asked the Minister for Education the action taken by her in respect of second chance education in accordance with the Government decision announced in paragraph 4.29 of the White Paper on Industrial Policy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Early School Leavers Programme.
16.
The White Paper referred to by the Deputy is that of a previous Government, published in 1984, and it would not, I believe, be appropriate for me to comment on the action or inaction of that Government in respect of their policies.
However, as an independent initiative, my colleague, the Minister for Labour, and myself established an interdepartmental committee to report to us on the problem and on foot of their recommendations we launched a special joint programme to cater for the special needs of unqualified early school leavers.
This programme, called Youthreach, could be seen as fulfilling the need outlined in the White Paper to which the Deputy refers. The new programme, to be operated by the vocational education committees and Fás, and, indeed, already set up in two centres will provide education and training for 3,000 early school leavers.
Let me refer to paragraph 4.29 of the 1984 proposal to which the Deputy refers in his question. An approach different from that of AnCO in general training is required for people leaving school with no formal educational qualifications or who are lacking in literacy and oral skills. It must be recognised that the prospects for employment in modern industry of people deficient in those skills are severely restricted. Therefore the Departments of Education and of Labour have been asked to draw up an employment oriented system of second chance education for those who, having left school early, are deficient in these respects. That was in 1984 and the previous Government left office in 1987 without having done anything about it. Bertie Ahern and I have done it.
May I have the permission of the House to deal with Question No. 17 in the name of Deputy Harte?
Before the House leaves that question, may I mention something? I have noticed the Minister referring to Bertie Ahern and to Padraig Flynn. Is it not customary in the House to address Members of the House as Deputy or as Minister, or is there a departure from that procedure?
It certainly does not take from my affection and respect for my colleagues. Of course, if I have been guilty of a grave misdemeanour, I apologise.
I did not want to reflect on the Minister's use of the names.
May I have a reply to Question No. 17, please?