Calls for DEIS+ plan for Louth schools

Louth Sinn Féin TD Joanna Byrne has called on the Taoiseach and the Minister for Education to publish the long awaited DEIS + scheme without delay. 

Having raised the issue directly with An Taoiseach in the Dáil, Teachta Byrne stated: 

“The recent budget stated clearly that a new DEIS plan would be published in late 2025, yet here we are in 2026 and schools in Drogheda and beyond are still left watching and waiting for the government to provide information on this scheme and how schools will be included in this scheme “

“I am deeply disappointed at the lack of any clear detail or timeline from the Taoiseach, when I raised this issue with him in the Dáil and I have now written directly to the Minister for Education. “

“We have been told an extensive stakeholder engagement has taken place. We have had an OECD review. We have been told that implementing DEIS+ is a stated goal of this Government and that €48 million will be allocated. But what we don’t know is When will the DEIS+ scheme details be finalised? When will they be published? When will schools in our communities be offered the assurances, they are long overdue?”

““Over recent months I have met with principals of DEIS schools in our community and it was very disheartening for schools to tell me they are really worried about being forgotten once more. DEIS schools in Drogheda provide an incredibly supportive environment for local children to thrive in, they are at the heart of communities that have been forgotten by successive Governments. 

“We now need clarification from the Minister for Education, and the long-awaited plan must be published without delay."

I response the Taoiseach said that: "DEIS status affords very significant opportunities to schools in terms of pupil-teacher ratios and additional supports. The Deputy has outlined the position with DEIS+. The budget has approved it and allocation of resources has happened. Obviously, a scheme has to be developed.

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"It is going to be a very targeted programme for those most in need in education. I will ask the Minister to revert to the Deputy. The Deputy has outlined the details in terms of where we are with stakeholder consultation and so on. Hopefully by the next school year, we will have this in place."