Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am in agreement with what Deputy Rabbitte is outlining, although as she is well aware the area-based childhood programmes are largely focused more on prevention and early intervention. Having a life cycle plan is a great idea. There needs to be greater planning in terms of linking that prevention in early intervention through to school completion to keep our young people in school, with all the supports that are provided for that. In that regard I as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and the Department are responsible for providing services across that particular aspect of the life cycle. That is a great idea which I will bring it back to the Department. Perhaps it is already being implemented but it is something to consider, particularly in the context of the national youth strategy that has just been published.

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