Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is a great supporter of DEIS and what it can mean for a school. She is correct, in that this past year has, at a cost of €32 million, seen the single largest expansion of DEIS in recent years. I am conscious that not all children at risk of educational disadvantage attend DEIS schools. The body of work we are engaged in is considering what steps we can take in respect of DEIS and whether we could pursue a progression of measures without reaching full DEIS status. The Haase and Pratschke, HP, deprivation index is our guide in how we evaluate schools. When the 2022 census data become available to us, the index will be updated. I understand they will be available in quarter 3. That updated information will determine the next stage of DEIS, for example, how we might progress the steps within DEIS or outside of DEIS.

It is my understanding that the educational disadvantage committee was suspended more than ten years ago. A significant body of work on DEIS projects and support for children and young people at risk of educational disadvantage is ongoing within the Department. As a consequence of the committee's suspension ten years ago, new structures were put in place in the Department. They have delivered well, and continue to do so, in terms of educational disadvantage. That said, I am open to considering everything as we examine the census data in quarter 3.

On the two issues affecting St. Brendan's Community School, the Deputy might give me the details. I will ensure they are followed up for her.

There are three phases to the school transport review. The first two have been completed and work on the third is under way. It is my expectation that we will complete it in the next short while. The review will inform how we address issues around school transport. As I told Deputy Ó Laoghaire, a cross-departmental approach is being taken. Everything from climate change and sustainability to extending access to a greater number of students, distance and cost will be covered and the review will inform the school transport system in future.