Liam Fitzgerald (Fianna Fail)

This link between home and school is being more closely developed and school principals tell me these programmes have a significant impact on the communities where they are targeted. There is a huge follow-on advantage in reducing loitering, truancy and anti-social behaviour. The school completion programme is familiar to me in my constituency. I have frequently spoken to those who operate it and to school principals and staff. The outcomes are spectacular. I am glad the Minister has decided to extend the pilot programme.

I would like to say more and I will have the opportunity to do so at next week's debate on education. I would like to single out the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, Deputy de Valera. In the few years she has been in charge of youth work, adult and further education, literacy and other supports for second-chance people she has made a significant impact. I will quote from the National Youth Council of Ireland, NYCI, president, Mr. James O'Leary. When he became aware of the Estimates last week he stated that, "NYCI and the member organisations it represents owe a debt of gratitude to Minister de Valera, who has proven herself to be a powerful advocate for the youth work sector." That is a glowing, strong and unequivocal tribute. He went on to say she, "has delivered once again for young people in the form of a 14%, €6.2 million, increase for the youth sector in 2007". He added that NYCI regrets that this is her last budget for her Department but wants to put on public record how much it values the commitment, sincerity and time she has selflessly given.

The priorities set out by the Minister in the Estimates are correct. They are socially progressive and people most in need are getting funding for real improvements in their quality of life, as I have tried to demonstrate through the example of education. The quality of our education service is improving at every level by strongly favouring the most vulnerable and needy. I commend the Estimates.