328. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the date in which the DEIS plus appeal decisions will be issued [48798/26]

My department is committed to ensuring that all schools are treated equally and fairly in the manner in which they have been identified for inclusion in the DEIS Plus scheme. Schools that were not satisfied with the outcome following the application of the DEIS Plus identification model to their school enrolment data had the opportunity to have that outcome reviewed.

The appeals window closed on the 25 May 2026, and schools were be given the opportunity to update their school enrolment data for the years 2023/2024, 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 on POD and PPOD, where they identify that the information already provided is not an accurate reflection of their school enrolment for those years. Schools could also request that the application of the model to their existing data was reviewed.

The appeals submitted are currently being processed by my department in line with the arrangements set out in Circular 0045/2026, DEIS Plus scheme: appeal process.

Each appeal is subject to a technical review and consideration by an independent appeals panel before a final decision is made. The appeals process is at an advanced stage, and it is expected that decisions will issue in early July. The schools concerned will be notified directly in writing of the outcome once the process has concluded.