Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a decision has been reached in respect of funding for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40874/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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My Department has received a proposal from Citywise seeking funding for a service in Dublin 24. The Citywise service involves the provision of a programme to children who are not participating in school. I have been advised by officials of my Department that this provision is not a recognised school within the meaning of the Education Act, 1998. The Minister for Education and Skills has overall responsibility under the Education Act, 1998 for the funding of recognised schools and education providers within the formal education system.

The Citywise education provision has not been funded by my Department. Furthermore, as a standalone project it does not come within the School Completion Programme funded by my Department which aims to support school attendance and retain children in the recognised school system. Some 31 recognised schools in Dublin 24 are involved in 6 local School Completion projects which are coordinated by the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB). The basis of the Citywise proposal is complex and its consideration requires a collaborative approach by a number of my Department's key partners, including the Department of Education and Skills and the NEWB.

In July, officials of my Department arranged a meeting with Citywise which was attended by officials of the Department of Education and Skills and Officers of the NEWB including the Chief Executive. At that meeting, the model of education provision, the target group of children for whom the service would be provided and the resourcing and funding requirements were discussed. The need for compliance with the statutory obligations to ensure that children are registered with the NEWB as being in receipt of an education in a place other than a recognised school was discussed with Citywise management. The registration process will initiate an assessment of the education provision in question, which is an important requirement in line with NEWB's responsibility to ensure a child's right to an education. I am advised that the officers of the NEWB are available to advise Citywise on the application process in this regard. The NEWB is also examining the educational support services in Dublin 24 under its remit with a view to enhancing integration and collaboration between these established services and Citywise.

My officials continue to engage on this matter with the Department of Education and Skills, while drawing upon the expertise of the NEWB, with a view to exploring how the services provided by Citywise to children might be supported through the formal education system. I will advise the Deputy of the outcome of the case in due course.