Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Feb 1996

Vol. 462 No. 2

Written Answers. - Early School Leavers Study.

Micheál Martin

Question:

232 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will publish his Department's response to the study on early school leavers prepared for the European Social Fund Evalution Unit; and if he will make copies of the response available to Members of Dáil Éireann. [4293/96]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

The subject matter addressed in the study referred to by the Deputy is of interest to a number of Government Departments, primarily the Department of Education and also of course my own Department. At present, the Youthreach programme which is the central focus of the evaluation is operated on the basis of a joint delivery of programmes by FÁS and the vocational education committees.

This study provides us with a broad ranging insight into the profiles of early school leavers, their aspirations and the benefits which the participants gained from their participation on the programme. While a range of recommendations at various levels of detail are made in relation to the programme, the overall thrust of the approach required is encapsulated in the following extract from the report:

The statutory providers should adopt an unambivalent, client-centred philosophy that provides structured, integrated and clearly marked progression paths. Fundamental to this is the necessity to:

clearly define Youthreach, its purpose, boundaries etc.

commit to the long-term existence of this, or an alternative, early school leavers programme

ensure the integrated interaction of services at local level

provide adequate counselling /guidance and literacy /numeracy

clearly mark and define the place of Youthreach in the education/ training hierarchy expedite the introduction of a national certification standard which will allow for broad recognition and compatibility of achievement as well as ease of mobility from one level of training to another and as between the various education and training agents

clearly mark modes and paths to progression

introduce a structured career path for staff so as to ensure the retention of the best possible personnel

ensure the quality of provision through staff selection, induction and subsequent training.

Progress has already been made in discussions between my Department and the Department of Education with a view to bringing about the necessary coherence of approach in the operation of the Youthreach programme, within a framework which continues to accommodate joint delivery between the education sector, community training workshops and FÁS, thereby enabling in particular the widest range of progression options to be available to participants. This new approach is intended to allow for a strengthening, refocusing and reinvigoration of the programme, including more active and joint promotion of the programme among the targeted client group, measures to improve its quality at foundation and progression level and developing improved links with the State employment services, including the local employment service.

I have no doubt that the findings of the evaluation will continue to inform the development of the programme at both the broad policy and strategic level as well as at operational level.