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

I will revert to the Deputy on his question concerning a review. On funding, I made my commitment to the school completion programme very clear last year when we protected the funding available for it. All Departments are continually asked to ring-fence funding for one programme or another. However, ring-fencing funds reduces the scope for other areas of activity which may be just as important. While I attach great importance to the school completion programme, I will shy away from making any commitments until I see Tusla's business plan. The school completion programme is critical because it is very difficult for children who have fallen out of the educational system to take advantage of education later in life. As a result, they lose years in terms of being able to progress, making themselves more employable and enjoying better opportunities in life, which is what we want.

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