Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will shorten my speech, as have the rest of the Sinn Féin speakers on this issue. Sinn Féin fully supports the Bill in seeking to move all educational welfare supports and the school completion programme, SCP, back to the Department of Education, where it should have always remained. The programme is a key support for schools under the delivering equality of opportunity in schools initiative and was previously administered by the Department of Education. In 2016, the SCP came under the umbrella of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. The Bill is important because it transfers the overall administration of this vital early intervention programme back into the Department of Education.

During its time under the jurisdiction of Tusla, the focus shifted from a child-centred approach to a more Tusla-based philosophy. This meant that a child's family circumstances were being considered when a decision was being made on whether the child should be given access to the programme. This change in focus meant that children who could previously avail of the service might not be recommended for a place.

The SCP proved its worth following the school closures in the past 18 months. Many students fell far behind while school buildings were closed. Recent reports indicate that almost 5,000 students did not return when schools reopened following the Covid-19 closures last year. Many of these were vulnerable students who became disengaged during the closures. Although the Covid-19 learning and support scheme, CLASS, recently announced by the Government is welcome, it does not go far enough to ensure that young people who are at risk of becoming disengaged are supported and included. More resources need to be invested to save the young people who are falling through the cracks. On a personal note, as the mother of a child who was failed by the educational system due to a health condition, I fully understand what that is like. He did not and still does not have the opportunities that other people of his age can access. These are opportunities that young people need and should be available to them. I ask the Minister to ensure that things improve in that area.

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