Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
1260. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status of the new shared service employment framework for the school completion programme; and the expected timeline of completion. [2209/26]
View answerThe School Completion Programme (SCP) is a key support under my departments Delivering Equality of Opportunity in School programme (DEIS). The SCP is also an integral part of the DEIS plan and will continue to play a critical role in supporting children of school going age to stay in school for longer and to tackle rising rates of absenteeism.
Work to develop a new employment framework for the SCP workforce is progressing steadily. Under the new framework, it has been agreed that the ETB sector will become the employer for the SCP workforce. This will be a phased and carefully managed transition, with protecting staff, safeguarding continuity of employment, and sustaining high-quality service delivery at its core.
To support this work, a dedicated SCP Reform Project Team has been established within my Department to provide strategic leadership and sustained momentum for the planned reform. This work is being undertaken in close partnership with the Tusla Education Support Service (TESS), which retains operational responsibility for the programme. It is further supported by a range of internal and external stakeholders who are actively engaged through the governance structures established to oversee this work.
The current focus is on clearly defining roles and responsibilities, establishing strong governance and organisational arrangements to support the new model, and agreeing carefully considered timelines for the commencement of due diligence by both current and prospective employers.
This programme of work will continue over the coming months and is central to ensuring a smooth and well-managed transition that safeguards staff rights, provides clarity and reassurance for employees, and supports the long-term sustainability of the programme.
The new DEIS Strategy will also be published this year, which will include the DEIS plus scheme. The new Strategy will focus on improving the opportunities and achievement levels of children at risk of educational disadvantage, developing more innovative approaches to tackling educational disadvantage, and working towards a more flexible system of supports to ensure that a school can receive the right support at the right time.
