David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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9. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 34 of 8 July 2015, if the Economic and Social Research Institute review of the School Completion Programme has concluded; if he plans to publish the report; the changes he plans to make to the Programme, as a result of the report's findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36214/15]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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This question relates to the ESRI's recent review of the school completion programme. I know a question was asked about this earlier, but unfortunately I missed the response because I was attending a committee meeting. I understand that the review has now been published. What actions have been initiated by Tusla? The agency has advised that it has initiated a set of actions on foot of this review to address its findings. I also ask the Minister to give an undertaking with respect to the funding for the programme and to outline its effectiveness.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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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.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister for his response. Perhaps the Minister does not have the statistics to hand this morning, but I would appreciate if he could let me know how effective the programme is in achieving its school retention objectives. What are the Department's plans with regard to the recommendation to review cluster boundaries in line with the review of DEIS and to encourage principals to treat the programme as an integral part of DEIS planning? How does the Minister intend to improve reporting mechanisms for the programme, as recommended by the ESRI?

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In overall terms, the ESRI report indicates that this programme is perceived as being extremely valuable by those who operate it. The programme has added value in terms of being successful in retaining young people in education. I have already pointed to some of the actions to be taken on foot of the review. Improvements will be made to the annual school retention plans to 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. A new governance structure is being put in place and new school attendance guidelines will be drawn up to advise schools on the practical supports needed to enable children to maximise their participation in education.

In line with the Department's recently published national strategy on children and young people's participation in decision-making, it is important that children at risk of educational disadvantage and their families are consulted in order that their perspective is heard on the supports available and the way in which these can be enhanced. This is critical to the success of the programme as those who have completed it know best how it can be improved. For this reason, they must be listened to. A number of other issues are also covered.

The establishment of Tusla with its educational welfare programmes, alongside its broader focus on child and family welfare, presents an opportunity to shape more effective policy and practice to address educational disadvantage.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister for his response on which I have three brief questions. Does he agree that flexibility is needed in resource allocation for the various projects or clusters? Will he indicate the scope of the review of existing provision for younger students given the importance of early years intervention? Will he commit to maintaining or perhaps increasing funding for this important programme?

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Obviously, we want flexibility as different things work in different areas, not only in educational disadvantage but many other areas of Government policy. What will work in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown will not necessarily work in Lusk and certainly will not work in Leitir Móir, County Galway. For this reason, flexibility is required and will be part of the future programme. I apologise as I did not hear the Deputy's second question. He referred to the scope of something.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I asked about the review of existing provision for younger students which was recommended given the importance of early years intervention. Younger students are part of early years intervention at that level. I also asked a question about funding.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I will revert to the Deputy on his question concerning a review. On funding, I made my commitment to the school completion programme very clear last year when we protected the funding available for it. All Departments are continually asked to ring-fence funding for one programme or another. However, ring-fencing funds reduces the scope for other areas of activity which may be just as important. While I attach great importance to the school completion programme, I will shy away from making any commitments until I see Tusla's business plan. The school completion programme is critical because it is very difficult for children who have fallen out of the educational system to take advantage of education later in life. As a result, they lose years in terms of being able to progress, making themselves more employable and enjoying better opportunities in life, which is what we want.