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

774. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the current status of the review of the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools Scheme; the number and identity of stakeholders consulted in 2015 to date, and to be consulted; if the special conditions disadvantage in rural areas will be considered in the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28568/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The process I have recently commenced to renew the DEIS programme involves a number of strands including:-a consultation process with education partners, which commenced in April with a closing date of 22nd May 2015, to inform development of appropriate interventions to tackle educational disadvantage; -the establishment of an inter-Departmental Group to ensure a joined-up approach to future delivery of services in the DEIS programme; -the establishment of a Technical Group to develop criteria for a new identification process for which schools should participate in the DEIS programme; -the establishment of a DEIS Advisory Group within my Department.

As part of the first strand I sought written submissions from approximately twenty education partners such as the Teaching Unions, Management Bodies, the National Parents Council and the Community and Voluntary Pillar. Submissions from these stakeholders received by my Department will be considered as part of an overall review process to be undertaken over the course of the 2015/16 school year and which will consider issues pertaining to educational disadvantage in all areas, including rural areas. Further consultations with stakeholders will take place over the course of the review as required.