Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Carrigy for raising this issue. The roll-out of DEIS and DEIS plus, as we have committed to in the programme for Government, is linked to an educational measure but also a child poverty measure. We all know one of the best ways of lifting people out of poverty, including intergenerational poverty, is through our education system. Tackling educational disadvantage moves children out of poverty in the short, medium and long terms. I am determined, as is this Government, that the roll-out of DEIS plus is based on need, evidence and analysis, not just picking certain parts of the country. Absolutely, Longford will be considered in that context.

As the Deputy will know, there are already 23 schools in Longford in the DEIS programme, with six urban band 1 primary schools, one urban band 2 primary schemes, ten rural DEIS primary schools and six post-primary schools. My understanding is that schools in Longford are now participating in the consultation process to inform the development of a new strategy, and this report will be published shortly. Regarding the special school places issue, I will specifically ask the Minister, Deputy Naughton, and the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, to look at the issues in Longford and link with the Deputy to try to make progress on this.

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