Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 December 2014
392. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she has met officials from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to discuss the school completion programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46967/14]
View answerIn 2011, under the National Education Welfare Board (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order, 2011 responsibility for the School Completion Programme (SCP) transferred to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Since January 2014 the School Completion Programme has been administered by TUSLA on behalf of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA).
My Department liaises with DCYA and TUSLA on an ongoing basis in relation to Educational Welfare Services including the School Completion Programme and is currently participating in a review of the School Completion Programme which is being undertaken by the ESRI. The School Completion Programme is a key support for DEIS schools under the DEIS School Support Programme and plays an important role in the positive learning outcomes being achieved in those schools. In that context I have recently written to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs with regard to future funding for the Programme.
