Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 52: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) in County Donegal can be considered for DEIS status. [31833/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In 2005, following an independent identification process, 875 schools were selected for inclusion in DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the Department's initiative to combat educational disadvantage. The school to which the Deputy refers was among a number of schools that was judged not to have a sufficient level of disadvantage to warrant inclusion in DEIS. An appeal by this school to the independent review body confirmed that the level of disadvantage did not warrant the school's inclusion in DEIS process.

An ongoing evaluation of DEIS has been underway since the rollout of supports commenced in 2006. My Department commissioned the Educational Research Centre to undertake this evaluation, the aim of which is to monitor the implementation of the programme and assess its impact on students, families, schools and communities at primary and post primary levels. An evaluation report, the second in a series of reports, is currently being finalised. In addition, the Inspectorate of my Department conducted evaluations of planning in a sample of 36 DEIS schools, 18 primary and 18 post-primary. A national composite report on the effectiveness of DEIS planning in primary and post primary schools has been completed and is expected to be available shortly. The Department will fully consider these evaluation reports before any decisions can be made regarding the future of DEIS.

The Deputy will be aware that a Comprehensive Expenditure Review is ongoing in all government Departments at the request of the Minister of Public Service Expenditure and Reform. In any case the current economic climate does not allow for the possibility of additionality to the DEIS programme.