Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will begin with the Deputy's last question. Students who have been designated as very high-risk are availing of an adapted education experience. That is really where they have worked in conjunction with the schools and where there is a designated person within the schools to provide for the needs of that student. That is as it should be and it is working quite well.

In terms of students who have not re-engaged for other reasons, initially, there was a view that given anxieties around Covid-19 and so forth, there might be a high uptake of students in that particular cohort. That, however, has actually not materialised. To give the Deputy a definite number on that, the Tusla education support service engaged with all schools and asked them to provide updated figures. Not all schools have done so. They had until around 16 November to have that completed. Up to this point, approximately 60% of schools have engaged with it so approximately 40% are outstanding. We will have better figures when the remaining schools make their returns and I will make those available to the Deputy.

I acknowledge the invaluable assistance and support provided by the home school community liaison service in liaising between education services, communities and families. The increased provision is important. I am conscious of that as part of the roll-out of the package of DEIS supports and, indeed, other aspects such as the educational welfare service, etc.

I acknowledge that a phenomenal service was provided by the Tusla education support service during lockdown, particularly in terms of targeting students who might have withdrawn their connection to the schools. I acknowledge that engagement was made with families and homework and materials were brought to homes.

Finally, the Deputy referenced the DEIS support and that will come as quickly as we can, certainly before Christmas.