Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2016
65. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the policy initiatives that resulted from the previously established educational disadvantage committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31091/16]
View answerThe policy recommendations of the Educational Disadvantage Committee (EDC), which ranged from the methodology for identifying educational disadvantage to teacher supply and staffing and integrating school-based and community interventions, were comprehensively addressed in DEIS - the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion.
A process to review the DEIS Action Plan which began last year is nearing completion and it is my intention to publish a new Action Plan for Educational Inclusion before the end of this year.
The review is looking at all aspects of DEIS, including the range and impact of different elements of the DEIS School Support Programme, the potential for innovation within and between schools and the scope for increased integration of services provided by other Departments and Agencies, in order to improve effectiveness. The latter is an area particularly emphasised by the EDC and achieving a more joined-up way of working for service providers at both national and local levels is a key objective of the Review process.
Implementation of actions arising from the Plan for Educational Inclusion will begin in the 2017/18 school year, and will be a continuing theme in the wider Annual Action Plan for Education.
