Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2026
76. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will intervene in the unsustainable situation currently facing school management at a school (details supplied) with regard to resourcing and provide interim supports for the remainder of the current academic year while we await the publication of the new DEIS Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12994/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTackling educational disadvantage and helping students reach their full potential is a key priority for me as Minister for Education and Youth, and for the Government. 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 to introduce the DEIS Plus scheme, which will commence this year.
My department is committed to supporting a quality and inclusive school system that provides an equal opportunity for success for all children. DEIS remains central to that commitment, and the forthcoming DEIS Strategy will ensure that supports are targeted fairly and reflect the evolving needs of our school communities by engaging with stakeholders and developing a more dynamic, needs-based allocation model.
The refinement of the DEIS model as part of the new strategy will consider how emerging or evolving patterns of disadvantage can be better addressed and how the system can best respond to schools that face increasing levels of need.
Any future expansion of the DEIS programme and overall allocation of resources will be determined within the context of the new DEIS Strategy, which will be published in the coming weeks.
