Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will go as quickly as I can. I confirm to Deputy Flaherty that the DEIS identification model he referenced is currently being refined and worked through. There is significant investment in DEIS schools of more than €150 million every year. The Deputy articulated another very positive move yesterday in terms of DEIS schools and making specific funding available there, ensuring there is a one point reduction in the urban DEIS band 1 primary schools, that there would be an extension of the school completion programme, which is very important, an increase in funding for the school completion programme and, as I articulated earlier, a reduction from 700 to 600 in the number of students DEIS post-primary schools require for a deputy principal. In terms of the specific schools the Deputy mentioned, I am happy to follow up with him afterwards in relation to that.

Specifically in relation to the schools Deputy McAuliffe mentioned, I am happy for the Department to confer with him. However, specifically on Clonturk Community College, I can confirm that I am aware that there was a technical assessment carried out in relation to that school and we will progress it from there. I know it is a key priority of the Deputy's, as indeed are the others.

Deputy Cathal Crowe raised the phone lines for principals. The Covid-19 phone lines are operating on a seven-day basis and there are extended hours, to the best of my knowledge, until 8 p.m. However, I can confirm that and defer to the Deputy again in relation to it.

Deputy Higgins raised the school building programme. I want to acknowledge that there is an ambitious school building programme ongoing this year. We have more than 200 schools that will be completed despite the pandemic and we have between 140 and 145 which will begin construction by mid-June to July of this year as well. I am happy to work with her in relation to the school buildings in her own area and it was remiss of me not to say that to Deputy Cathal Crowe. He has articulated on an ongoing basis about schools in his area and I will certainly follow up on this with him as will my officials.

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