98. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the pilot single application system for post-primary school admissions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10773/26]
Sentiment score: 0.01
Mar a dúirt Teachtaí eile, déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Aire as ucht a poist nua. Go n-eirí léi. Tá muid ag súil go mbeidh muid ag oibriú le chéile chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh. I want to get an update from the Minister on the pilot single application system for post-primary school admissions.
Sentiment score: 0.02
It is good to hear that the pilot across the 15 schools is progressing well. It is also a good idea that we trial a system like this with schools and learn across a few different areas before we do it nationally. Families, and parents in particular, know how difficult it is to secure a school place for their children, especially those seeking special education places. This is going to be particularly relevant and important in that area. The Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan, mentioned earlier the amount of work being done with the NCSE on placements across the education system. I have a constituent who has a child looking for a special place in second level, who has applied to 16 different schools across Dublin - from Rush to Kilnamanagh. They were individual applications, some posted and others in various different shapes and sizes. One can imagine the frustration of those parents who have to do that. A system like this would help because the NCSE would be able to see what is coming and what the needs are. It would be able to assist greatly in that process. Does the Minister see an opportunity for this to be implemented in the future, particularly for special schools?
Sentiment score: 0.29
Duplicate school applications are an area where this could help because parents are naturally applying for multiple schools and schools think every application is a bona fide application. While it is, not every child will show up for every application in every school. That is where a system like this would be helpful. I look forward to hearing about the feedback later this year and the pilot being rolled out. I might follow up directly with the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, separately in relation to that particular case because the constituent is frustrated. They are doing their best for their child in terms of the incoming school year. I will follow up with him in that regard.
Sentiment score: 0.17
102. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the establishment of a new DEIS plus scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10774/26]
Sentiment score: 0.01
My question relates to a topic I have raised on previous occasions, namely, DEIS plus and getting it on the blocks for those schools and communities that need it the most. I would appreciate an update.
Sentiment score: 0.09
It is good to hear that the strategy is coming. The beauty of DEIS plus is that it can take educational resources and really target them at students who need them the most. I have regular contact with schools in my area, including Our Lady Immaculate Senior National School in Darndale, St. Francis Senior National School in Priorswood and St. Joseph's Coolock, which are located in areas of serious deprivation and disadvantage. DEIS plus will, I hope, help them greatly and cannot come soon enough. Those schools need to know they will be in the programme. Principals need to start planning for 2026-27. What will they get when the rubber hits the road? When will they get it? What else do they need to do to plan? What else do the principals and management teams in those schools need to do? I welcome that the plan will be published very soon. I hope it will include the level of detail those schools will need. I appreciate the ongoing support from the Department for the programme. I look forward to a further commitment of resources in the years ahead to support it.
Sentiment score: 0.23
I appreciate that. I welcome the fact that the plan should be signed off on very soon. What are the expectations of the Minister in terms of the Department notifying schools? As she said, they will likely be automatically included in the programme. What are the views of the Minister on how schools will be notified so that they can start planning for 2026-27? That educational year will come upon us very soon and schools will be closed will summer. Management will work on these priorities through the summer. What does the Minister see happening once the plan is published and agreed?
Sentiment score: 0.14