Deis may expand to help more schools

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn may give consideration to expanding the Deis scheme to include many other schools with high numbers of disadvantaged pupils.

The programme — Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools — was based on levels of disadvantage in 2005.

Selected schools benefit from additional teachers and other supports.

However, independent experts, including the research centre that identified Deis schools for the Department of Education, have argued the system does not take account of the fact other schools with high numbers of disadvantaged pupils do not get extra resources.

Sinn Féin education spokesman Seán Crowe asked Mr Quinn in the Dáil if there was any way of allowing schools that have experienced demographic changes, rising unemployment and increased deprivation in their areas to be designated as Deis schools.

Mr Crowe claimed there are many areas where non-Deis schools — which fit all the criteria to be eligible for support — are alongside those included in the system.

The Dublin South-West TD said there were schools in Inchicore and Tallaght with pupils from up to 26 countries, high numbers of Traveller pupils, rising unemployment, and other significant changes to the circumstances of the children enrolled.

Mr Quinn said he was aware not all disadvantaged pupils are in Deis schools.

“You’re asking me, in effect, to look again at the whole categorisation of Deis. I am prepared to give that consideration,” he said.

The minister announced last week that he will not go ahead with the planned withdrawal of 235 teachers that 132 Deis primary schools in urban areas had retained from earlier disadvantage programmes.

United Left Alliance TD Richard Boyd Barrett told him the decision to fund the reversal by reducing funding to all schools would only further disadvantage the poorest schools and their pupils.

The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) said there was a strong case for a review of Deis, given the extent of economic change since 2005, but warned it would strongly oppose cutbacks to disadvantaged schools dressed up as a review.

Meanwhile, groups campaigning against cuts and closures at rural primary schools are planning a protest at national league GAA games at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork on Mar 18, when the footballers of Cork and Kerry clash, preceded by a Cork-Galway hurling encounter.

Mr Quinn made no changes to plans for reduced staffing in up to 73 small schools this year and up to 250 over the next three years.

“We’re more determined than ever after this week to continue our campaign. Teachers will not lose their jobs, they will be redeployed to other schools, but our concern is about the impact on children,” said Norma Healy, principal of Cappabue National School and secretary of West Cork Save our Small Schools.