Niamh Smyth
Question:171. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if a review of a case will take place (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40858/23]
View answerThursday, 21 September 2023
Questions (171)
Written answers
The Schools Completion Programme, SCP, is a central element of Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) programme, a key policy initiative of my Department to address educational disadvantage at school level. The programme is funded by my Department via Tusla Education Support Service, TESS, who have overall operational responsibility for the programme.
At present, management of the SCP initiatives, including the employment of staff, is managed at local level by a local Management Committee (LMC).
Officials from TESS have advised that a new LMC has recently been established by Castleblayney & Clones SCP. TESS are currently engaging with the newly formed LMC and with Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) in relation to operational matters concerning this project, including staffing matters. TESS continue to be available to provide any further support and guidance required at SCP@tusla.ie.
Officials from my Department will continue to engage pro-actively with all stakeholders to ensure the continuance of SCP supports to this vulnerable group of children and young people.
Since I took over responsibility for SCP in January 2021, the initial focus for my Department was on the development of the legislative platform to support the transfer of functions from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
This body of work has now been completed and my Department is now considering all other aspects of the programme, including governance and structures for SCP and all matters involved therein.