Vol. 438 No. 2
105 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education if she will give a breakdown of early school leavers by county; whether any significant patterns exist in the Irish incidence of early school leaving; the further measures, if any, that are intended to address black-spots, such as the allocation of additional Youthreach training places to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Details of young people who have left school early are supplied twice yearly by second level schools to the FÁS local employment offices for compilation of a social guarantee register. In the time available, it is not possible to give the details requested. However, I will communicate with the Deputy separately on this matter.
FÁS then contacts those involved with a view to placement on appropriate training or employment programmes, including Youthreach. Young people are also recruited to the programme as a result of direct contact, and referral from social workers, community workers, gardaí and the probation and youth services.
The annual school leavers' survey indicates that some 5,200 young people left school early without any qualification. This represents approximately 7.8 per cent of all school leavers. A further 11,700 students left school with junior cycle qualifications.
