Clarity needed on how school status is determined

The controversial topic of school status and additional supports once again came up at the July monthly meeting of Cavan County Council.

The issue was raised by Fianna Fáil Councillor Aiden Fitzpatrick who believes the number of refugees entering the county has put pressure on school places.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Áine Smith, herself a school teacher, said that the Census of Population, which was completed last year, showed “a lot of abnormalities".

Independent Councillor Brendan Fay told the meeting that he had been advocating for St Bricin’s school in Belturbet to receive DEIS status for many months.

Under the Department of Education, the DEIS programme provides additional resources to those schools with the highest concentration of students who are considered at risk of educational disadvantage.

"In a family, a sister gets hot meals but a brother doesn’t,” Cllr Fay highlighted, explaining that three out of the four schools in Belturbet have been awarded DEIS status.

The Belturbet man revealed that St Bricin’s previously applied for the status and, when it was refused, they appealed their case.

“Now the appeal has been refused,” he told the meeting.

“We need the Minister for Education to answer these questions. No-one seems to know what the eligibility criteria is,” said a frustrated Cllr Fay.

Fianna Fáil Councillor John Paul Feeley deemed St Bricin’s refusal as a “mystery” saying he couldn’t understand the “difference in schools feeding the same families”.

“It’s important to get clarity on those schools in particular,” he agreed.

Cathaoirleach Philip Brady and Fine Gael Councillor Carmel Brady also supported the motion.

The councillors resolved to write a letter to the Minister for Education requesting clarity on the eligibility criteria for schools requesting DEIS status.