David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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272. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is aware of a report (details supplied); the action he plans to take as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19734/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014 - 2020 (BOBF),which was published and launched by Government in 2014, provides the overarching framework for the development and implementation of policy and services for children and young people.

The relevant issues identified in the report referred to by the TD, are addressed within this National Policy Framework.

As part of the implementation of Better Outcomes, Better Futures, government departments have identified child poverty as a whole of government priority action for 2015. The Department of Social Protection have the lead role in co-ordinating government strategies on child poverty and are the Sponsor of outcome 4 of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures - economic security and opportunity.

To inform the development of this approach, a national seminar on 'Investing in children – breaking the cycle of disadvantage' was held with the European Commission and attended by national stakeholders in November 2014.

The whole-of-government approach requires action in respect of the provision of child and family income supports, early childhood care and education and after-school care, prevention and early intervention services for children and parents in disadvantaged areas, a national programme to tackle educational disadvantage, a new physical activity plan and increased provision of school meals.

As regards my own Department there are a number of areas of focus. My Department is spending €260 million annually on early childhood care and education and after-school support programmes which provide care to 100,000 children. A number of these programmes are targeted at those on lowest incomes. In addition in early 2015, I established an Inter-Departmental Group on Future Investment in Early Years and After-School Care and Education. The work of the group is focused on identifying policy objectives to guide future investment, including:

- Improved outcomes for children, including those with special needs, in terms of their learning, wellbeing and development by ensuring access to high quality early years services.

- Support for parents to care for their children

- Contribution towards improvements in social inclusion and poverty reduction

- Support for parents' participation in education, training and employment

My Department is also leading the implementation of the Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme (2013-2016). The ABC Programme is being co-funded by Atlantic Philanthropies and will have a total funding allocation of up to €29.7 million. The ABC Programme draws on best international practice to break the cycle of child poverty where it is most deeply entrenched, and improve the outcomes for children and young people and existing services. Currently 13 areas have identified and communicated the implementation of a number of specific interventions for children and families based on identified need in the local area.

My Department also provides targeted support for disadvantaged, marginalised and at risk young people are provided through the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund, Rounds 1 and 2, Local Drugs Task Force Projects. In addition, some 31 national and major regional youth work organisations are supported under my Department's Youth Service Grant Scheme and other schemes include the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme and Youth Information Centres. In 2015, current funding of €49.93m will be provided to my Department for these schemes.

Tusla, the child and family agency is also responsible for the delivery of educational welfare services and I am advised by Tusla that the statutory Educational Welfare Services worked with over 20,000 children in 2013. Some 2,434 cases involved intensive intervention and a multidisciplinary approach and the provision of sustained support by an Education Welfare Officer to address the child's needs and support school attendance. During this period the School Completion Programme provided targeted support to approximately 36,000 children and young people at risk of early school leaving across 124 community based programmes.

Tusla also provides a range of services that offer advice and support to families. This includes over 100 family resource centres. The aim of the Family Resource Centre Programme is to combat disadvantage and improve the functioning of the family unit. The Programme emphasises involving local communities in tackling the problems they face, and creating successful partnerships between voluntary and statutory agencies at community level.

The main focus of these services is on early intervention aiming to promote and protect the health and well-being and rights of all children, young people and their families. At the same time particular attention is given to those who are vulnerable or at risk.