Written answers

Tuesday, 20 March 2018

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

School Completion Programme

Photo of Eoin Ó BroinEoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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901. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the annual funding to each of the 124 school completion programme clusters in each of the years 2011 to 2017, and to date in 2018; the per capita funding figure for each cluster for each year; the criteria used in determining the funding level for each cluster; the information gathered by her Department to determine the level of need in the schools in each cluster; the governance issues being considered as part of the review of the school completion programme; her plans to reduce the number of co-ordinators of these programmes; her further plans to transfer the co-ordinators from their current hands on role within the clusters to a more regional role; the timeframe for the completion of the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12904/18]

Photo of Katherine ZapponeKatherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I am very conscious that the School Completion Programme (SCP) delivers a valuable service for some of our most vulnerable young people. I am advised by the Educational Welfare Service of Tusla (EWS) that the current funding criteria and parameters are outlined in the Retention Plan Guidance Notes and accompanying planning templates. I have included Appendices 1-4 these documents for the information of the Deputy. Each of the 124 SCP projects submit a Retention Plan annually to secure their project allocation for the next funding period. Tusla requires financial returns twice in the funding period and an annual return at the end of the funding period to ensure that allocations are appropriately expended and outcomes achieved.

I also include at Appendix 5 for the information of the Deputy the annual funding allocations to each of the 124 SCP projects since the SCP transferred to Tusla in 2014.

I recognise however that the programme is in need of development and reform with regard  to governance and organisation to ensure that we optimise the outcomes for young people. With this in mind, I am currently considering the report of the expert panel convened to identify and examine a potential revised model of good practice and governance of the SCP. I am also considering the range of views expressed at an SCP Consultation event on January 29thlast. This event explored how best the organisation and governance of the SCP could be improved to ensure that the best service possible is delivered to those who need it. The information provided during all of these significant engagements and from key stakeholders is currently being considered along with a range of options.  Following this the plan for the development and reform of the SCP will be finalised.

I am very much aware of the positive outcomes from the School Completion Programme and I can assure the Deputy that my Department along with Tusla Educational Welfare Service are fully committed to the future of the SCP.

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