Abbeyfeale school identification model
Tom Neville raised the case of Abbeyfeale boys' national school and delays in the identification model used for disadvantage supports. The Taoiseach said he was not familiar with the details but would ask the Education Minister to contact the Deputy directly.
Page 87 of the programme for Government refers to "Tackling Disadvantage". I have been told that the update of the identification model is currently under way, and this will take account of the updated schools data and current school year combined with the Pobal HP deprivation index, as derived from the 2016 census. My query concerns Abbeyfeale boys' national school in County Limerick. We have been in ongoing consultation with the Department of Education and Skills since earlier this year, and the Department has stated that the next steps will be taken once further detail is available in the quality assurance process.
The timelines have constantly been pushed out on this. I was given a date of the first quarter of this year at one stage. I have been given more timelines. Now I am being told about the next steps. I need a definitive timeline and a definitive action on this. I ask the Taoiseach to carry it out.
Comment on this
I am afraid I am not familiar with the specifics of the issue, but I know it is something that is of great concern and interest to Deputy Neville. I will meet the Minister for Education and Skills later today, and I will ask him to make direct contact with the Deputy to see what can be done.