Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I want to be clear that the progression, enhancement and expansion of the DEIS model to as many schools as possible has been a chief objective of my Ministry. It is a significant undertaking by the Department of Education to have secured €18 million for 2022 and €32 million for 2023 to advance that objective clearly for the types of schools the Deputy has referenced. Such schools are spread throughout the country. I am conscious of that and I know that. I have clearly said to the Deputy it is my intention that the new DEIS programme, including the schools that will be added to DEIS status, will be operational from September 2022. I am currently working towards that target. I am confident we will reach that target and it will be operational for September 2022.

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