Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The schools have been mentioned. The schools were left out in 2005, which is many years ago. The schools are at a complete loss to understand why. By any measure, the schools are in areas of high deprivation and have a strong case for inclusion. The Minister will be aware that the south east region is the second most disadvantaged in Ireland, and Tipperary is the third most disadvantaged local authority area within the region. The schools I am referring to presented persuasive and compelling reasons for inclusion in the DEIS plan, which is to begin in September 2017. What they were up against, however, was a deeply flawed model in terms of criteria used to assess schools. The Department itself has acknowledged that the methodology used in the assessments is deeply inadequate and in need of improvement. It is disgraceful that these schools were excluded from receiving vital allocations because they failed to meet poorly formulated departmental criteria.

I am challenging the Minister. He snubbed Carrick-an-Suir quite recently on the opening day - a massive, great day for the town. It is another snub to Tipperary town and, indeed, Holy Trinity national school, Fethard. I ask the Minister to get things in order in his Department, have a proper assessment system and have the proper criteria adhered to.

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