John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

263. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the criteria used in a school cluster (details supplied),which is predominately non-DEIS schools, to determine the level of support and financial resources it should receive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13258/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 attach at 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. In this instance the Retention Plan for the South Clondalkin School Completion Programme was developed by the Local Management Committee.

The EWS has advised that the current funding criteria outlined in the attached Retention Plan Guidance Notes and accompanying planning templates apply equally to projects with DEIS and non-DEIS schools included in their clusters.