Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I commend to the Minister the inclusion of the salient expertise, relevant knowledge and experience in the family resource centre network. I have personal experience of its worth in my constituency and that is reflected the length and breadth of the country. It is very important that it continues to have that involvement and access.

I appreciate that the Minister would not have the information to hand about the school completion programme but the funding will conclude on 31 August which poses a problem and uncertainty as to what will apply when the school year resumes in September. This replicates the situation that pertained 12 months ago when people employed directly within these programmes had no certainty or idea of whether they would have employment to return to in September. We need to address that problem and understand the importance of what they are doing. It is a worthwhile and successful programme and it is regrettable that with the establishment of the Minister's Department one of the three components of the new child and family agency has suffered significant cuts. I would appreciate hearing from the Minister as soon as possible.

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