Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
469. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education when she will allocate additional funding to DEIS band one primary schools in recognition of the additional burden the schools have to deliver the best educational experience possible for pupils in those disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36243/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra470. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education the additional funding she has allocated to DEIS band one schools in budget 2021; the way in which the funding is being distributed; the amount received by each school and college; and the number of pupils in each of the schools chosen. [36244/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 469 and 470 together.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that under Budget 2021 I have announced a general reduction in the mainstream staffing schedule to 25:1. While there has been a reduction in mainstream class size in recent years, there has not been a corresponding reduction for those Urban Band 1 DEIS schools who are already allocated a preferential staffing schedule of 20:1 for schools catering for junior classes only and 24:1 for schools catering for senior classes only. Most DEIS Urban Band 1 schools operate vertical schools with a ratio of 22:1.
As an initial step in addressing this, I have focused on a reduction in the Senior DEIS Urban Band 1 primary schools and therefore there will be a one point reduction in their staffing schedule from 24:1 to 23:1.
The total Budget allocation of additional funding of €2million in 2021, with a full year allocation of €5million in 2022 provides for further supports to be allocated as part of the DEIS programme to those schools catering for the highest concentrations of educational disadvantage. My Department continues to support those schools most in need and is considering options on how best to achieve this.
