To ask the Minister of Education for an update on his Department’s plans to progress programmes in partnership with the voluntary, community and youth sector in support of the Tackling Paramilitarism and Organised Crime Programme.

The Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime (EPOCC) delivers over one hundred projects that help keep people safe, reduce the risk of exploitation and over time build community resilience to criminality and paramilitarism.

The programme includes investment in youth interventions, led by the Department of Education (DE) and Education Authority (EA), that support vulnerable young people who are at risk of paramilitary influence, coercion and violence in targeted geographical locations across Northern Ireland. The interventions are delivered in collaboration with other government departments, statutory agencies and voluntary and community sector partners.

The WRAP Programme is a wrap-around educational support programme for children and young people facing significant challenges. WRAP is a programme of flexible interventions to deliver against both DE and EPOCC objectives and was designed and implemented in partnership with delivery agents in four areas. These are Greater Shantallow Area Partnership, Derry / Londonderry; Eastside Learning, East Belfast; Forward South Partnership, South Belfast; and THRiVE, Rathcoole/Newtownabbey.

The EPOCC is evidence-based, data-driven and outcomes focused that draws on best international and local practice. It is also a long-term endeavour that requires action across the Executive.

A proposal to continue youth interventions in 2024/25, including continued delivery in collaboration with community and voluntary youth sector providers, has been submitted and is pending confirmation of budgets. A Phase 3 rollout of the EPOCC from 2025/26 is not yet confirmed.