Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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45. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide supports for disadvantaged pupils in 2014/15. [45097/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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A key focus of the Government's education policy is to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk and to optimise access, participation and outcomes for disadvantaged pupils in those circumstances.

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion, which focuses on addressing and prioritising the educational needs of children and young people from the most disadvantaged communities, is my Department's main policy instrument to address educational disadvantage. Supports to schools under the DEIS School Support Programme are continuing during the current school year with DEIS grants issued to all participating schools in September 2014.