Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2015
533. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the ongoing evaluation of DEIS and of the research of DEIS that was announced at a seminar in May 2014, which aims to collate all the evaluation work to date on DEIS policy; when is it expected that the future policy, based on this research, will be developed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2675/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDelivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) is the subject of ongoing evaluation by both the Educational Research Centre (ERC) and the Inspectorate of my Department, the reports of which are available on my Department's website – http://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/DEIS-Delivering-Equality-of-Opportunity-in-Schools-/DEIS-Supporting-Information/DEIS-Evaluation.html A consolidated report on DEIS commissioned in 2014 is currently underway. This report will incorporate information in relation to the various inputs, processes and educational outcomes contained in the findings from the DEIS research and evaluations conducted to date by the ERC and the DES Inspectorate. It will also review other related Irish and international research on educational disadvantage. The report will assess the main findings of this research and provide advice to inform future policy direction in relation to educational disadvantage including DEIS. I understand that this report is nearing completion and I expect to receive it in the coming weeks.
