337. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the implementation of action No. 2.4 in the national youth strategy to strengthen co-operation between formal education and non-formal learning sectors to address early school leaving, including the use of flexible, youth-friendly approaches; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50726/19]

The Deputy may be aware that I have taken on board the findings of the Value for Money and Policy Review of Youth Programmes 2014. I have prioritised the design and implementation of an integrated funding scheme as recommended by this Review, and following significant consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, I intend to progress the implementation of this Targeted Youth Funding Scheme in 2020.

This reform will provide an ongoing opportunity to identify need and to focus funding on those young people most in need of intervention, including disadvantaged and vulnerable young people who may be at risk of early school leaving. The support might include linking with local partners and bodies to this end.