Tony Gregory
Question:167 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education the number currently participating in Youthreach programmes and voluntary training operation schemes. [6896/96]
Written Answers. - Voluntary Youth Schemes.
There are 1,783 trainees participating on the Youthreach programme in the education sector at present. Overall, my Department has approved a provision of 2,000 Youthreach places in the education sector, 75 of which are not yet operational due to delays in securing suitable premises. A further expansion of 450 places for the programme is currently in train, which will increase the total provision in the education sector to 2,450.
There are 4,267 participants on the vocational training opportunities scheme at present, but an expansion of provision to 5,000 places is under way.
My Department funds a range of out-of-school activities provided by voluntary youth organisations and community groups aimed at the social education and personal development of young people, but the training element within such actions is not significant.