1114. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide a copy of the final scorecard and determination of the appeal made to her Department by schools (details supplied) regarding their exclusion from DEIS Plus; the number of schools that lodged an appeal against their exclusion from DEIS Plus; if she will provide a list of the names of such schools and those whose appeals were successful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59974/26]

The DEIS Plus scheme was announced in March 2026 as part of the DEIS Strategy to 2035. The scheme provides enhanced, targeted supports to schools with the highest concentrations of children and young people at risk of educational disadvantage.

The DEIS Plus identification process was applied nationally to all 305 DEIS Urban Band 1 primary schools and 232 DEIS post-primary schools, a total of 537 schools. No application process was required. Following the initial application of the identification model, 96 primary and 25 post-primary schools were identified for inclusion in DEIS Plus.

Schools that were not satisfied with the decision not to include them in the DEIS Plus scheme were afforded an opportunity to appeal in accordance with Circular 0045/2026. Of the 416 schools not initially identified for inclusion, 123 schools submitted an appeal which was considered under the formal appeals process, comprising 92 DEIS Urban Band 1 primary schools and 31 DEIS post-primary schools.

Following completion of the appeals process, eight appeals were upheld, comprising six DEIS Urban Band 1 primary schools and two DEIS post-primary schools. The remaining 115 appeals were not upheld. All schools that submitted an appeal were notified of the outcome in writing.

Disadvantage scores can be an important tool for identifying need and directing support. However, the publication of these scores can lead to unfair comparisons as they do not reflect the different contexts in which schools operate. The publication of such data can also unintentionally reinforce stigma and risk the deepening of inequality. The Department uses this data carefully and in context, focusing on ensuring resources and supports reach the schools that need it the most, while avoiding any potential harm to school communities. For these reasons, the department does not publish disadvantage scores.

Schools that had their appeal upheld are outlined in the table below. Further information on the appeals process is set out in DEIS Plus Scheme Appeals Process Final Report which is available at www.gov.ie/DEIS.

Primary

Post-primary