Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the Deputy's concerns. The extension of the DEIS programme has been significant. The programme for Government committed to completing the new DEIS identification model and to extending DEIS status to those schools that serve the highest concentration of pupils at risk of educational disadvantage. It is important to say that the extension of the DEIS programme to new schools is just one phase of work in the development of an inclusive education system that supports all learners to achieve their fullest potential. While the programme supports those schools with the highest levels of concentrated educational disadvantage, I recognise that there are students at risk of educational disadvantage in all schools. Conscious of this and recognising the need to target resources to those schools that need them most, the next phase of work begins now. This will explore the allocation of resources to schools to tackle educational disadvantage. This will consider all schools both within and outside the DEIS programme.

With specific regard to the gender aspect the Deputy has raised, there is no question of gender playing a part in the DEIS ID model; the HP index is used. This is used across multiple Departments. There were three additional weightings provided for. These include acknowledgement of children of Traveller or Roma background, children who reside in direct provision facilities and children whose families present as homeless.

The appeals process was applied absolutely fairly across all appellants using an objective, data-based approach. The results are final. The decision was based on the information provided by the school. I understand the concerns the school has expressed but I assure the Deputy that the model was applied on foot of the data provided by the school.

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