Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The aim of the DEIS programme is to ensure the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities are prioritised and effectively addressed. As the Deputy may be aware, last month saw the publication of a report, Learning from the Evaluation of DEIS, which was commissioned by my Department from the ESRI. This report assesses the main findings of research and evaluations carried out to date on the DEIS programme. This research was conducted by the Educational Research Centre and the inspectorate of my Department. It reviews other Irish and international related research on educational disadvantage and provides advice to inform future policy direction on educational disadvantage. The report highlights some of the encouraging findings concerning the performance of schools catering for the highest concentrations of educational disadvantage. A change in approach within DEIS schools is evident, with a significant improvement in planning for teaching and learning and in setting targets for achievement. There has been a significant improvement over time in literacy test scores among students in designated disadvantaged primary schools. Levels of non-attendance between urban primary schools and non-DEIS urban schools have narrowed.

Following the publication of the ESRI report, I announced a process for the renewal of the DEIS programme. I have already commenced consultation with the education partners to inform the development of appropriate measures to continue to support those at risk of poor educational outcomes. Submissions are expected to be returned to my Department within the next week.

Socioeconomic differences in educational outcomes cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader social context. The interconnectedness of different domains of children's lives points to the importance of joined-up thinking between educational policy and broader social policy. Therefore, I am also establishing an interdepartmental working group to ensure a joined-up approach to the delivery of services in future policy on educational disadvantage.

A technical working group will consider what eligibility criteria are now appropriate to re-identify the level of need in schools. This work will take place over the course of the 2015-16 school year. The outcome of this process will form part of an overall proposal for the delivery of future interventions to tackle educational disadvantage. Any revised identification process for schools will be clearly set out and communicated to schools. All schools that meet the set criteria will be included.

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