Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

While I am reluctant to give a timescale for completion of the database, it is a priority for the Department, not only because of the valuable information but also because it will substantially reduce the workload for school principals. We are keeping the matter under constant review. We have no evidence to show that the numbers transferring from first to second level has increased as the Deputy stated.

Projects such as home school liaison and the school completion programme are having a great effect. Other projects which work very well and which we will continue under the DEIS are the pre-school, the in-school and the after school programmes. The school completion programme also offers holiday time support during mid-term break, organising activities and educational experiences for the children. Many outward-bound programmes mix sporting and cultural activities, literacy and numeracy programmes and include art, drama and music.

We are spending €24 million this year alone, a substantial investment in programmes to encourage children to stay in school and make the transfer. Schools are working closely on a regional basis with clusters of second level and primary schools linking together.

The work of the NEWB cannot be seen in isolation and must be seen in the context of all the other work that is ongoing with school completion. We need a carrot and stick approach, not just the stick alone. A question for reply later today deals with its budget. A service is available to every county, which represents a major improvement in the three years since it was established.

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