Charlie McConalogue has called on the Minister for Education to extend the DEIS scheme to more schools across the county.
The call comes on foot of a recent report which found a significant achievement gap between DEIS & non-DEIS schools.
The DEIS scheme is an extra funding stream for schools located in disadvantaged socio-economic areas.
Charlie McConalogue TD
Deputy McConalogue said: “A review of the DEIS scheme is currently taking place and I believe that it is essential that the scheme is rolled out in more schools across Donegal. This newest report shows the scheme is delivering results for schools which have been granted DEIS status.
“As Donegal is a rural county, many of our schools are small and isolated. It’s now become commonplace for schools to ask parents for contributions to help towards the running of the school or to provide a service the school wants to offer its pupils.
“Our children and teachers need the extra support of DEIS which has proven results. This latest report reveals that more students in DEIS schools are continuing their studies to senior cycle and more moving from foundation to ordinary or higher level exam papers.
“Data indicates that schools which are introduced into the DEIS programme continue to improve over time.
“The Minister for Education knows all too well about how important this scheme is for schools across our county and I will be making further representations, urging him to expand this scheme in Donegal”
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