Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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374. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress of the school completion programme; if he will implement the changes recommended by the Economic and Social Research Institute report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42753/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The review of the School Completion Programme was published by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) on 7 October. The review, which is available from the ESRI’s website, was undertaken for Tusla the Child and Family Agency under the remit of my Department. It presents the findings of an examination of the operation of the School Completion Programme and makes recommendations in relation to the future operation of the programme.

The review is now being considered by my Department and a range of actions has already been taken by Tusla aimed at strengthening the operation of the programme. Improvements have been introduced in the annual school retention plans so that there is a stronger focus on the outcomes to be achieved for children and young people in the locality. Focused discussions have commenced with all those involved in the delivery of the programme on the review findings and how to strengthen the core functions of the programme. In addition, a new governance structure is being put in place at national level to support local projects in the development of the programme and to improve integration with the related Home School Community Liaison Scheme and the Educational Welfare Officers.

My Department will work closely with Tusla to draw together the output from the ESRI review along with the perspectives of stakeholders, including the children and families who participate in the programme, to improve its effectiveness in responding to the needs of children at risk of educational disadvantage. In addition, my Department will participate in the Inter Departmental Group that the Minister for Education and Skills proposes to establish to consider the roles of different Government departments in delivering the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) programme in a joined up way.

Tusla will have a key input to the work of the Group, in relation to the role of its education welfare services, as part of the cross departmental initiative aimed at securing improved education outcomes for children at risk of early school leaving.