Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has evaluated the Incredible Years programme piloted here by the Clondalkin Partnership; if extension of the programme is being considered in view of its positive results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34133/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that 'Incredible Years' is one a of number of preventive programmes emanating from the United States of America focusing on early intervention with children and their parents in the context of managing behaviour. I am informed that the focus of the programme is on improving outcomes for children, aged 4 to 9, who demonstrate emotional/ behavioural difficulties in a school context, which can not be addressed through normal good classroom management practice and involves collaboration between various agencies.

A level of co-operation exists between psychologists from my Department's National Educational Psychological Service in regions where the programmes are led by the HSE and the Voluntary Sector, including Area Partnerships. In-service sessions for teachers and other supports have been provided by psychologists in NEPS.

While I welcome this and other well developed evidence based programme that offer assistance to children, to teachers and to parents, no formal evaluation of the effects of the overall programme has yet taken place in Ireland. My Department would welcome the outcomes of the formal evaluation of this particular programme which I understand will be initiated shortly.