022 were those with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage as identified through the refined DEIS identification model. Schools were not required to apply for inclusion in the DEIS programme, and the model was applied fairly and equally to all schools. A detailed paper on the refined DEIS identification model is available on gov.ie.
Schools were identified for inclusion in the DEIS programme based on their standardised disadvantage score. Schools with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage scores are included in the DEIS programme, with those urban primary schools having the very highest levels of disadvantage being assigned Urban Band 1.
My department is investing over €180 million annually to provide additionalsupportsto almost 1,200 schools in the DEIS programme. Budget 2026 allocates an additional €16 million in 2026, rising to €48 million annually from 2027, to support the implementation of a new DEIS Strategy and introduce a new DEIS Plus scheme, commencing in 2026.
As Minister, I am determined to close the performance gap between DEIS and non-DEIS schools and introduce more innovative solutions to tackle educational disadvantage. Part of delivering this objective will be the introduction of a new DEIS Plus scheme. The DEIS Plus scheme will provide additional resources to schools with the very highest levels of need.
To inform the development of the DEIS Plus scheme, I have established a design advisory group with principals, Home School Community Liaison and School Completion Programme coordinators who work every day with children and young people from areas of high inter-generational disadvantage. My department is also intensifying its engagement with other government departments and agencies, the education partners, and stakeholders across the education sector to develop the DEIS Plus scheme.
The details of the DEIS Plus scheme are currently being finalised. However, schools will not be required to apply for inclusion. The methodology to identify schools for inclusion will be evidence informed, using Census 2022 data, HP Deprivation Index data and other available relevant data. The process will be focused on delivering the Programme for Government commitment to support schools with the very highest levels of educational disadvantage.
It should also be noted that the DEIS Plus scheme will be developed within an overall programme of work to tackle educational disadvantage which will be outlined in a new DEIS Strategy which will be published in early 2026.
