James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Deputy will agree that we all want to see all children reach their full potential. We want those who are particularly vulnerable and at risk of losing out through leaving education early in life to be supported in the best way possible. The schools inclusion programme is a huge part of this process. There have been cuts because, as we know, the country found itself in a bailout having lost its financial sovereignty. However, we are now out of the bailout programme and will certainly do everything in our power to protect the school completion programme. However, Government expenditure in this area is not limited to that programme. Nearly €49 million has been spent on various youth services programmes to offer support to young people all around the country. There is no doubt but that we could not do without these youth organisations and the tens of thousands of volunteers who work in this area supporting children and programmes, not to mention the tens of thousands of volunteers in the sports organisations who help to keep children occupied and engaged in healthy and physical activity that is to their benefit. We certainly have not targeted this area for cuts, but it has been one that has had to endure cuts. It is an area in which I firmly believe it is worth investing. Money spent on prevention reduces expenditure on treatment in a general sense, but nowhere is the gain greater than with children. Certainly, from our point of view and in our budget negotiations, this has been to the fore in our minds. We want to continue to support children to get the best out of the education system and support them when they are getting into trouble. There are many programmes in addition to the one in question, including Garda diversion programmes, which help to achieve that end.

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