Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her comprehensive response, a copy of which I received earlier in the evening. I welcome the fact both she and the Taoiseach have taken a keen interest in this area. As recently as last Wednesday, during Questions on Policy or Legislation, he indicated he was still anxious that the full transition in regard to the logistics would be undertaken and that the full jurisdiction would return to the Department of Education. I also welcome the fact the Minister has negotiated through the budgetary process, as she mentioned, that 5% increase, which will cater well for the expanded DEIS programme.

The crux of the matter, however, is that, as she stated, the management of the school completion programme occurs at local level. That is the point at issue here. The Minister went on to say her Department would consider all aspects of the programme, including its management, in the future. Will she confirm whether this consideration will extend to staff reverting to employment under the Department of Education, for example?

See this speech in context