Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she has received the fourth periodic report of the NESF; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34084/04]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the fourth periodic report of the National Economic and Social Forum and the valuable work that has been undertaken in recent years. I fully support the forum's emphasis on the necessity of joined-up and integrated approaches to policy-making and implementation, focusing on policy outcomes and providing a stronger voice for local communities and marginalised groups. These are issues which are being considered by my Department in the context of an overall review of educational disadvantage programmes which is currently being finalised. The forum's report on early school leavers — No. 24 March 2002 — is a continuing support and guide for my Department in tackling the issue of early school-leaving.