CMETB to appeal St Bricin’s decision

A decision not to include St Bricin’s College in the DEIS programme is to be appealed.

The Director of Schools with CMETB has expressed his disappointment that none of its schools were included in the expanded programme announced early last month.

The Department of Education announced 310 schools across the country would be included in the updated list, with seven primary schools in Cavan included.

Being included in the DEIS scheme means schools gain access to targeted supports to address educational disadvantage. These include additional teachers, home school community liaison coordinators, grant funding and access to the School Completion Programme.

Corlea NS in Kingscourt, Convent of Mercy NS in Belturbet, Ballinagh NS, St Patrick's NS in Blacklion, Bailieborough NS, St Clare's NS in Ballyjamesduff and Gaelscoil Bhreifne in Cavan Town were all included in the expansion.

However, at the recent meeting of the board of CMETB, Director of Schools Paddy Flood said he was “disappointed no additional schools were included”.

“I’m not going to name it here but there is one school I’m particularly disappointed it was not included. There is an appeals mechanism available and we’re going to be pursuing that appeals mechanism at the earliest possible opportunity.”

Unlike some other schemes, schools are not expected to apply for inclusion in the DEIS programme, with data around population makeup and trends from the most recent census used in the decision making process.

Local councillor Brendan Fay and staff representative on the CMETB board, Micheál Martin, told the meeting that they both welcomed the decision to appeal.

“There’s a number of areas where primary schools were accepted into DEIS, where the post-primary have been sort of left aside,” said Mr Martin.

“It does bring significant resources, both financially and in personnel and it would only enhance it for the students.”

Mr Flood described the point as a “good observation”, saying the data being used to make decisions is based on the 2016 census.

“I think it’s untimely for us that this should happen when the current census is being put together. We have noticed demographic changes in a couple of our schools and centres.”

Speaking after the meeting, local Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith says he will support the appeal: “DEIS is an important programme, which targets supports to address educational disadvantage including additional teaching posts and other education supports.

“I believe that a better picture could be provided for specific schools through a detailed application process. The Minister has announced details of an appeals process and I will be strongly supporting the St Bricin’s College appeal.”