Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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442. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1797/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, a process to review the DEIS Programme, which began in 2015 is nearing completion and it is my intention to publish a new Action Plan in the coming weeks.

Included in the review process is the development of a new assessment framework using centrally held CSO and DES data for the identification of schools for inclusion in the new School Support Programme.

The number of schools to be included in the programme will be determined by this proposed new assessment framework, which will assess all schools in the country, including the school in question. Schools are not required to make an application for assessment as the methodology being developed involves the use of centrally held data already available to my Department.

The review is also considering the range and impact of different elements of the School Support Programme, particularly the scope for increased integration of services provided by other Departments and Agencies, in order to improve effectiveness and the opportunity to pilot new and innovative practice in schools.

I envisage that actions arising from a new Action Plan for Educational Inclusion will be implemented from the beginning of the 2017/2018 school year.

Further information on the DEIS Review process is available on the Department's website at .