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

I thank the Deputy for her question. It is clear to me, given the number of times this specific issue has arisen in the Topical Issue Debate, that it is a matter of great concern to many Deputies and that its value is very clear to them. I believe in the programme. It has tremendous value and goes a long way towards levelling the playing pitch to ensure children at risk of finishing school earlier than they should will remain in the educational process. As one goes around the country and examines the various areas in which the programme is implemented, and the various ways in which it is implemented, one realises it is important that the co-ordinators follow the lead of the students themselves and find out from them what they are interested in. They should use this knowledge as a means of leading the students back into education and explain to them that if they had a better understanding of mathematics or another subject, they would be better able to pursue their interest in a certain area, be it carpentry, cookery or another practice. I have visited some of the programmes and noted they are very well run and are keeping children in school.

On the issue of concentrating resources in the areas of most disadvantage and need, that has clearly been the focus of this particular back to school completion programme.

Although the early childhood and child care education programme is universal and highly regarded by parents, with 95% of the cohort of eligible children participating, the children who gain most from it are actually the ones from the most disadvantaged areas. They catch up on reading skills, etc., when they get into class. Before this programme was in place, there was often a 30-point difference between those from more advantaged areas and those from less advantaged areas. I hope that helps answer the question.

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