Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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1142. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if eight education and training boards will receive less funding compared to 2020 despite the €0.8 million increase to the Mitigating against Educational Disadvantage Fund; the education and training boards that will receive less funding; the reduction amount in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63010/21]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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The Mitigating Educational Disadvantage Fund (MAEDF), which is managed by SOLAS, was specifically designed to tackle educational inequalities which continue to be highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic and to support access to community education.

€5.8 million was made available under the MAEDF in 2020 with 507 projects supporting community education receiving funding through the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs). The projects funded varied from projects to help support online leaning, connect communities and provide social supports to the most disadvantaged. The MAEDF has a strong focus on building the digital infrastructure of community education providers, including providing devices and software, and increasing their capacity to deliver online learning.

A further €6.6 million was made available through the ETBs under the MAEDF in 2021 for 629 projects, following two calls for proposals issued by SOLAS in July and October. 

While 5 ETBs were awarded lower amounts in 2021 as compared to 2020, 11 ETBs received higher amounts in 2021. The amounts awarded relate to the level of eligible applications received by, or made on behalf of, the individual ETBs.Details of funding issued to ETBs under the MAEDF in 2020 and 2021 in tabular form is attached for the Deputy's information.

In addition funding of almost €0.25 million was awarded in response to 8 applications for initiatives in the Voluntary Secondary and Community and Comprehensive Schools under the 2021 MAEDF.

MAEDF Funding Approved by ETB