Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 June 2022
89. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure the primary schools in north Drogheda referred to in the Drogheda implementation plan report are given formal DEIS band one status in the current appeals process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34767/22]
View answerIn respect of the schools referred to by the Deputy, the schools have not been identified as having met the criteria for inclusion under the refined DEIS identification model.
In consideration of Action 6.1 of the Drogheda Report Implementation Plan, the schools have been allocated additional supports for a fixed term of 5 years in order to support the implementation of evidence-based programmes and initiatives which build school capacity to respond to the needs of their students in relation to the issues outlined in the Scoping Report into Community Safety and Wellbeing in Drogheda. While this allocation is separate from the DEIS programme and does not constitute the classification of DEIS Urban Band 1 status on the schools, it does meet the action outlined in the report.
My Department remains committed to engaging with the Department of Justice in relation to the other recommendations of the report and the whole of Government approach to addressing the issues in Drogheda.
