Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate that I am determined to ensure that the implementation of the recommendations of the review of out of school education provision will allow all children and young people to be supported throughout their education and to achieve their fullest potential. The review is successfully completed and we have now moved on to the implementation process and the work on that has already begun. I am very keen to see progress made on the implementation of the recommendations of the report. In the interim, the level of funding currently provided to Cork Life Centre will continue. As the Deputy said, that amounts to €177,500 as well as the quite substantial 6,000 co-operation hours which are being provided in conjunction with the Department of Education. Until such time as the recommendations of the report are implemented, this funding will be in place and will provide ongoing support for the centre.

I also give the Deputy a commitment that the Department will continue engagement with Cork Life Centre to determine a framework for sustainability for the centre and its staffing. Sustainability for the future is what Cork Life Centre has requested and is what it is seeking. Indeed, it is what the review of out of school education provision aims to provide for the sector as a whole, including Cork Life Centre. The body of work to advance the implementation of the recommendations is now under way and will be completed as soon as possible. There is an absolute commitment that this will include, as I have said already, looking at many of the issues that the Deputy has raised.

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