Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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1208. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a childcare facility (details supplied) can urgently be considered for DEIS status. [16887/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I am committed to tackling disadvantage through high quality early learning and childcare that is affordable and accessible.

In line with a commitment in First 5, and informed by recommendations in Partnership for the Public Good, officials in my Department are currently developing a tailored policy response in order to progress the development of a new strand of funding - Tackling Disadvantage: the Equal Participation Model.

I presume that it is to this commitment that the Deputy is referring rather than DEIS model supporting primary and post-primary schools. Queries in relation to the DEIS model itself should be directed to the Department of Education.

Through this work, services will be provided with a proportionate mix of universal and targeted supports to support children and families accessing their services who are experiencing disadvantage. The consultation and engagement phase is underway to inform and shape this work, following on from a detailed scoping phase.

The design phase of this model is in progress. An objective and evidence informed methodology underpinning a selection process to identify services for targeted supports is also under design as part of this work. As such it is not yet possible to comment on the inclusion of any particular service.