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

I thank Deputy Stanton for his question. Since he tabled the question, the ESRI has published the report on its website. It presents the findings of an examination of the operation of the school completion programme and makes recommendations for the future operation of the programme. The review is now being considered by my Department, and a range of actions have already been taken by the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, aimed at strengthening the operation of the programme. Improvements have been introduced in the annual school retention plans so that there is a stronger focus on the outcomes to be achieved for children and young people in the locality. Focused discussions have commenced with all those involved in the delivery of the programme on the review findings and how to strengthen the core functions of the programme. In addition, a new governance structure is being put in place at national level to support local projects in the development of the programme and to improve integration with the related home-school community liaison and the educational welfare officers.

My Department will work closely with the agency to draw together the output from the ESRI review along with the perspectives of stakeholders, including the children and families who participate in the programme, to improve its effectiveness in responding to the needs of children at risk of educational disadvantage.

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