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School Enrolments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021

Wednesday, 28 April 2021

Ceisteanna (578)

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

578. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education when there will be a full review of the irregularities in relation to the allocation of resources for two schools (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21743/21]

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Freagraí scríofa

A detailed analysis of school enrolment data and the latest data available from Census 2016, using the HP Deprivation Index, has been carried out by members of the DEIS Technical Group.  My Department has commenced a consultation process with education stakeholder representatives on the technical aspects and implementation of the model, and work is ongoing on final elements of the model. It is envisaged that this will then provide the basis for development of a DEIS resource allocation system to match resources to identified need. 

A key part of the DEIS Plan was the introduction of a new DEIS identification process based on an objective, statistics based model to determine which schools merit inclusion in the programme and all schools, including those referred to by the Deputy, will be considered under this process. However, until this work is complete, it is not intended to extend the DEIS programme to any further schools.

My Department is working to ensure that schools are resourced to support those most in need to have every opportunity to benefit from education in order to help them fulfil their potential in life. 

In relation to teaching resources, the key factor for determining the level of teacher staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location. 

In relation to the Special Education Teachers, the new model for allocating Special Education Teachers to mainstream schools was introduced from September 2017, based on the profiled needs of schools. The allocations were updated for schools with effect from September 2019, with limited readjustments being applied for at that time. The allocations have remained in place for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 school years, with some adjustments made over the course of the model for schools which achieved developing status, or successfully appealed on the grounds of exceptional circumstances arising in their schools. Applications for an exceptional needs review are processed by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

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