John Connolly
Ceist:165. Deputy John Connolly 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. [40344/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 28 May 2026
Ceisteanna (165)
Freagraí scríofa
I was pleased to recently announce 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 alongside the strategy and DEIS Plus scheme 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. 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.
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. The new DEIS Plus scheme represents the most significant expansion of targeted supports since the establishment of DEIS.
The Department of Education and Youth allocates almost €200 million in 2026, rising to €230 million from 2027, to provide targeted supports for schools to address educational disadvantage. Budget 2026 allocated an additional €16.5 million in 2026, rising to €48 million in 2027, to support the implementation of a new DEIS Strategy and introduce the DEIS Plus scheme. This is the largest single investment in DEIS since the programme began. The department has doubled the allocation for the DEIS programme over the past 10 years.
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.