I want to highlight the announcement this morning by the Minister for Education and Youth, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton, of €48 million annually for the new DEIS plus scheme and the DEIS strategy to 2035. It is a significant step up in addressing educational inequality across the country. As part of the announcement, it was confirmed that 121 schools will receive funding and the plan will deliver 400 additional roles, of which 350 will be teaching places.

I want to mention that Scoil an Chroí Naofa in Ballinasloe has recently been included in the schools building programme, which has been complemented by the announcement this morning. The programme will address where we see inequalities and where public representatives have highlighted inequalities. The funding will be used to balance the whole system to ensure that all students have access to the education that they deserve, and will support the teachers and staff in these schools. The programme will provide additional supports in relation to the home-school community liaison scheme. It will strengthen well-being, community and inclusion. It will also give schools access to capital funding, and provide funding for breakfast clubs and free period products. Today's announcement must be welcomed and the Minister must be commended.

It was only Monday last when I met Councillors Liam Callaghan and Michéal Frain in Ballaghaderreen in County Roscommon. We have been working together on addressing inequalities in the town. It was great to see that St. Attracta's National School in Ballaghaderreen was included in the programme and I commend Noel Loftus, the principal there, and all his staff on the work they have been doing. I hope they will be able to continue to do it in a better way with this support.

I also want to recognise Roscommon Community College, which recently won six drama awards at the all-Ireland finals for schools, including for best director, best actor and best supporting actor. It performed an adaptation of "Eclipsed", a powerful play set in 1960s Ireland exploring the experiences of women in Magdalen laundries. It is great that students are able to experience this. It is a better way for learning in our schools and must be encouraged.