Increase in funding for DEIS schools needed
Labour Party Education spokesperson, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has said the capitation grant for DEIS schools needs to be increased by at least 50%.
This comes as a report in the Irish Examiner shows that 25% of pupils in DEIS schools are living in temporary accommodation.
Senator Ó Ríordáin said:
“The survey of DEIS schools published today by the Irish Examiner, is extremely worrying and says a lot about where we are as a country.
“No school should be having fundraisers to keep the lights on, particularly schools who have a high proportion of homeless children.
“Time and time again, I have said an increase in capitation of DEIS budget needs to be prioritised.
“It is a damning indictment of cross-departmental policy of Fine Gael that we are in a situation where teachers’ unions and homeless charities are coming together to produce guidelines on how to deal with homelessness in the classroom.
“We must take on board the suggestions of the INTO and Focus Ireland and provide more resource teachers and counsellors to help address issues around the profound impact of homelessness of children will be dealt with.
“Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil both need to commit on how they will fund DEIS schools in the next budget and beyond.”