A Tipperary TD has questioned the wisdom of the five primary schools in Tipperary making a joint application for DEIS status.
They failed in their bid to be included in the scheme which aims to address educational disadvantage.
Just 13 schools around the country were added during a review of the DEIS programme this year including once from Carrick on Suir.
Deputy Mattie McGrath says while the schools in Tipp Town were definitely deserving of DEIS status a different approach might have paid dividends.
