Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I commend the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, on taking the decision to expand DEIS. This has been the largest and most significant expansion of the DEIS programme. A recent ESRI study has shown the programme, since it was first initiated, has been a very significant contributing factor to better outcomes in education in the Republic, as opposed to outcomes in Northern Ireland. There is a shared island research study in that regard. A separate, independent body assesses who qualifies and who does not. It will go to an appeal. I understand the outcomes of the appeals should be within the next fortnight. It is hoped the schools the Deputy has referenced can be successful in their appeal. There is an independent mechanism for determining this.

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