Jim Higgins
Question:46 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to develop second chance education opportunities targeted at early school leavers. [15531/99]
Written Answers. - Early School Leavers.
Second chance education for early school leavers is provided through youthreach and a network of senior traveller training centres. The initiative is overseen by an Interdepartmental Committee on Early School Leaving which includes representation from my Department, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, FÁS and the national programme co-ordinators. Overall, 7,162 places are provided in over 130 centres by FÁS and the vocational education committees, supported by a guidance, counselling and psychological services initiative and childcare support. National certification is available, and the programme provides progression to a range of further education and training programmes or employment.
Unemployed adults may avail of a range of FÁS programmes, and some 9,850 people have returned to education under my Department's vocational training opportunity scheme and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs's back to education allowance scheme. However, the Green Paper, Adult Education in an Era of Lifelong Learning, recognises that second chance education options for adults generally are under developed in Ireland, and recommends a range of actions to address needs in this area. Top priorities in that context are the development of a national adult literacy programme, a back to education initiative providing part-time options for those with less than upper secondary education, and the development of support services such as guidance and child care. A major consultation process is under way at present which will lead to the development and publication of a White Paper setting out the Government's priorities for the development of the sector.
In the meantime, provision for adult literacy has increased by £250,000 in 1997, £2 million in 1998, and a further £1.6 million in 1999 and a national adult literacy development fund established to fund a range of strategic projects to inform future practice. An extra £0.5 million has been provided this year to develop some 900 part- time places on VTOS, Youthreach and PLC programmes and a working group has been established to develop a framework for the initiative. This development will be important in facilitating the combination of education with work and-or family responsibilities, in attracting a wider range of clients to programmes, and in promoting the flexibility of the system to respond to emerging needs.