Expanding DEIS in Youghal
Deputy O'Connor argued that Youghal's schools need DEIS status because of local social need and the arrival of many Ukrainian refugees. The Minister said he had already raised the issue with Education and would follow it up.
I raise the DEIS scheme, which, as the Minister will know, is of huge importance to constituents in my area, particularly in Youghal. We have taken in a very substantial number of Ukrainian refugees, almost 1,000 in the town. There was already significant social need in that area. Is the Government looking at expanding the DEIS scheme further? Youghal very much needs supports for our three local schools that have not received DEIS status - only one got it on appeal - for the students in the local area, our new Ukrainian students and those in the west Waterford side as well.
Comment on this
Deputy O'Connor raised this matter last week and he has been very consistent on it. I have raised that matter with the Minister for Education. I will follow it up and I know the Deputy will do so too. There were some discussions about that at a meeting we had last night also. I will get directly back to the Deputy on that matter and I will keep him informed. The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, will take the other questions.