Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

[Deputy Frances Fitzgerald.]
Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers
As a first step in considering how to achieve these savings, my Department and the National
Educational Welfare Board will complete a major review of the SCP by mid 2012. The review
is being undertaken in conjunction with the Board’s current work to develop an integrated
national approach to educational support services. This review will enhance the ongoing process
of integrating the programme within a single national approach to attendance, participation
and retention in schools.
I remain committed to supporting those children and young people most in need and in
particular most at risk of early school leaving. Indeed a core objective of the review is to ensure
that funds are appropriately targeted in this regard. I also appreciate that the achievement of
these savings will require difficult trade-offs but it is anticipated that the review will identify
operational efficiencies and other reforms which may serve to mitigate the impact of necessary
savings.
The broader issue of any adjustments to the School Support Programme is a matter for my
colleague the Minister for Education and Skills, given that responsibility for DEIS policy
resides with his Department.
Health Service Audits
93. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she
will provide the details of the results of the audit of alternative care services. [8068/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): In 2011, the Health
Service Executive (HSE) commissioned independent consultants to undertake a review of the
capacity for alternative care services. The review examined services for Special Care, High
Support, Foster Care, Residential Care, Emergency Care, Out of Hours, Aftercare and Separated
Children Seeking Asylum. The purpose of the review was to audit the current need and
current capacity for alternative care services and to establish the projected need for care placements
in the HSE for the period 2011 to end 2013. It also made recommendations regarding
the development of services to meet the projected needs for the period 2011-end 2013.
The audit was undertaken last March and the report has been finalised recently. I expect to
receive a copy of this report shortly and it is anticipated that the HSE will publish the report
in due course.
Question No. 94 answered with Question No. 73.
Constitutional Amendments
95. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the date on
which she will introduce a children’s rights referendum Bill. [8056/12]
606. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views
on whether it will be possible to hold the children’s rights referendum in 2012; and if she will
make a statement on the matter. [1933/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I propose to take
Questions Nos. 95 and 606 together.
The Programme for Government 2011 states that the Referendum on Children’s Rights is a
priority, and that the wording of the proposed referendum will be along the lines of that
proposed by the All Party Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children
(JCCAC). From the outset of deliberations in relation to the constitutional amendment on
338