Emer Currie (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and reiterate I appreciate he is in a difficult position in standing in for the Minister, Deputy Foley. I understand the next phase will explore the allocation of resources and that there will be an updated Pobal HP deprivation index in quarter 3 of 2023, but I do not understand why that could not have been done concurrently. Missing this school means there is something wrong with the process. How could there not be, given that the national average receiving a STen score of 1 in English is 2.3%, whereas the incidence in the school is 8%? Moreover, the school absences also tell a story. This school is stepping up and the staff are doing an incredible job. They are stepping in with supports the State should provide.

I will push for additional resources but, at the same time, the school needs a liaison officer and all the supports that come with DEIS status. Anything less than that does not amount to equality of opportunity.