Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

50. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a review will be carried out of the levels of disadvantage in our primary schools to allow schools that are currently categorised as band 2 DEIS status to be considered for band 1 status, in view of the fact that the levels of disadvantage among pupils in many schools has changed considerably since the survey on which the current DEIS classifications are based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18109/14]

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

I have no immediate plans to carry out a review of the levels of disadvantage in primary schools including any review to change the current DEIS category of any school within the DEIS programme. DEIS is the subject of an ongoing evaluation to ensure successful implementation and that the best possible approaches to measuring progress and outcomes are used. Findings of this evaluation to date show positive outcomes and continuing improvements. However, the findings also show that results in DEIS schools still fall below the national average. It is important that these positive outcomes and gains made to date are maintained and built upon.

The current focus of my Department is on this ongoing evaluation and on distilling the learning from this research to inform future policy on educational disadvantage. While a key priority for me is to continue to prioritise and target resources at schools with the most concentrated levels of educational disadvantage, the current economic climate and the challenge to meet significant targets, on reducing public expenditure, limits opportunities and provides no capacity for additionality to, or reclassification of schools, in the DEIS programme.