Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The importance of this programme cannot be underestimated, and every public representative in the House sees its value. The programme works in 82 clusters of schools throughout the country, with 229 primary schools and 112 post-primary schools participating. The value of the programme, in so far as it is active, engages families in the community and has an inter-agency approach, cannot be undermined.

In 2011, in the midst of the crisis, the programme had a budget of €30 million. At present its budget is €24.75 million, as the Minister stated. Will he give us a commitment that the funding for the school completion programme will be ring-fenced and will not be raided by Tusla in the way the HSE raided many other dedicated budgets in the past?

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