Shane Moynihan
Ceist:128. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the publication of the new DEIS Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22852/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 25 March 2026
Ceisteanna (128)
Freagraí scríofa
I have today announced the launch of a new DEIS Strategy to 2035, alongside the DEIS Plus scheme. This represents a comprehensive ten-year plan to address educational disadvantage and promote equity across all schools supported by a full-year investment of €48 million. Also published today is the first three-year DEIS Implementation Plan 2026-2028.
The DEIS Strategy to 2035 sets out a whole-system, evidence-based approach to addressing educational disadvantage in all schools. It recognises that disadvantage exists across the system and aims to ensure every child and young person is supported to reach their full potential.
The strategy includes:
· Expansion of HSCL supports
· Strengthened wellbeing, inclusion and community partnership supports
· Additional community link workers
· Increased capitation funding and additional supports for teacher professional learning
· A robust monitoring and evaluation framework with annual reporting
The strategy will be delivered through three phased implementation plans to 2035.
The DEIS Plus scheme will provide enhanced, targeted supports to 121 schools with the highest concentrations of children and young people at risk of educational disadvantage. In total, the measures announced will deliver over 400 additional roles, including approximately 350 teacher posts, benefiting approximately 700 schools nationwide.
The measures represent a €48 million investment, the biggest full-year investment in targeted supports to address educational disadvantage since the establishment of the DEIS programme in 2006.
The Department will continue to engage with schools, education partners and stakeholders throughout implementation. Annual progress reports will track delivery of the strategy and DEIS Plus scheme. Further information is available at gov.ie/deis.