Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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102. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the level of support provided under the Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage Fund over the past two years. [6431/22]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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The Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage Fund (MAEDF) aims to provide funding to support educationally disadvantaged learners in accessing and participating in community education. The MAEDF was first made available in 2020 when €5.8 million was awarded to 507 community education projects funded through the 16 Education and Training Boards. The projects funded varied from projects to help support online learning, connect communities and providing social supports to the most disadvantaged.

In light of the great successes of the MAEDF in 2020, and in recognition of the continuing challenges in relation to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, a further €6.8 million was granted under MAEDF again in 2021. Just under €6.6 million was made available through the ETBs for 629 projects, following two calls for proposals issued by SOLAS in July and October. 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.

The MAEDF places a strong focus on community education as a mechanism to continue to support and engage with disadvantaged learners. In addition, there is a focus on enabling the investment in building the digital infrastructure of providers and their capability to ensure that online learning/blended learning can be delivered in a way that meets the complex needs of learners.

The four categories eligible for consideration under the 2021 MAEDF included:

1) Digital technologies - Supply of devices where deemed to be a barrier to learning

2) Learner assistance fund – to help where appropriate with costs

3) Out-reach and/or Mentoring - to assist with re-engagement with learners

4) COVID-19 Recovery Exceptional Circumstances

Details in relation to the overall funding for the MAEDF for 2020 and 2021 is attached for the Deputy's information.