Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2324. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she will make a decision on the future direction of the school completion programme and its future governance structure. [33152/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and Tusla Educational Welfare Services have been considering the optimum approach to the development of the School Completion Programme.
I am conscious that a comprehensive range of items need to be addressed and advanced to ensure that the SCP is supported in further developing its responses to the needs of children and young people.
The importance of the Educational Welfare Services (EWS) cannot be overstated, and the SCP is a core and continuing component of provision under the EWS. As Minister, I am eager to ensure that a coordinated and collaborative approach is taken to advance matters to directly support the SCP in its integration and functioning within the EWS. This includes ensuring that the SCP has the best possible structures in place to best respond to the needs of children and young people.
I want to put a renewed process in place to achieve this goal under the direct leadership of my Department, and I will indicate my plans in this regard shortly.
