Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 February 2021
168. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education the way in which the investment of €5 million for DEIS schools in budget 2021 will be allocated; if it will be committed to trauma informed practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9013/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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. As an initial step in addressing class size in DEIS Urban Band 1 schools, I also announced 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. I am currently considering options on how best to achieve this and I expect to be in a position to announce details of this shortly.
Additional funding was also included in Budget 2021 for the continuation of additional educational psychological services to provide for wellbeing supports for students. The National Educational Psychological Service is developing a range of workshops on the promotion of wellbeing and resilience in schools which includes trauma informed approaches. Furthermore, funding was provided for an additional 120 guidance posts for post-primary schools to support student wellbeing.
