Helen McEntee, Minister for Education, stated that while the full range of measures is yet to be finalised, among the options under consideration are increased funding, additional staffing supports, and priority access to wellbeing services.

She has also pledged to engage with key stakeholders in the development of the scheme and is expected to announce later today that a new DEIS Action Plan will be published in 2025, as tackling education disadvantage is one of her top priorities. This programme aims to improve educational opportunities and achievement levels for children at risk of disadvantage, develop more innovative approaches to solving these issues, and create a more flexible system of school support.

Since the covid-19 pandemic, school absenteeism has risen significantly, and Minister McEntee has committed to reversing this trend. As part of the strategy, she is considering expanding the Home School Community Liaison scheme and coordinating support services to develop targeted interventions.

A group of DEIS schools in Dublin have welcomed the minister’s outlining of her focus but are seeking clarity on the specific supports, the implementation schedule, and the rollout locations.

“We have been highlighting the need for special supports to be put in place to specifically address the trauma in children in DEIS schools”, said Connor McCarthy, Principal of Tallaght Community National School and a representative of DEIS school principals in Dublin.

McCarthy expressed concern that while literacy and numeracy improvements are important, many students face deeper challenges that hinder their academic potential. “Apart from the trauma of poverty itself, a substantial number of children in DEIS schools have experienced direct trauma due to abuse, neglect, crime, or substance abuse.”

He called for additional staff to help schools work with children to address such traumas. “That is a massive barrier, and it is the reason why they aren’t able to achieve their potential in literacy and numeracy”, he concluded.